Requests for Campus Visits, Interviews, and Selection

Once applications arrive, decision making reverts to the institution, typically through an appointed search committee. At this point, the search committee ranks the applicants and determines whom to invite to campus for interviews or for preliminary interviews at professional society meetings. Search committees also consider a variety of factors in determining who they feel are the best candidates, including expectations of future productivity (e. g., research and grants received), ability to meet teaching needs, and perceptions of fit. “Fit” is perhaps the most subjective criterion. It is usually thought of as how well a particular candidate’s area of expertise or methodological approach works with the department’s current needs or vision for its future strengths and mission. However, it can also focus attention on a candidate’s demographic background or personality. Different search committees weigh these factors differently. Top candidates are invited to interview, which usually includes giving a talk about their research. This gives the search committee extra information on a few candidates. At the end of this process, often—but not always—an offer is made to a candidate.