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[Important Advice]

MOST IMPORTANT--BE ENTHUSIASTIC

I am a new prof this year, and I went through a hellish job search last year. I went on 7 campus interviews in the fall, and NO ONE made an offer. (I am in marketing, and 5 or 6 interviews is about average for fresh Ph.D.s.) I continued my search in the spring with a few disappointments.

I ended up having a campus visit with my dream school, and, before the visit,  my advisor decided that I should do a mock presentation with my committee. What I learned from doing that was that I was being too boring and not enthusiastic enough  (even though I thought I was being enthusiastic on my interviews.) I changed my presentation to make it more fun. Then I headed off to do 3 more visits (one of which was at my dream school).

While visiting these schools, I made it a point to SMILE, SMILE, SMILE. My cheecks literally hurt by the end of the day. I was overly enthusiatic during my presentation as well.

I ended up getting offers from all three schools (of course, I took the offer from m dream school), and I am absolutely certain that my lack of enthusiasm played a huge factor in me being rejected by the other schools.

I am a somewhat quiet person, but I didn't think I was not being friendly and enthusiastic early in the interview process. Perhaps you are a friendly, bubbly person, but, if you are on the quiet side, I'd suggest going over the top on the enthusiasm/friendliness. Or, at least, have someone give you feedback on your presentation.

[%sig%]

[newbie]

Thank you for all of your suggestions!  I have completed the interview and will now play the waiting game.  I think the majority of responses were on point and often found myself thinking back to the postings during the interview.

Perhaps the most difficult portion of the interview was the mental ware associated with the interview.  I had adequately prepared for the teaching presentation, researched the school, and was prepared for a variety of questions.  However, I was unprepared for the mental exhaustion.  First, I have learned I must account for the change in the time zone, when applicable.  Also, I understood the interview occurs the entire stay!  It was difficult to stay mentally prepared and at such a high level for the entire time.

I think the interview went fairly well, but I can say, successful or not,  this newbie has learned from the experience and will be even more prepared next time.

Thanks again for all of your responses!  I implemented many of them into my preparation.