Considering a new platform for academic campus interviews: Entering the virtual world

Abstract

As a May 2020 Social Work PhD Graduate, I spent the spring semester interviewing for academic tenure track positions. When COVID-19 reached the United States, the interview process quickly changed course. My in-person campus visits became 8-hour long virtual interview days, which were quite exhausting. Since I completed five in-person campus visits and two virtual interviews, I compiled my lived experiences. As a “now” normal emerges and institutions must be more financially aware and uphold social distancing guidelines, in the reflexive essay I provide suggestions for improving virtual campus interviews—for both the candidate and the search committee. Some suggestions for the search committee include not using an 8-hour interview day, offering a delivered lunch for the candidate, and assembling the virtual visit to incorporate the school and University environment. For the candidate, I propose to dress as if one is on-site, integrate self-care throughout the day, and request a meeting with only students. I hope my experiences will motivate others who faced similar situations to consider their virtual interview experiences and further produce suggestions for their institutions.