SLAC phone interview

[newone]

I was contacted for a 20-minute phone interview for a one-year VAP at a very good SLAC. They requested the next day, but I asked to put it off so I could have a day to prep. I am preparing talking points on teaching (what classes, teaching style and philosophy), research (dissertation and research plans), as well as general (why I am good fit, why I want the position, why I like the location).

Any advice from people who have had successful phone interviews for this type of position? I know they vary very much by department. But I thought I'd solicit some advice from the board.

Thanks!

[esbee]

In a similar interview, I was asked specifically about teaching intro - something visitors are often asked to do. I think they wanted to know that I wouldn't use a textbook, and would be creative. If they don't have grad students, then their majors are very important to them, so intro is an important way to get them.
Don't prep too much - relax and be yourself. Good luck.

[mysense]

My sense from both going to a SLAC and teaching at one is that SLACs are particularly interested in how you get students engaged. What are some of the different activities and teaching strategies you use to promote class participation and to stimulate student interest? Think of 1-2 of your most creative and effective lesson plans and use them as examples. Explain what your objective was, how you carried it out, what students learned, and how you evaluated the activity.

I was also asked on a number of interviews at SLACs to talk about a time when teaching didn't go well and how I handled it.

Lastly, I would suggest thinking of ways to tailor your answers to the specific school. A lot of the top SLACs are very social justice oriented. How can you engage that tradition in the classroom? Other schools may be interested in how you teach to diverse audiences, etc etc.

Good luck!

[slacprof]

It's all about fit. Can you teach the courses they need and will you teach them in a manner consistent with the style of the school? Make sure you know what they want and have some creative and likely to be popular electives (if that's part of the position) in areas they don't already offer or will be offering next year. You don't want to replicate what they do, you want to be able to bring something unique to the table.

Another thing to consider is the 'how would you teach this course' question. The most important thing is to have strategies that correspond to what they do with their students. If it's a top SLAC, they probably won't want to see textbooks, games, simulations, etc. If you can find them, check out syllabi for other courses and try to have a sense of how you would match what's already done.

[newone]

Another question--do I mention my partner? Also an academic, in a different field, currently in a TT position about 6 hrs away from the school I will be interviewing at. Honestly, I am fine with the situation for a year--we don't have kids, we have done long distance before, it's short-term. While it's not ideal but it's totally doable. Will they ask me about that? If not, do I omit that? Honestly, to me it's a bit of a selling point--the school is pretty rural and remote. And I think it's easier to be partnered and apart than single and trying to date in a small rural community...?

Thanks!

[wdc]

They will not ask about your relationship status because it is illegal to do so. You can express your enthusiasm for the location, but that kind of conversation is more relevant during campus visits I think.

As others have said - the trick with phone interviews is taking very general questions ("how would you teach intro") and getting specific in your answer to highlight your strengths as a teacher. A good response starts broader ("as a teacher I really emphasize such and such") and then gets into concrete examples ("one way I've done that is such and such.")

I will also say - keep in mind these can feel very awkward - you get no visual cues, and often it will just be a question, you answering, then another question, etc. - no real response. That is just the format some committees follow, so don't let it make you nervous that they are not reacting.

Best of luck!

[lolwut]

Apr 6, 2011 13:22:12 GMT -5 @newone said:

Another question--do I mention my partner? Also an academic, in a different field, currently in a TT position about 6 hrs away from the school I will be interviewing at. Honestly, I am fine with the situation for a year--we don't have kids, we have done long distance before, it's short-term. While it's not ideal but it's totally doable. Will they ask me about that? If not, do I omit that? Honestly, to me it's a bit of a selling point--the school is pretty rural and remote. And I think it's easier to be partnered and apart than single and trying to date in a small rural community...?

Thanks!

So are you suggesting that they shouldn't hire a single person who might want to date while they're there?

[newone]

No, of course not. Sorry if it read that way. I meant it as a selling point to me (the candidate) rather than the school. What I meant to get across is that, for myself, the situation (1 year) and location (remote) of the particular school is not problematic. Rather it being an issue of being problematic for the school.

Thanks for all the advice and well wishes!

[laughthroughit]

Do NOT mention your partner. They won't ask. DO express your interest in the position, the school, and the area.
Good luck!

[bellman]

It is not 'illegal' to ask about relationship status. It is not legal to use it as a discriminating factor in hiring decisions. Many universities have policies of not asking these types of questions to avoid the possibility and/or appearance of such interference.

[lessonslearned]

Maybe this is too late already, but....
They might ask "business interview" type questions about teaching strengths and weaknesses, examples of how you handled difficult situations, etc. (My colleagues laughed when I asked if this would be the case, but I DID get these questions.

Brainstorming/Recalling:

How would you teach lower level courses differently than upper level courses?

How would your students/colleagues/etc describe you?

Would you involve students in research?

Are you so into your research agenda that you don't really care about teaching and are taking this as last resort?

Think about class management, time management, how you design a syllabus (guided by learning objectives?)

If you haven't already, spend time reading on results of pedagogical research, learning theories, etc.

Good luck! Stay positive

[newone]

thank you for all the advice! it was really helpful. i think the interview went really well...hoping to make it to the next round!

[any update]

any news, newone?

[newone]

no news yet! waiting (im)patiently. they said they would contact me in about a week--that was last wednesday. so i am hoping to hear from them in the next few days. i'm not sure if that's to let me know decisions about campus interviews or hires... i will keep you posted. wish me luck!

[any update]

Good luck, newone! Waiting is always very hard, but always remain hopeful.

I had an interview in February and up to now, they have not contacted me. I just took it as a sign that that job was not good for me and something better is coming along. (And of course, that they did not like me. )

But good luck to you and here's to hoping they contact you soon!!!