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[puzzled]

I just read this column, and I'm trying to understand why it bugs me so much. Maybe it's because the author exudes so much confidence. He seems so comfortable and privileged, so sure that he "fits" and "belongs." Maybe it's because of his emphasis on where the most "prestigious" jobs are. Could it be that I'm just jealous?

[%sig%]

[PF]

To each their own....  Some people value "name brand" prestige and the resources for research that name-brand schools often have.  Other people value other things about jobs to which they apply.  I figure that each one of us has our own particular priorities.

[annoyed]

Perhaps it is the pompous, arrogant attitude of the writer, quick to point out the prestige of his interview institutions, the ease with which he went through the rest of the interviews. A little modesty might do him some good. I almost thought it was a troll at first, with his comments about how the babies made the conference smell bad.

[equally annoyed]

Yes, Coisson should be punished for having an ounce of confidence. And the nerve of him having a good job and wanting a different one. Do we allow that in academe? Why isn't he striking the proper humble tone?

Sheesh.

[once denied]

He is offended to have been asked questions that boil down to "why is your work important?" and "can you really teach what we need you to teach?"  He thinks those are hostile questions.  He can't believe he didn't get up and walk out.  

I can't believe what a big baby he is.  When I have been on hiring committees, I have asked questions to challenge a candidate to see if he or she can convince me that his/her work is important--I don't assume your work matters if you can't explain it.  I have also wanted to make sure that a person was qualified to teach the classes we need him/her to teach.  Dexter could not appear more arrogant than to assume he is too good to have to answer questions like these.  Interviews are about proving yourself to the people with the job to offer (or not, as in this case).

[%sig%]