Some faculty interview horror stories involve the technology going wrong. For instance, if it's an online interview, the connection might be really bad, and parts of your answers are lost. There are also times when the questions are completely off - topic. Instead of asking about your academic achievements or future plans related to the faculty position, they start asking personal questions that are inappropriate. And in some cases, the interview process is so rushed that you don't get a chance to fully express yourself or showcase your skills.
Well, a typical horror story could be the long waiting time before the interview starts. You arrive on time, but then you have to wait for hours without any proper explanation. Some interviewees have had the misfortune of being interviewed by a faculty member who has a very strong bias. For example, if they have a preference for a certain type of research that you're not into, they might not give you a fair chance. And there are those cases where the interview room is in a chaotic state, with papers everywhere and a noisy environment that makes it hard to focus on the interview.
A lot of people share horror stories about technical glitches during virtual interviews. Such as the Wi - Fi cutting out in the middle of answering an important question. Also, some have had the experience of accidentally insulting an interviewer without realizing it, like making a comment that could be misconstrued about the school's curriculum.
When dealing with a long waiting time, use it to your advantage. Review your notes or relax your mind so you can be more focused during the interview. In case of bias from the interviewer, make sure to emphasize your unique strengths and how they can contribute to the faculty. If the technology fails, have a backup plan like a phone call option or be ready to reschedule. If inappropriate questions are asked, you can diplomatically deflect them by saying something like 'I think it would be more relevant to focus on my academic capabilities for this faculty position'.
One common Skype interview horror story is the bad connection. I had an interview once where the video kept freezing and the audio was choppy. It was really hard to communicate clearly. The interviewer seemed frustrated too.
One of the most common horror stories is when the employer has clearly not read your resume. They ask basic questions that are already answered on the resume, which makes you wonder if they are actually interested in hiring. Another is when there is miscommunication about the job requirements. You think you're applying for one type of position, but during the interview, they start talking about a completely different set of responsibilities. It can be really frustrating.
A common one is when the interviewers are running extremely late, leaving the candidates waiting for a long time. It makes the candidates nervous and can disrupt their whole day's schedule. Another is when the interviewers are overly aggressive or intimidating in their questioning, making the interviewees feel like they are on trial instead of having a conversation about potential residency.
One common one is when the interview location is really hard to find. You end up getting stressed and flustered before you even start the interview. Another is when the interviewer is rude or condescending. It can really knock your confidence. And also, when there are technical glitches during a virtual interview, like the internet cutting out or the video freezing.
Nervousness is a big one. Many students get so nervous that they can't perform at their best. For example, they might forget important facts or concepts they've studied for years. Another common element is unexpected questions. These can range from really strange hypothetical situations to questions that seem to come out of left field and are not directly related to the student's area of study. And then there's the pressure of the interview environment itself. The formality and the knowledge that a lot is at stake can make students feel extremely stressed.
Misunderstanding the scope of the interview. Some students might study the wrong materials or focus on the wrong aspects of their subject. Then when they face unexpected questions, they are completely lost, which is a horrible situation to be in during an important interview like at Oxford.
Unexpected questions are common. For example, questions that are way out of the scope of normal prep. This can catch students off - guard.
Unprofessional interviewers can create horror stories too. Some might be checking their phones during the interview or seem uninterested. One person told me that the interviewer was yawning constantly, which made them feel like they were boring the interviewer. This lack of professionalism from the interviewer's side can really put off the candidate and make the interview a horrible experience.