Checking references?

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Checking references?

anon (guest) 09 Dec 2015 18:36

I completed my first on campus interview yesterday. It was a 2.5 day affair and felt like a great fit. I heard from my three references that they were all contacted by phone literally within an hour after I left campus. All say this is a good sign and 2 say it means an offer is likely. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high.

What do you think? Any SC members out there? Do you check references of all final candidates as standard procedure or might this really mean I'm close to getting an offer?

anon (guest) 09 Dec 2015 19:29

It is a good sign but it does not mean much yet. It sounds like they liked you and you are in high consideration, but some places do this with all of the candidates they like strongly enough to consider giving an offer to. I've had this happen without getting an offer in the end. I don't mean to be deflating - it's a good sign regardless, so congratulations!

anonaswell (guest) 09 Dec 2015 22:32

We check references of all of our top choices/campus interviewees - so the top 2-4 depending. So, it is a good sign but also doesn't mean yet that you've been selected. The SC could be gathering more information essentially before making the final choice between the top candidates.

Confused (guest) 10 Dec 2015 00:17

Asking because I am confused about this thread… Do SCs read the letters of rec that are required for most positions and then still call each of those people to get a live recommendation?

Anon (guest) 10 Dec 2015 00:24

Total aside….but can we stop submitting letters with applications? It's such a waste of time. Just ask for them when you have a short list.

Re: Checking references?

Happy in the UK 10 Dec 2015 08:18

anon, in some academic disciplines such as anthropology it is now allowed to ask for references with the initial application. This is also the common practice positions in the UK and most Europe, Australia, New Zealand and others. I think it's just laziness on the part of the departments as it's easy to ask for references early and not spend some time to ask for references when they invite people for interviews. I also think that if departments ask for letters later in the process there is a better chance that writers will include more specific information related to the job.

Confused (guest) 10 Dec 2015 14:14

Just wanted to bump this back up… but really, why would the SC call references after those references have already provided confidential letters as part of the application process? I can imagine my writers getting annoyed that they had to write a letter when they could have just waited for a phone call.

Corson (guest) 10 Dec 2015 15:38

It is a major decision to bring on new faculty. Such individuals would be expected to become faculty for the next 30 years. So, due diligence is warranted.

Maybe the ref letter was faked. Maybe the ref writer wasn't exactly enthusiastic, and we aren't 100% sure. Maybe there are additional questions and concerns we have about the candidate and want to ask direct questions.

Whatever our concerns, we may need to contact the letter writers. It's not a huge deal and not a huge inconvenience for any party involved.

anon (OP) (guest) 10 Dec 2015 16:10

My letter writers were happy, or said they were at least, to provide an additional phone reference. The written references were somewhat standardized as I applied to nearly 20 positions. Over the phone they were better able to convey enthusiasm and all said, in their own words, they could "hear" the SC chair agreeing with what they were saying. All seemed excited to provide additional support in landing a job and not annoyed at all.

Boop (guest) 10 Dec 2015 21:58

I like the positions that ask for the contact information for letter writers and only ask for letters once they are interested in the applicant. Saves time and effort for all parties.

I think the phone calls are warranted after the letters. As mentioned, the letters do not convey the same depth of information as a person2person phone call.

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