Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

Another guest (guest) 03 Dec 2009 21:47

I know that for R1 Universities you need to give a talk about your research, but what about liberal arts colleges that are more focused on teaching? Do they also ask for a research talk or do they ask that you teach a sample lecture? Hope someone can help. Thanks.

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

anon (guest) 03 Dec 2009 21:59

Totally depends on the place. I've had several interviews at SLACs that did not ask for a teaching demo (thank god), but they stressed that they want to see some of your teaching ability in your talk! (Students will probably be there, and it seems important to get them fired up!)

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

Anonymous B (guest) 03 Dec 2009 22:54

I've also heard it can go either way depending on departmental/SC preferences. If there are Master's programs, they are more likely to do research (wanting to see a little of your teaching style, like the previous poster mentioned). But, I've also heard of at least three instances of them asking for both—so be prepared!

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

Another guest (guest) 06 Dec 2009 16:23

Thanks so much for your helpful answers to my questions.

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

anon (guest) 07 Dec 2009 00:23

I teach at a teaching-focused school that has an MA and PsyD program and we always ask candidates to do both a teaching demo and a research talk, so I agree that you should be prepared to do both. Also, they may either tell you to speak on anything or they may have a specific topic they want your lecture on so be prepared for those possibilities as well. Good luck!

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

Guest (guest) 13 Dec 2009 07:10

I have an interview scheduled at a liberal arts college in a couple of days … anyone have any thoughts or advice or interviewing tips?

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

anonymous (guest) 13 Dec 2009 14:17

If you have a publication record that suggests you're suited for R1 jobs as well, be prepared to explain why you would prefer a liberal arts college. Also, you will likely get specific questions about your teaching style (e.g., how you solicit feedback from students, how you stimulate critical thinking) and how you plan to involve undergrads in your research.

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

guest (guest) 13 Dec 2009 14:50

Good advice above. I'm ABD at a large R1 and just had an onsite at a liberal arts school last week. In my meeting with the dean, he specifically asked why I want to be there, when my history suggests I stay in the R1 world. I had a good answer prepared (he specifically noted how impressed he was with my answer), so the meeting went quite well. However, I could see myself stumbling on that question were I not ready with an answer. If you truly want to be at a smaller liberal arts school (and if you haven't given serious thought to that, do so right this second), be prepared to perhaps even downplay your research/interests and emphasize your love of teaching and desire to improve your teaching style/skills through trying different pedagogical methods, etc. They seemed relatively uninterested in any of my research, but wanted to know all about my teaching experiences.

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

Guest (guest) 14 Dec 2009 03:33

Thanks! I THINK I really want to be at a liberal arts college (and I'm interviewing at a top one). Like you've guessed, I'm in a tenure track job at an R1 now and in the past, my liberal arts interviews have never resulted in an offer, partly b/c I think I'm not convincing about how to involve undergrads. I AM a true, deep believer in the value of a liberal arts education and I love teaching … would sharing that perspective would be enough? Or are they looking for something more?

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

anonymous (guest) 14 Dec 2009 13:06

You will also want to have a convincing story about why you're thinking about leaving your current institution/department… and be able to persuade them that you would take an offer if they gave it to you! I'm also in a tenure-track job and am seeking a better fit, and during my interviews the #1 question people seemed to have was, "So why did you apply here, and why do you want to move?" As for involving undergrads, I think it would help to emphasize your ability/motivation to mold them into independent thinkers. I've supervised some senior honors projects and really played that up when I interviewed at smaller schools.

Re: Job interviews at liberal arts colleges

anonnn (guest) 21 Feb 2010 00:03

Anyone have general suggestions for questions to ask / and to be prepared to answer for a SLAC interview (besides the ones mentioned above)? I'd really appreciate the input of people who've been through the process before.