The Psychologist's Companion Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part I Macro-Challenges in Writing Papers: Planning and Formulating Papers
- Part II Micro-Challenges in Writing Papers: Presenting Your Ideas in Writing
- Part III Writing and Preparing Articles for Journal Submission
- Part IV Presenting Yourself to Others
- 15 Preparing a Poster Presentation
- 16 Writing a Grant or Contract Proposal
- 17 How to Find a Book Publisher
- 18 Writing a Lecture
- 19 Doing a Job Interview
- 20 Doing Media Interviews
- Epilogue
- References
- Index
19 - Doing a Job Interview
from Part IV - Presenting Yourself to Others
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 November 2016
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part I Macro-Challenges in Writing Papers: Planning and Formulating Papers
- Part II Micro-Challenges in Writing Papers: Presenting Your Ideas in Writing
- Part III Writing and Preparing Articles for Journal Submission
- Part IV Presenting Yourself to Others
- 15 Preparing a Poster Presentation
- 16 Writing a Grant or Contract Proposal
- 17 How to Find a Book Publisher
- 18 Writing a Lecture
- 19 Doing a Job Interview
- 20 Doing Media Interviews
- Epilogue
- References
- Index
Summary
Job interviews generally follow a fairly standard pattern. First comes the invitation, usually in the form of an e-mail or a phone call. A date is set – a typical interview lasts one or two days. The candidate usually makes arrangements for travel, and hopefully, travel costs will be reimbursed (although they aren't always). The day comes, and the candidate takes off for the interview.
The interview usually consists of four main parts. The first part is individual or small group meetings with faculty members. These meetings are important because they are major way in which the candidate is evaluated. The second part is meetings with undergraduate and, where appropriate, graduate students. These meetings may be in small groups or may be over a meal or coffee. The third part is the job talk, which usually is extremely important. The fourth part comprises one or more meals with faculty members and possibly graduate students. Do not think for a moment that the meal is just for enjoyment. Your possible employers will evaluate your behavior and answers to questions carefully. If you drink, drink modestly. A dinner during a job interview is no time to look like a lush!
The job talk typically has two aspects, the presentation and questions and answers. Both are important. Be sure to leave time for questions. A good strategy is to accept questions of clarification during the talk and then questions about larger issues after the talk is over. Leave at least 15 minutes at the end for questions. Never go over time. And don't try to present too much material. Remember that most people in your audience are not specialists in your field, so you will need to present in a way that is suitable for the level of the audience.
Beware of the possibility of technological glitches. Go into your job talk with a backup so that if the technology you plan to use fails, you have another option. For example, you might have PowerPoint slides on sheets of paper to which you can refer if the PowerPoint breaks down. Or if you are using traditional slides, have the content available in another format in case the slide projector fails.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Psychologist's CompanionA Guide to Professional Success for Students, Teachers, and Researchers, pp. 338 - 348Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2016