It is now interview season! a few thoughts for those going on job interviews for lab based PI positions.
1) Get there the night before the interview, even if no dinner. If no dinner scheduled and you have a friend there, go out for a bite and get the real scoop
1) Get there the night before the interview, even if no dinner. If no dinner scheduled and you have a friend there, go out for a bite and get the real scoop
2) Look at one paper from each person you will meet, and get the overall gist. If the conversation in any one-on-one stalls, ask them about this paper and their work! we all love to talk about our own science and you can soak it in...
3) stick to your routine. if you normally go to the gym/exercise before your work day at home, do the same. I found that I was always up early before interview days and had to do something to reduce my jitters.
4) For first visits leave all of your concerns about the place in your hotel room and approach the day "glass half full". Don't worry about if you can live there, or if there is a major scientific limitation (that's for second visit!). Just imagine the possibilities
5) I have visited places which were not high on my list for personal and/or scientific reasons, and which 1) blew me away and 2) resulted in life-long friendships and collaborations. Every visit can be useful!
6) Before the visit, know 1) who is in charge of the hiring decision (department chair, search committee), and ask to talk to them in advance 2) who of the people you are meeting is involved in the decision making process.
7) Dinner is PART OF THE INTERVIEW. Ask questions about science, about living in that city without being too antagonistic. Likewise, keep your answers about your plans and where you are in the process transparent and simple.
8) Be nice to every single person you meet, including the administrators organizing your visit.
9) After the visit, send a brief note to the host/chair/head of search committee thanking them for their time and delineating what you loved about the place and its possibilities. Ask to have a follow-up call at their convenience. Keep is positive, direct, and leading to f/u
10) Once home, sit down (with a bottle of wine with your close family/friends) and go through what you loved and what you did not love, and keep track and compare to other places.
11) The interview process is exhausting, stressful, interesting and fun! It can be wholly time consuming but if done well can be critical to the job search and a great experience with life-long benefits for your scientific career!
