Interviewing for Academic Jobs

If you have applied for an academic position at a university and have met their initial requirements, you will be invited in for an academic interview. The basic principles behind this type of interview are very similar to those in other work environments. However, a key difference is the length of time you will be spending with your potential employer. 

 

An academic interview is often held over one or two days and will involve a number of individuals such as faculty members, graduate students and administrators of the program. In view of the length of time, it is important for you to do the necessary preparation. Even during the more casual moments over lunch hour or dinner time, you need to remember that you are still being evaluated. Many employers believe that the casual comments made when you’re in a relaxed environment are actually a truer reflection of your personality than when you are in a formal interview. 

 

With that in mind, we have enclosed some articles to prepare you for this process. 

Academic Job Interviews - Convention Interviews
York University Career Centre

Academic Interviews and Campus Visits
University of Toronto Career Centre

 

Questions Asked in Academic Job Interviews
Instructional Development Office– Memorial University of Newfoundland

 

The Academic Job Interview
Centre for Teaching Excellence - University of Waterloo

 

Need help practising for your interview?
Check out the Practice for your Interview section for great resources, workshops and tools.