Quote from Andrew F Olshan on December 5, 2018, 11:02 am
Quote from Magdalena Cerda on December 5, 2018, 10:38 am
I have a question that applies to all stages of one's career. How would you advise people prepare for a job interview in academia? Does that differ if you're at the beginning, middle, or senior stages of an academic career, and if so, how?
It can vary by career stage, but there are some central aspects, I think. Do your homework! Review the group’s website to better understand their demographics, mission, faculty/investigator’s areas of interest, the unit’s resources (labs, access to cores, studies, etc), any posted documents on expectations for promotion, mentoring programs, and other activities. This will prepare for the interview by allowing you to have more precise questions. This will make a good impression and importantly help you judge if it would be a good fit if offered the job.
Think what you want to be doing in 3-5 years in terms of research, teaching, and service. Again, it will help you shine when they ask what you want to be doing in the future and will help you assess the group and resources relative to your goals. In some academic interviews you may be asked to go to the whiteboard and sketch out your first major grant/project. Being prepared for this, even if not asked, it is good preparation. Andy
Quote from Magdalena Cerda on December 5, 2018, 10:38 am
I have a question that applies to all stages of one's career. How would you advise people prepare for a job interview in academia? Does that differ if you're at the beginning, middle, or senior stages of an academic career, and if so, how?
It can vary by career stage, but there are some central aspects, I think. Do your homework! Review the group’s website to better understand their demographics, mission, faculty/investigator’s areas of interest, the unit’s resources (labs, access to cores, studies, etc), any posted documents on expectations for promotion, mentoring programs, and other activities. This will prepare for the interview by allowing you to have more precise questions. This will make a good impression and importantly help you judge if it would be a good fit if offered the job.
Think what you want to be doing in 3-5 years in terms of research, teaching, and service. Again, it will help you shine when they ask what you want to be doing in the future and will help you assess the group and resources relative to your goals. In some academic interviews you may be asked to go to the whiteboard and sketch out your first major grant/project. Being prepared for this, even if not asked, it is good preparation. Andy