In the article, “Department Chairs Share Tips for Hiring Success,” I asked department chairs from around campus to provide advice about finding faculty positions and I discovered that having multiple publications, a strong dissertation, and a network of colleagues and mentors are essential to a successful transition from graduate student to a faculty position.
I followed up with the department chairs and asked the following question:
What do you look for in a candidate when hiring new faculty members?
The department chairs shared many similar responses. Here are the key features that the department chairs would like to see in a potential faculty candidate:
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Photo Credit: University of Oxford“Cutting Edge Scholarship” (Dr. Eileen Boris) - Communication skills
- Good colleague
- Potential for the future
- Strong publications
Since each department chair provided insightful and helpful advice, I have included the full responses below (edited for space and clarity) to give you a better understanding of what employers look for when hiring new faculty.
Dr. Sabine Fruhstuck (East Asian Languages and Cultural Studies)
The ideal junior candidate comes with an interesting project or several of them that several faculty members can connect to and is interested in scholarship beyond her/his own little field. He/she knows how to have a conversation and is engaging.
Dr. John Majewski (History)
We are looking for somebody making a really original contribution to the field, somebody who has demonstrated scholarly productivity, somebody with excellent communication skills (in terms of writing and speaking), and somebody who will be a great colleague and accomplished teacher, as well as a fine scholar.
Dr. Eileen Boris (Feminist Studies)
1. Cutting edge scholarship in the sub-field we are hiring in
2. Teaching experience and enthusiasm
3. Willingness to do their share of department work (though we try to protect junior people)
4. Concern for students
5. Potential for the future
Photo Credit: University of ColoradoDr. Josh Schimel (EEMB & Environmental Studies)
I am looking for a colleague. Potentially a collaborator, but more likely someone who I think will bring skills, perspectives, and leadership to the department. I look to the long-term trajectory; in all personnel cases, from hiring to full professorship, my question is always: is this person clearly on the trajectory toward the NEXT step? You hire someone you can see is well on their way to tenure; you tenure someone you can see is well on their way to full [professorship]. I'm looking for someone who will make the department a better place—not just by being a famous scholar in their own right, but who will complete a cluster or ideally several, someone who will have a communal vision that goes beyond themselves, someone who I can see emerging as a departmental and even campus leader.
Dr. Doug Burbank (Earth Science)
Creativity, energy, communication skills, vision, technical skills, strong publication record, strong recommendations from faculty, breadth of interests, preparation for the interview, and needs for analytical facilities (a good way to expand the department's repertoire).
Dr. Joel Rothman (MCD Biology)
Strong publications, a strong record of accomplishment in the field as a postdoc and graduate student, strong signs of independence, creativity, and originality, an exciting and promising vision for future research both in the form of a written document and in a discussion meeting with faculty, glowing letters of recommendation from several mentors, presentation of a clear and stimulating, and inspiring seminar, and positive interactions with all the faculty. We are looking for someone who is both an exceptional scientist and a wonderful colleague. An independent track record of funding and evidence for making a high impact in two distinct fields are bonuses.