Are you appearing for an interview for an academic position.

ABSTRACT

This March (2015), I was privileged to be part of a selection committee at a national institute. We interviewed candidates for several posts of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor. Since the institute is highly reputed, there were several applicants for each post, from all parts of India. Working from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on four weekends, we studied the competences and capabilities of hundreds of candidates. When a series of candidates disappointed the 12 or more members of the committee and the two independent observers appointed by the institute to ensure fairness and justice, there was general depression in the room. When—as was usual on most days—one or two or three outstanding candidates appeared, there was joy. These young scientists were so good that they would have been grabbed by any of the major scientific institutes anywhere in the world. The cumulative experience of all the committee members and consequent discussions at lunch breaks resulted in some ideas that might help those aspiring to appointments in our major organizations.