Phone Interviews

[superfast]

Several schools have started doing phone interviews. My question is, do search committees usually set up all phone interviews at once? With how many candidates? If you don't get a phone interview, are you out of the running? Just wondering how this process works since I'm at a school that doesn't do phone interviews.

[clueless]

And, to add to that, what are these interviews like and how can one prepare for them?

[deja vu]

Deja vu I think I've seen this topic come up before but I'll give my two cents... The committee selected you based on your application materials. For the most part, they are going to verify you are who you say you are (some of their questions will make you repeat your application materials). They'll also ask for you to expand on your application materials. If your teaching materials indicate that you have experience teaching x course, they might ask you to explain how you teach x lesson (based on your syllabus if you included one). If you summarize your research findings in your letter, they'll likely ask for you to talk a bit more about your research and what you plan to do with your research (e.g., book or articles). They'll also probably ask you, "Why us? Why our institutions? Why do you want to live here? All we got here are cows, snow, cow shit, snow, ice, snow, cold weather, and did I mention snow?" Just kidding ;D They probably won't go that far but you get the idea. If you get invited to campus, you'll likely have to go through the questions again. This has been my experience at least.

[done it]

I have been on both sides of phone interviews (as interviewee and interviewer). For the most part, in addition to what the post above mentioned, the departments want to make sure 'they like you'. Bringing candidates on campus is expensive, so, especially for universities with fewer resources, this is a useful first step to screen candidates. If they hate you on the phone, they won't interview you in person... what's the point. So, be yourself, demonstrate you know the department and its players, and show that you care about the position and your interest is genuine.