Interviewing Tips for Early Career S

1
Interviewing Tips for Early Career ST
staffPanel discussion Post Doctoral
Interviewing Skills Workshop100-230 March 11,
2009Argonne National Labs

• Manmohan Kaur
• Chair, Department of Mathematical and
  Computational Sciences
• Benedictine University
• Lisle, IL

2
Benedictine University

• Liberal arts curriculum
• 5000 students 3000 undergraduates
• Mostly tuition driven
• Five colleges
• Excellence in sciences
• 30 tenure-track/tenured faculty in the College
  of Science

3
Top 10 best jobsMONEY Magazine and Salary.com

• They researched hundreds of jobs, considering
  their growth, pay, stress-levels and other
  factors. (http//money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/
  bestjobs/2006/)
• 1. Software Engineer
• 2. College professor
• 3. Financial adviser
• 4. Human Resources Manager
• 5. Physician assistant
• 6. Market research analyst
• 7. Computer IT analyst
• 8. Real Estate Appraiser
• 9. Pharmacist
• 10. Psychologist

4
Knowledge/Skills/Ability Required

• Research in a specialized topic - this would be
  mentioned in the advertisement to fill a
  particular niche in the department
• Passionate about teaching
• Ability to wear many hats
• Ability to balance teaching, research, service
• Ability to relate to our students, come down to
  their level
• Ability to involve undergraduates in research
  projects
• Ability to work with others in the department and
  the university
• Example In this years search, we were looking
  for a bio-mathematician, who can involve
  undergraduates in interesting research
  experiences, and help the biology department with
  suggestions on how to incorporate mathematics in
  their curricula.

5
Hiring Process

• Job advertized at AMS website mathjobs.org
• Application packet includes cover letter, AMS
  cover sheet, vita, teaching statement, research
  statement, three letters of recommendation, one
  addressing teaching.
• A search committee makes the recommendation
• The decision is made by a group of people on
  campus.

6
Main Interview components

• phone interview with the search committee
• Campus visit
• Presentation focus on teaching or research or
  both
• One-on-one meeting with each department member,
  dean, provost and vice-president for academic
  affairs, president and HR

7
Suggestions

• Dress up formally but comfortably!
• May want to bring pre-prints of papers, just in
  case
• Bring back-up of presentation
• No need to be nervous! The institution wants you
  enough to invest time and money involved in
  bringing you in! It is a test of best-fit.

8
Frequently Asked Questions

• What do you think about teaching a 12-hour load
  this means teaching 3 to 4 classes per semester.
  Will you be able to balance this with your own
  research and other activities?
• What are your views regarding using technology in
  the classroom?
• What are some ideas for involving undergraduates
  in research

9
Questions?

• mkaur_at_ben.edu