In student affairs the on-campus interview can carry a lot of weight for the candidate and the employer; tremendous amounts of time, energy, and money have gone into the process. For candidates, the interview usually represents the final step, the last and most important opportunity to sell yourself to the hiring committee, potential colleagues, peers, and students. For the employer, it is a chance to observe candidates and their level of fit with the position and institution. It should be a mutual vetting process that honors both the candidate’s and the institution’s best interests.

Throughout the month of September, we will be posting a new series #SACandidEx, focused on the on-campus interview. The title reflects that in the interview individuals are candidates and expected to be candid. The”Ex” represents the many unknowns within the process.

Some institutions do the on-campus interview well. The process is transparent, with realistic timelines that are communicated clearly. Many candidates do it well. Their interview behavior is professional, appropriate, and honest. Let’s learn from these stories! There are also institutions and individuals who may need more coaching. We’re interested in hearing those stories as well. We want to create a space where interviewees and interviewers can share their stories with the goal of learning and being our best.

Possible topics include: timelines; communication; internal candidates; actual interview questions; non-verbal behavior; follow-up; and feedback. We welcome stories from candidates and institutions. Posts can be submitted anonymously if desired.

If you have an idea to share, please contact Monica Marcelis Fochtman at monicamfochtman@gmail.com or @monicamfochtman.

Thank you for supporting this new series. We look forward to learning with you.