Hiring

In my first essay, I discussed general guidelines for preparing for interviews for faculty jobs at community colleges. Now I want to be really practical. These are actual questions asked during interviews for English faculty in the past two years. You won’t be asked all of them, but my bet is that every question you might be asked is among these examples.

The colleges wish to remain anonymous, so I have identified them by number only.

Community College #1

The first best step toward a job is avoiding debt, writes Teresa Mangum.

In the first of a two-part essay, Christine Kelly reviews the stereotypes and key questions a Ph.D. will face, and how to overcome them.

Job interviewers often avoid asking questions about candidates' areas of expertise out of fear of “discriminating.” What’s wrong with discrimination? asks Mikita Brottman.

Claire Potter offers advice for those going on the market for the first time, those who never left, and those who are returning.

One part of summer prep for the job market should be indulging in a few interests that don't relate directly to your scholarship, writes Teresa Mangum.

As faculty jobs evaporate elsewhere, hiring is strong in a non-traditional sector. David Clinefelter discusses the qualities that are important to those doing the hiring.

When a philosophy department receives more than 600 applications for a tenure-track opening, how does it make a decision? Lou Marinoff describes the process.

Want to impress search committees? Don't leave mysteries, follow your discipline's conventions, and use flair for your writing, not your fonts, suggests Teresa Mangum.

Rebecca Aanerud and Jerry Baldasty explain what (not) to eat, and the non-culinary questions that should be your focus.