How to Conduct an Interview
Information about the department and the university should be provided to candidates before the interview.
After arrangements are made to bring candidates to campus, the hiring supervisor and the chair of the search committee should draw up an appropriate interview schedule. The search committee or its designee shall ensure a consistent structure for all candidates' evaluations by interviewers and take the responsibility for soliciting those evaluations.
- The schedule should include interviews with individuals in as many areas as possible that relate to the position and the individual's area of expertise.
- Asking the candidate if there is anyone that they would particularly like to meet with is an accommodating and welcoming gesture.
- A copy of the candidate's schedule and curriculum vitae should be provided in confidence to all individuals who will meet with the candidate.
- Where appropriate, candidates should have the opportunity to meet with minority faculty and women faculty on campus. OIDEO can provide introductions to underrepresented minority and women faculty who volunteer to meet with candidates.
- Additionally, the Senior Director of Faculty and Institutional Diversity is a confidential resource for information that candidates may hesitate to ask members of the search committee.
A meeting with the Senior Director of Faculty and Institutional Diversity can be offered to any candidate who wishes to know more about work/life balance policies here at Case Western Reserve.
Additional Resources:
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Interview Inquiries
Best Practices for Virtual Interviewing
Consistency and Equity in Online Interviews (University of Virginia)
Arranging a Campus Visit for Minority Candidates
When a minority or a woman candidate is brought to campus, search committees may wish to choose venues that highlight the diversity of Cleveland and opportunities for minorities and women to thrive here.
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement can provide suggestions for ways to customize campus visits for all of your candidates.
Information Packets - Suggested Contents
Information packets provided during the campus visit might include:
- The most recent issue of Think Magazine and/or your school magazine
- The Case Western Reserve University Diversity Annual Report
- Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement Newsletter - Insight on Diversity
- The student newspaper - The Observer
- University Circle brochures or information (Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Gardens, etc.)
- Free weekly papers such as Free Times and Scene Magazine
- Special interest papers that highlight the diversity of Cleveland such as The Jewish News, Call and Post, and La Prensa
This supplemental information gives the candidate (and their partner/spouse/children who participate in the decision-making process) a perspective of Cleveland and the surrounding areas that might not be apparent from twenty-four hours of whirlwind interviews and a faculty dinner.
The committee should also let the candidates know when a decision is expected to be reached and how they will be notified.