Interviews....

[SeveredLetters]

This is a silly question, since I applied to a different department at Emory, but when was your application due? I'm curious to see if other departments are moving along more quickly than history.

The application was due December 1st.

[Pickson]

I received an invitation to Emory this morning for an interview and campus visit in Feb. Looking forward to it, who else will be there?

[Mistral]

I received an invitation to Emory this morning for an interview and campus visit in Feb. Looking forward to it, who else will be there?

Congrats to you, too! And good luck in your interview!

[bdon19]

OMG! I can't believe people are already getting interviews! That's so crazy!! I'm starting to freak out, and I didn't even apply to Emory!!!

[Jbarks]

OMG! I can't believe people are already getting interviews! That's so crazy!! I'm starting to freak out, and I didn't even apply to Emory!!!

I know! I had the same thought. My stomach did that weird flip flop thing.

Congrats to Pickson and good luck!

[poeteer]

my stomach did that weird flip-flop thing, too. Interviews absolutely terrify me! Very relieved none of my schools request them. Congrats to everyone invited to Emory -- and good luck.

[lolopixie]

Oh.God. It really begins.

[JoJo55]

Does anyone have any advice about what to expect at an interview? Perhaps went through it last year? The Emory interview weekend is two full days of meetings...? Not sure how to prepare.

[Phil Sparrow]

Does anyone have any advice about what to expect at an interview? Perhaps went through it last year? The Emory interview weekend is two full days of meetings...? Not sure how to prepare.

This is not specific to Emory:

1) Have talking points about your own project/interests prepared.

2) Read up on the most current work of the professors you can find, even if that means snippets on JSTOR (with or without an account) or GoogleBooks.

3) Have a LONG list of questions prepared in advance; it is okay to use notes while you meet with professors.

4) Take notes during your interviews--it will help keep things straight and make you look engaged.

5) Remember that academics are often weirdos, and don't take it personally if they are weird with you.

6) Don't get too drunk at dinners/events, but do enjoy yourself.

7) Prepare a list of questions. Cannot emphasize this enough.

8) Be professional in your dress, manners, and general demeanor.

[Origin=Goal]

That's a great list, Phil Sparrow, thanks.

[coffeeplease]

This is a great list!

My favorite, of course, is this one:

5) Remember that academics are often weirdos, and don't take it personally if they are weird with you.

[Sparky]

Phil's list reflects my own experience, especially

7) Prepare a list of questions. Cannot emphasize this enough.

Seriously, I think most of the questions we were asked at my interview weekend were "Do you have any questions about...?"

I would also add--be enthusiastic! You've already proven yourself academically to them; you wouldn't be interviewed if you hadn't. The interview weekend (or phone call--YUCK*) is to make your case that you are worth having around as a colleague for the next 4+ years, and that you will not be an embarrassment to your program in the professional-social world. Be professional, but show them that you love what you do.

* I'm *terrified* of phone calls. E-mail is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.

[Phil Sparrow]

That's a great list, Phil Sparrow, thanks.

No prob, you guys! Congrats on the interviews!

Forgot a very important one:

9) Be humble--with grad students as well as faculty. Seriously, don't try to one-up anyone. Academia is a small world, and word gets around. Don't be that person with the national reputation for arrogance before you even start your first year!

[Aubergine]

Sparrow, thanks so much for the great list!

I just received a request to interview with two professors at Brown (in Theatre and Performance Studies) over Skype! So excited and afraid.