My view is that interviewing at conferences might well be replaced in part by the Internet and Social Networks. This year we did a search for a candidate in MIS. We simply advertised in the relevant media and reviewed resumes as they came in. After pre-screening, we did some telephone calling and then invited candidates down for interviews. We then selected a candidate and made an offer.

Using Social Networks, the Internet and campus visits, which have to take place anyway, good hires can be made. In this era of cost-cutting and supply exceeding demand, visiting conferences to talk with people is not strictly necessary anymore. Eventually, I think we will view folks' profiles on Research Networks (e.g., MyNetResearch) as part of the screening process, just as businesses do with LinkedIn.

Interviewing seems to be taking place year around. Is anyone finding that is true or is it limited to the fall? Are solid candidates job hunting if the search begins in January or February?

As a follow up to this comment... exactly what are some of the standard questions that you can expect at a conference interview? What are they looking for in a candidate?

Job Interviews at a conference - process

Some updates on conference interviews in School of Business. Schools have some form of identifiers that they place on the tables (banner, poster etc). Interviewees are expected to arrive on time. Interviewers are usually seated at their table.

The next section varies depending on the school. Some start off talking about their school - others start off by letting you talk about yourself. Expect questions on your dissertation, your motivation for choosing the topic, how far along you are in the process. You might also be asked about your other research interest - what would like to work on in the future.

You can also expect questions on your teaching experience. Depending on there teaching needs you might be asked how comfortable you are with teaching certain courses. Your teaching philosophy will come in handy.

For anyone who is flying to a conference or job interviews, American Airlines was a very reliable service. Every flight was on schedule and in some cases was at the destination before stated arrival time. Not sure if that is a standard thing or I just got lucky.

An airport etiquette I encountered was that you need to remove your laptop from your bag and have it in a separate tray. This might be old news for many of you but I haven't had traveled for a while :) Loved the self-ticketing system.

It never ceases to amaze me that many academics who are meant to be science leaders teaching tomorrow's innovators, are often one step above sending smoke signals for communication! ;-)