Interview Etiquette

[Duck on Wheels]

Just checked back on the first post. The interview was yesterday. So .......? How'd it go???

[RoadRaven]

Adding my wing-flaps to Ducks... how'd it go?

[CycleChic06]

Sorry, I never posted a follow-up, I'm still trying to digest everything. I think it went well. And ladies, I looked fabulous in my sheer nylons and closed-toed shoes.

I went in for what was supposed to be 2 hours of interviewing, ended up staying for lunch and being there for a total of 5 hours, talking with different people. I was surprised that I didn't get too many of the typical interview questions. In fact, I didn't get many questions at all, aside from why do you want to come here, what is your background, blah blah. I was bracing myself for my most hated interview question "what is your biggest weakness?" and it never came up. But it was odd that the interviewers did more of the talking. I had a few questions for them about working in a small company, but across the board it seemed to be them talking the whole time, which struck me as a little strange. But then again, these are scientists and (being a scientist myself) I know we're not known for our great social skills.

I got the impression from my friend that they really liked me and want me for the job and judging by my discussions with the pres of the company, depending on how the salary negotiations go, they're prepared to make me an offer. It's a really big decision and there are a lot of pros and cons to weigh. The good thing is, I'm not desperate, I have a job that I somewhat like, right now. That gives me a great advantage in being able to take my time and think about this decision. Though not too much time, I need to have this wrapped up in the next few weeks because I'm going away for a whole month (!!), which they are aware of. I will keep you all updated as things progress.

Thank you all for your suggestions, advice and humor!

[pooks]

Sounds like you rocked the casbah!

[Duck on Wheels]

Waytago cyclechick! What with the suit, the hose, the shoes ... and of course your skills, experience and personality ... you really wow'ed 'em. I think it sounds like they'd decided already on the basis of your cv and were just calling you in for the "interview" to see if they could convince you to take the job. Scientists are used to focusing on the evidence rather than on anything as subjective as impressions, or at least we like to think we are.

[Mr. Bloom]

One with options is one to be envied.

You can go or you can stay...that's a good place to be.

[CycleChic06]

Sounds like you rocked the casbah!

Now that song is stuck in my head!!!

[RoadRaven]

Well done on having what sounds like a successful day there.

I doubt you would have been invited to hang around for five hours meeting and greeting unless you have at least made the short short list.

Congrats, sounds like you felt and looked confident and handled yourself professionally

[CycleChic06]

I'm getting a little nervous now. After I first met with them I heard back in hours. After this second meeting on Tuesday, they said I'd hear from the probably later on in the week, and it's later on in the week and I'm starting to get nervous since I haven't heard back yet. Ugh, maybe I was being overly confident in assuming I'd get an offer, but the discussions I had with them seemed to be moving in that direction. Or maybe this is a negotiation tactic. He has me sweat it out a little bit as he tries to get the upper hand in the situation.

Or maybe I"m just over analyzing this. He's probably busy, he does have a business to run, afterall!

[Thistle]

sounds like you blitzed it!

i have been reading this thread with great interest cos i have my first academic interview on mon

I hope i go as well as you did cyclechic!. I'm kind of nervous. I've been for a lot of interviews in my time, but never for an academic position (i'm doing my phd now). So i'm terrified about what they are going to ask

I am so nervous they are going to expect me to come up with a whole bunch of hugely interesting and inspiring topics i will offer any students i supervise.... but right now i'm so engrossed in writing up i cant see beyond my topic . I know i will come back from the SARMAC conference in July with heaps of ideas, so maybe i'll just have to give them that line

Am heading into supervision this morning, and my supervisor is going to help me prepare. I will be so glad when it's over

I keep telling myself, i'll be fine and if i dont get the job that's ok. I'll at least know what to expect next time

I know there are some academics out there in TE land... if you have any advice ... feel free to put it out. I didnt want to ask earlier cos i didnt want to hijack this thread...