Preparing for Preliminary Interviews: Making the Right Impression in a Short Amount of Time

The preliminary interview is your first opportunity to show a search committee that you’re a serious candidate. Typically done over the phone or via Zoom, these interviews are often short but crucial for securing a campus visit. Here’s how to make the right impression when time is limited.

1. Know Your Audience

Before the interview, find out who will be on the search committee and familiarize yourself with their work. Research the department and institution in depth. Understand the job description and what they’re looking for. Tailor your answers to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.

If possible, prepare a concise pitch on why your work fits their department’s needs. Your goal is to show that you’ll not only bring value to the department but also that you’re excited to contribute to their specific institutional context.

2. Prepare for Common Questions

While every interview is different, there are a few questions that nearly always come up. For example:

• Tell us about your research.

• What is your teaching philosophy?

• How would you contribute to the department?

Create bullet points for these common questions and practice your responses. Keep them concise but detailed enough to showcase your expertise and passion. Don’t memorize responses word-for-word, but make sure you know the key points you want to convey.

3. Get to the Point

Preliminary interviews are short, often lasting between 20-30 minutes. This means you need to get to the point quickly and clearly. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Be direct in answering questions, and make sure each answer highlights why you’re the best fit for the position.

Remember, this is not the time for deep dives into your research or long-winded stories. Save those for the campus interview. The preliminary interview is about making a strong first impression, so keep your responses focused and impactful.

4. Ask Good Questions

Near the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked if you have any questions. This is your opportunity to show that you’ve researched the department and are genuinely interested. Avoid questions that can be easily answered by looking at the department’s website. Instead, ask thoughtful questions that show you’re already thinking about how you can contribute to their academic community.

For example, you might ask:

• What are the department’s current priorities?

• How does the department support early-career faculty?

• What are the teaching expectations for junior faculty?

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Preliminary interviews can feel rushed and high-pressure, but preparation is key. The more you practice answering common questions, the more confident you’ll feel during the actual interview. Practice with a friend or mentor, and don’t forget to test your technology if the interview is virtual.