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[mrdee3]

A quick scenario:

Granted that the interview and search committee decision making process is often a black box of sorts, what would your instincts on the "how's" of this outcome be?

Some stats/a primer: I am abd from one of the top programs in the social sciences where my defense is set for spring/summer. I research a niche topic, but have published several book chapters and have articles under review. My letters are solid. I have also done some freelancing and have pieces forthcoming in the popular arena as well.

I was recently interviewed at a top liberal arts institution. My general instincts (which in hindsight may be horribly off) were that things went swimmingly--even allowing for the amazingly competitive job market this year. The faculty with whom I met were very engaged, positive and spoke of "when I get here," "this would be great to teach together and collaborate on" etc, etc. Through experience, and from reading these very helpful forums, I have learned to take this with a grain of salt. I am my own worst critic, but I felt the job talk went wonderfully. Certainly we can always improve, but this was one of my better talks...after much much practice.

The audience was engaged, asked excellent questions, and seemed very enthusiastic. In fact, following my talk, several search committee members approached me and stated that it was one of the best talks that they have seen in recent memory and would be voting for me as their preferred candidate. I was flattered and graciously accepted the praise while asking for feedback and the like. Likewise, the Dean of the Division approached me and relayed great praise. Furthermore, he was very specific about their search process and how they would be calling me very very shortly. Again, all signs point positive. Fast forward five days later and I receive a polite but very formal rejection email.

Scenarios?

1. One of the faculty with whom I met seemed very territorial and was quite vocal about protecting her disciplinary turf. Could she have represented a faction of sorts? Was the outcome a function of her lobbying and thus the committee's choice was for a more "agreeable" candidate?

2. I am abd and would imagine that in this market, most institutions can have their pick. Thus, why invite out the abd candidate if you are not serious about their candidacy? Could it have been all things being equal, the terminal degree in hand candidate trumps all others?

3. I am from a research institution, but have done much teaching. I reiterated my interest in teaching and mentoring students throughout my visit. I do have an active research agenda, and am already negotiating a book contract (through luck and the fates). When asked about my research agenda for the future I mentioned this in the context of my future projects. Could this be a detriment or turn off at a liberal arts institution? The senior faculty I met during the visit were quite vocal about how they encourage faculty to be productive scholars and to publish, allowing for their sincerity, could the research agenda have turned off other members of the search committee?

4. Could I simply have misperceived all of the positive energy and positive signs. Could they in fact have been just as encouraging to all of the candidates? To the point again, at dinner one of the committee members asked me directly if I would accept an offer from the institution if asked. I replied "yes" and proceeded to explain in sincere (so I thought at least) terms why I would do so.

5. Something else all together I have not considered?

I know I will likely never find out the reasoning behind the decision, but it is still fresh and I am trying to work through the scenarios so I can get back to work tomorrow.

thanks so much,

best.

[johnr]

I would vote for reason number 2 (you don't have your Ph.D. yet) and another reason; you have no pubs yet except for book chapters.  I'd bet the other candidates have both. However, take heart, that you even had an interview with an ABD bodes well for you.

[glowdart]

Yes, your abd status might have been the deciding factor, especially in this economy.  If you don't finish on time, then they might lose the line for the next decade.  

Yes, they could have been enthusiastic with all candidates.

There are a million other reasons which might very well have nothing whatsoever to do with you.  You had a great interview from the sounds of it.  You controlled everything within your control and had good responses from the school.  Keep doing that, and hopefully next time, the job will be yours.  

(Other reasons:
* Dean liked Candidate B's hairstyle better.
* Candidate C can teach the courses that senior faculty member who retires in 2013 teaches.
* Candidate C's spouse is some hotshot that the Art department really wanted to hire.
* The ouija board told the search committee to go with Candidate H, which they took to mean Candidate B, since Candidate B's middle name starts with H.  

(Seriously.  You did fine.  Sometimes that simply isn't enough.  You'll do fine next time too.  Hopefully, one day, that will turn into an offer.  Go to sleep knowing that you did not have a catastrophically poor interview and then get back to work on that diss.  In this economy, especially, that needs to be done.  Good luck with it all.)

[helpful]

Being a member of a Search Committee in the past, I can tell you the one reason you didn't outline. Someone was better than you! (whatever the reasons)

You have absolutely no control over that aspect of the job search.

[svenc]

5. Something else all together I have not considered?

Yes, echoing Helpful: Someone else was better.

For what it's worth, that's the reason most finalists don't get hired.

3. I am from a research institution ...

At the risk of sounding rude, I have to say I'm always puzzled why people mention this.  The overwhelming majority of people with Ph.D.s earned them at research institutions!

[yellowtractor]

5. Something else all together I have not considered?

Yes, echoing Helpful: Someone else was better.

For what it's worth, that's the reason most finalists don't get hired.

Indeed.

One of the reasons SC's secretly delight in finalists who bomb the campus visit is that they makes our job so much easier.  We already know you're incredibly talented, ambitious, and suited to our position:  otherwise we wouldn't have gone to the trouble of bringing you to campus.  When all of the finalists perform exceptionally during the campus interview, the ultimate decision can come down to almost anything.

One of my best campus interviews was for one of those inside candidate searches.  I knew about that going into it; I just hoped I could wow the SC, and/or that the inside candidate in question would get a better offer elsewhere.  Didn't happen.

[yellowtractor]

"They makes"?

Apologies.  I just started using a backpack instead of an attache case to carry my files to work, and now everything's falling apart.

[svenc]

"They makes"?

Apologies.  I just started using a backpack instead of an attache case to carry my files to work, and now everything's falling apart.

SO unprofessional!

[erzuliefreda]

During my interview on campus last year, I was certain it was going well. Now, on the other side, I can see that the department is just friendly, polite and encouraging to all the candidates.

This entire process is gut-wrenching and hard to comprehend. I wish you all the best on the market.

[scratch32]

At the risk of sounding rude, I have to say I'm always puzzled why people mention this.  The overwhelming majority of people with Ph.D.s earned them at research institutions!

Indeed, one would think that it would be very difficult to get a Ph.D. from a non-research institution, considering the dissertation and all...

[helpful]

There actually are teaching institutions with Ph.D. programs.

[aandsdean]

There actually are teaching institutions with Ph.D. programs.

Yes, but people who are ABD from such places aren't very likely to be finalists for TT positions at a top SLAC.

[helpful]

One never knows. Often there are professors at teaching institutions who are also doing research. You don't have to be at an R1 or R2 to do research, after all!

[bacardiandlime]

The point, OP, is that the SC seemingly loving you doesn't mean they didn't love another candidate too. And that person may have had the edge in other ways (PhD in hand, pubs, teaching experience).
(When they update their department website, you can look at the new hire's CV...)
You're looking for an answer here that none of us is going to be able to give you, I'm afraid.
But getting a campus visit while ABD means you're definitely on the right track to land a job. Best of luck.

[busyslinky]

I always tell our candidates who come here .... "When you start..."

And I always make googly eyes at all of them, smile brightly, pat down my hair, put on my lipstick, fix my tie,  because we do love them all...

Unfortunately, we are usually looking for a monogamous relationship, and only when we are even allowed to have a relationship.