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[coffeebuzz]

When, if ever, do you ask about the significant turnover in the department?  One program I am looking at is conducting searches to replace 1/4 of their faculty this year, should I ever bring it up when I interview?

[eugenides]

should I ever bring it up when I interview?

Such a topic might be too sensitive.
You might step into a minefield.

[mrhistory]

I wouldn't.  My dept is hiring several people and that might look like replacement but in the mix are new lines, retirements and a new field (well, a replacement finally for a retiree four years ago). So, it might just be that a new chair got lines he negotiated or the Dean feels generous or there have been retirements.

If you get alone with some "chatty" type who is driving you around or something, you can say: "Gee you are hiring a few people this year. Seems like a dynamic time for the department!"  They'll give you some explanation and you can usually tell.

My guess? If its a positive they will toot their expansionist horns. If people are fleeing, chances are you will pick up on that vibe.

[kishter]

Actually, I disagree that you shouldn't ask ... I think it's one of the most important questions.  You could say, "Why do people stick around here?" and then, "Why do they leave?"  I've asked variations of these questions on every campus visit.  You need to find out if and why people are quickly exiting. 

[cronopio]

You can pick up some vibe, but the best way to know is ask around elsewhere, and not ask the search cte. directly.

Some of my best info. on job searches came from the almost retired. If they were bitter and disgruntled, they spilled all the dirt. If they still had respect (and felt respected), they would talk about the department in ways that let you know it was a good place to work.

I once got an earful from an almost retired that let me know I didn't want the job; in another instance, I thought, good, bud, you leave and we can clean up this place (didn't get the offer though; a friend of mine did, and she did clean it up)

[smurfette]

I would ask, but just be careful who you ask. But to me that would be a valid concern.

When I first started interviewing, I was timid about asking anything that might be sticky. I would never bring up money, issues like turnover, etc.  In my last set, I realized that since I was looking at competing offers, there was info I HAD to know. For example, I had to know what sort of start-up the junior faculty were getting (didn't ask their salaries, of course). I felt nervous asking these questions which I felt might be perceived as intrusive, but it all depends how you approach. I didn't say "how much did they give you for start-up?" but asked indirectly if the person was satisfied with what they got, and what should I expect. That usually led to a number. So just be tactful. Remember-- you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

[coffeebuzz]

Thank you all for the advice.  Mrhistory, I really like the suggestion of making it a positive statement about change and see how they react.

[expatinuk]

The only turnover you mention on a job interview is the apple turnover kind... such as... ohhh... you're serving apple turnovers  with coffee

[cackalacker]

Expat, do SC in your dept served apple turnovers with coffee on campus visits? Sign me up.

In line with what Mr. H was saying, you could ask a question like, "Is this position a new line or does it continue an existing tradition of X studies" and follow up with a "Where do you see the department going next (or what are your other hiring priorities)" sort of question. That broaches the topic without your having to ask, "People seem to flee your dept like rats from a sinking ship. What up with that?"

Off in search of a turnover,
Cacky

[coffeebuzz]

The only turnover you mention on a job interview is the apple turnover kind... such as... ohhh... you're serving apple turnovers  with coffee

And if the coffee is bad, maybe that is the reason for the other kind of turnover...  I know it would make a difference to me, but I am a bit of a coffee snob.

[drsyn]

If they are replacing 1/4 of their faculty, I think you need to know why. 

If it doesn't come up at all, ask it at the exit interview.  Say something to the effect that you are impressed by their........., but that you are concerned about why they are replacing x number of faculty.

Some schools are notorious for hiring more faculty than they intend to tenure.

Your grad advisor or other mentors/friends should be able to give you some help with the reputation of the institution.

There could be several reasons - they are not replacing, but increasing the size of their faculty.  It may be that one person is leaving and taking several people with hu.  It could be that this institution eats new faculty alive.

Do you want to make a decision on this place not knowing?

[gesualdo]

If they are replacing 1/4 of their faculty, I think you need to know why. 

If it doesn't come up at all, ask it at the exit interview.  Say something to the effect that you are impressed by their........., but that you are concerned about why they are replacing x number of faculty.

Some schools are notorious for hiring more faculty than they intend to tenure.

Your grad advisor or other mentors/friends should be able to give you some help with the reputation of the institution.

There could be several reasons - they are not replacing, but increasing the size of their faculty.  It may be that one person is leaving and taking several people with hu.  It could be that this institution eats new faculty alive.

Do you want to make a decision on this place not knowing?

I agree that you really need to know.  They could be fleeing like rats on a sinking ship (like in my former job...yep I was one of them), or it could just be natural attrition, like lots of longtime employees reaching retirement age (like in another job I've had).  In the second scenario, this is probably a job you'll really want.  Because employees are clearly sticking around. 

Since this was a major concern for me, I worked this into my questions by asking each of my interviewers what made them decide to take this job and what they liked and didn't like about it.  I got lots of different answers, but the negative comments I got from all interviewers was pretty consistent.  It wasn't something that was driving off other employees, and I figured it was a problem I could live with.  I haven't regretted my decision to take that job.

[aria8]

I would consider asking this question after and if you receive an offer --- I think it's something that should be addressed before you take such a job, but I don't know whether it's worth the risk right now.