Associate Dean – Phone, Video Conference and Skype Interview Tips

I recently sat through video conference interviews for seven associate dean candidates.   Each candidate had a strong curriculum vitae and an effective cover letter.   Not surprisingly, few were effective with the online interview.    In my opinion, it is important to leave the search committee with a favorable impression by answering questions about strengths, motivations and fit.

Many folks have provided tips for successful video conference or phone interviews.   Here are the areas where I believe associate dean candidates need help with online interviews:

1. Do not drone on. Academics tend to ramble and over-explain. Keep your answers short and to the point.   Summarize your answer when wrapping up the question.
2. Use specific examples to validate your answer.   Academics tend to give conceptual answers.   This is okay – but reinforce the conceptual answer with a specific, concrete story.  The story should be memorable and reinforce the point you are trying to make.
3. Be prepared.    Anticipate the questions.   Make sure that there is congruency between your curriculum vitae and your answers.
4. Have a strategy.   Highlight what makes you distinctive.   During the phone interview stage, you are trying to separate yourself from ‘the pack’.   Review the job description.  Have a plan to highlight 2-3 characteristics & accomplishments that make you stand out from the rest.

Associate dean candidates, do yourself a favor and plan for the online interview.   Practice responding to the kinds of questions you will be asked.   See my lists of interview questions for the Associate Dean candidate:

1. Academic Dean – Job Interview Questions
2. Questions for the Associate Dean
3. Academic Dean – Job Interview Questions (Part II)
4. Interview Questions for the Associate Dean (Part III)

If you take the time to prepare, it will not be difficult to present yourself as a leading candidate.

– from the pen of Dr. Percy Trappe