interviewing for professor or dean positions go through is downright brutal. At least I won't be subjected to an open forum for all campus to come and grill me.I'm filled with excitement, fear, dread, anticipation, and lots and lots of hope. It's funny how one can be full of optimism and tragically fatalistic at the same time, but I guess that's just part of my charm. I really just need to relax and be myself, and bond with the interviewers and just have a good time with it.
My biggest worry is the reality of my lack of direct experience for this job. I have a whole bunch of very connected, similar jobs that have often splashed around in this potential job's pool. A few month's ago, this wouldn't have worried me, due to my strong desire to do this job, my related education, and all this applicable experience. But we have JUST finished two important staff searches here on campus, and if this university is anything like the one in Missouri, then I have some trouble. Anyone that we brought to campus was qualified, and well-liked and impressive. But repeatedly, I heard and read negative comments regarding those who lacked that "direct experience," despite their impressive degrees, glowing recommendations, and similar positions.
I'll say it again -- when did we stop getting jobs that were a "step up" for us? When did we only become qualified for a job that we were over-qualified for? I've noticed this in the past several years (as in NYC and somewhat in Missouri), and it has only been reinforced as I've seen many many people get hired here at the university -- you don't hire people anymore who will see the job as a promotion of sorts -- you hire those who have done that EXACT job for some time and know it in and out. Now, I know that may be comforting to the one hiring you, but it's awfully depressing for me. I'm looking eagerly for a job that will be my career, not another desk job that is just that, a job, even if it might pay a little bit more money. I want something to step up to, something that may just force me to learn a little I don't yet know, but still possess the foundation and skills it requires.
Oh well, I can't predict the future -- I can only keep doing what I'm doing (reading reading reading on everything on this field), and give it my best effort. And also, try not to come off as too desperate! I've interviewed plenty of people for positions, and boy, that's the kiss of death in an interview. I'll never forget that super creepy guy in Bangkok who we interviewed for a teaching position (and were completely uninterested in hiring). About a week later he just showed up at our office, and claimed he was "in the neighborhood." Without getting into too much detail, let's just say that the geographic location of our school -- at the very end of a street that went nearly a mile before it reached the main road, made it absolutely impossible to just "be in the neighborhood." There were no businesses or offices nearby, save for a scattering of Ma & Pop shops selling Coke in a baggie or grilling up meat on a stick. His surprise visit really unnerved us. I can't imagine what he would have been like had we hired him - though nearly all Western teachers were certifiable nutjobs anyway.
Ahh well, I better get off and go read some more. Or maybe just steal ONE more vassal off of Knights. Wish me luck, lovelies!
