Listen up, job candidates at #aha19 and #mla19: I have been thinking about a tweet in which someone said some version of: "I don't know anyone who has ever had a good experience at an @AHAhistorians interview." I have interviewed, and been interviewed, and here is what I know.
I always get charged up for interviews. I am hugely competitive, and so I always see them as an opportunity, not a hurdle. And one crucial thought is: you will fail at most interviews, but you have a *chance* to succeed at every one.
I am not sure a conference job interview is ever a comfortable space, because each interview is a challenge. By definition, a challenge *is* uncomfortable, because you are doing something you cannot prepare well enough for. This is often harder for a good student, like you.
You have succeeded this far because you are always prepared. You are thorough. You are in control. And yet, facing three strangers, you are not in control. They are. They may be tired, sick, appear indifferent, or even unfamiliar with basic facts about you.
But that's ok. Because this isn't a game, or a test, or a social event. It's an interview, and baby, it is ALL ABOUT YOU. So take charge.
When asked about your dissertation, do not ramble through each chapter. Have . one sentence that describes it. One sentence that explains your research and methods. Then one - two sentences about why it is important, and will change the conversation in its field.
Then BLOW THEM OUT OF THE WATER by telling them why you . are passionate about it, and one thing that has been super fun about doing the research.
Then let them ask the questions about what *they* want to know.
Arrive with a copy of your cv, so that when a disorganized committee member is shuffling through a stack of paper, or can't log into their iPad, you can graciously say, "Please! Let me give you another copy."
Be prepared to talk about the courses that were in the job ad. If there were none, come with sketches of a) a general service course everyone teaches (freshman comp, historiography) b) a survey in your field c) a seminar drawn from your specialty.
Don't sweat small things. I can't think of any that are fatal. I have hired two people who gave the worst conference interviews ever; and one person who arrived at the wrong time. I have hired two women who were already married, and were wearing wedding rings.
Have a question ready when they ask: "Do you have any questions about us?" Don't ask anything financial, or anything you could have learned on their website. One sure fire winner is: tell me about your students. Another: What role does this hire play in the department's future?
Important: sometimes these interviews are poorly managed. Make sure you know what information you want the committee to have about you, and get it in.
Once the chair of a search committee blithered for 2/3 of the time, asking long rambling questions that made no sense. I finally interrupted at the 20 minute mark and said: YOU MUST WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MY DISSERTATION AND COURSES. I talked NON-STOP for 10 min. and walked out.
Then I sat in the hall and cried because I had wanted that job so much. And to my great surprise, they gave it to me. Another committee member said later, "Yeah, that was really impressive how you took control of the interview."
Who knew? I was desperate. But this was a moment when "bad interview experience" = " learning experience." I took a chance, I was prepared, I won.
I won't ramble on: this job season is about you. But know that all of us older folks are rooting for you. We really are. And if you see me, and you are nervous about an upcoming interview, let me know. I will buy you a coffee and be nice to you.
Because I believe in you. I really do. See you in Chicago, tweeps!
Good luck! @ThreadReaderApp unroll
