Job application and interview tips
Compiled by Zak Birchmeier from STP's PSYCHTEACHER listserv
----------------------------------------------
A paper in American Psychologist presented an analysis of common
shortcomings in academic job applications and makes good reading if you
want to know what to avoid (I usually assign this as a grad reading):
Brems, C., Lampman, C., & Johnson, M.E. (1995). Preparation of
applications for academic positions in psychology. American Psychologist,
50(7),533-537.
Marc Wilson (marc.wilson@vuw.ac.nz)
School of Psychology
Victoria University of Wellington
NZ
-------------------------------------------
We have spent the past year trying to recruit two faculty members for our
department. Could I share some observations, of possible use to list
subscribers and their students, from that experience?
Remarkably many of the applicants simply do not address the stated elements
in the advertisement. If we say that we need someone to teach X, Y, and Z,
doesn't it make some sense for the applicant to indicate clearly how he or
she is qualified to teach X, Y, and Z? Such qualifications generally would
include (a) experience -- often with indications of success -- in teaching
those courses and/or (b) graduate course work relevant to those courses
(which should be highlighted in the application letter). This is my biggest
gripe with applicants.
Remarkably many of the application packages are simply incomplete or do not
follow the instructions in the advertisement. If the ad says send a letter,
vita, and transcripts, then those materials all should be included in the
package.
Many, if not most, applications are not clear about how and/or when to
contact them. If there is a preferred contact means (e.g., at home, at the
office), please tell us so. In the absence of any such guidelines, we will
use our own good judgment, which may include calling in the evening. If that
should happen, please don't act offended or insulted -- we're using contact
info you provided, after all.
Some applicants don't make much effort, if any, to find out anything about
our university, including where it is located. The website is easy enough to
find, if the URL is not overtly in the ad. While I think it is part of my
job in a phone interview to tell you something about the department, the
University, and the region, geography lessons shouldn't have to be a big
part of that conversation.
Others probably have ideas of their own to add to my list. A compilation
might be worth the effort.
Patrick Cabe, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Psychology and Counseling
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
----------------------------------------------------------------
these are questions we are using for phone interviews.
there is another similar set we use when we bring people in.
are currently doing a counseling ed search (offer 2 masters degrees in
couseling)
1. Tell us about your background in Counseling Psychology/Counselor
Education including your teaching and Practicum experience.
2. Why are your personal characteristics a good match for this position?
3. Since you became interested in this position, what have you found
out about XXXX College (college, location and community)?
4. Please describe your Teaching/leadership style, giving an example
of a class project, department initiative, change, etc. which would
exemplify your style.
5. What sort of leadership could you provide with respect to faculty
use of innovative teaching strategies, curricula, and technology?
6. What do you see as future needs in the area of Counseling Education?
7. In conclusion, is there anything else you would like to share with
us about yourself with regard to this position?
Mary Jo Carnot
mcarnot@csc.edu
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some that I can think of
1. How would you incorporate your experience in the classroom? How can the
students benefit from your experience?
2. If this person has taught on-line and you expect this person to teach in
a real (not virtual) classroom - what kinds of issues do you need to
address to be successful in this transition? How might you continue to use
technology in the classroom?
Dr. Deborah S. Briihl
Dept. of Psychology and Counseling
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698
(229) 333-5994