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[AcademicDC]

Today, I had a phone interview for a tenure track policy professorship (specific to my area of govt. expertise) at a midlevel university in NYC.  Just so the rest of this story makes sense: I am in a top federal government position in Washington DC.  It is a 2 year appointment and I have decided to head back to academia once my term expires.  

My interview consisted of the typical questions, which I thought went very well.  But a few things they said confused me.  First, they stated that by bringing me to their program, it would put the institute "on the map".  I thought it was a nice complement.  But then they asked why a person of my “stature” would accept a pay cut and climb down in status to work at a mid-level university.  I responded by stating "it was a fair question", and give my reasons for leaving government, DC and returning to academia.  But it was asked again about 15 minutes later by another person.  I gave the same response, but elaborated a little more about my goals, intentions, and professional outlook.

Maybe I am being paranoid, but can a person be dropped for being too qualified in the academic search process?  Any thoughts or advice, even if anonymous, would be appreciated.

[%sig%]

[anon]

Presumably, they are trying to feel out two issues:

1) Are you actually interested, willing to accept, eager to start.  No point in slowing down their process for someone who's using them for negotiating purposes or who will be a bad apple.

2) Are you running away from some situation at your current employer.

[anon]

AcademicDC wrote:

> I am in a top federal government position in
> Washington DC.  


Of course you are. Don't you know that EVERYONE on this forum is at the apex of their field?

[%sig%]

[Another anon]

Alright, I'm answering your question but I have to speak in generalities in case my colleaques read this thread.

I work at a teaching university during a time when the administration wanted to improve the caliber of the faculty. The administration attempted to increase the number and quality of peer review article publications. Also the university, a state school, wanted to compete with the no. two state school by securing generous research grants. In other words, the university was looking to hire some "heavy hitters."

The new administration "guidelines" were to hire faculty with a strong disposition to publish and teach. On record, we had three applicants from the search committee pool but only two were up for serious consideration.

One candidate had  experience similiar to yourself. He was overqualified with two degrees from the Top Ten schools. This particular candidate had worked several years as an attorney before pursing a terminal degree. If I recall correctly he had one article published under his belt. The other applicant was a newly minted female Phd in her late 20s. She had solid teaching evaluations but no publications to date.

The search committee voted for the new PhD, claiming her teaching evaluations were stronger than the other applicant. Truthfully, they weren't. The committee had ignored the publicaation "guidelines" so expressed from the university. Four committe members  sabatoged the male applicant's chance for hire. The two women voted for the female applicant. Two male committee members opposed him for no other reason than envy. The two males are big men on campus, and I guess they thought the campus or department was not big enough for three.

If you should have a follow up interview, talk more about the relocation being good for your family. If you have ties to this  particular community, you might want to talk about it in the follow up interview. If the community is similiar to you or your wife's hometown, you should say so. Discuss how  this particular town and university is a good fit for you both personally and professionally.

Good Luck.

[boot]

Since it was a phone interview, it's very hard to reach any sort of sensible conclusion.  It could be that the second questioner wasn't there to begin with, or wasn't listening the first time.  This sort of thing is not uncommon - I've seen the same thing happen with questions at conferences.

The only thing you can do is stick to your story - they will either believe you or not, and overthinking your handling of this question can only hurt.

[case insensitive]

AcademicDC wrote:

> Maybe I am being paranoid, but can a person be dropped for
> being too qualified in the academic search process?  Any
> thoughts or advice, even if anonymous, would be appreciated.

This happens all the time when someone at a highly ranked university decides to go on the market and interviews at a lower ranked university.  I have experienced this. EVERYONE who talked to me on the campus visit asked the same question,"Why would you possibly want to leave THERE to come HERE?"  It was as if they thought being at Big Name University is the be all end all of life and being at their university can't possibly compare - mores the pity if they can't see the good in their own situation and are oblivious to the limitations of BNU.

Just keep answering the question clearly and honestly. It'll get through eventually. :o)

c i

[AcademicDC]

Thank you for all of the feedback and information.  It is very much appreciated!

One last question: the closing date for the position was today 6/1, yet I got the call to schedule a phone interview last week.  Does this mean anything?

[registration coming soon!]

the turdtroll who has haunted these Forums for far too long, repeating the same useless drivel under a number of monikers, will soon be gone.  Now, to your question: it's very likely that the institution felt somewhat insecure about itself after they saw that you were every bit the pro on the phone that your c.v. indicated.  Perhaps they think that, yes, you would put the institution on the map, but then it would be wiped off again if you were to up and leave after two years for a better academic gig.  Good luck!

[Good Position]

You are in a good position and one of their top candidates (you may be their only one).

I really think the job is yours since they realize that you are their best candidate and are drooling to have someone with your background there.

Do your best to present a good professional image and explain how you will take your experiences and develop a strong research stream and be capable of bringing this experience into the classroom.

They will also ask you about service, etc., but don't get trapped into agreeing to take on too many administrative duties with your background since the way to get tenure, even at middle level schools, is through solid research and strong teaching.  Let me emphasize the solid research.

Good luck, I bet they invite you for a campus visit (even though it is a strange time of year to do that).

[%sig%]

[IndianaProf]

OP, many institutions have been burned by overqualified applicants simply looking for leverage to get a counter-offer; the people at the place you are interviewing may not understand government pay scales.

[AcademicDC]

Well, I received a call for an on campus interview next Friday.  I was told I will meet the president and chancellor.  

I appreciate all of the information and advice.  It certainly helps in this byzantine process.

[Way to Go]

Congratulations!

Since you are in a strong position, see if you can get a higher level position than assistant professor.  Also, not knowing how high up or strong an administrative record  you have, and if you have any publications in any field, I would even spring a situation where you could come in with tenure.

Meeting with the President and the Chancellor means quite a bit, especially at a medium sized university.  They certainly have bigger things in mind for you than just a small entry level position.  This shows that you are really in a good position for negotiating.  But, don't let it get to your head, remain humble and try to determine the real reason they are bringing you in.  

Good luck.

[%sig%]

[Thundering Marshmallow]

Just a comment about interpreting the double question. If it was a phone interview, it is very likely that the second person came in late and didn't realize it had been asked. They don't always alert you to the comings and goings or introduce everyone.  Just saying.

I hope it goes well with you. I think you are not only doing the logical thing for your next stage in life, you are doing the the honorable thing according to early democratic principles. Give some public service and then return to private service. It makes both arenas better off.