Focuses on the cultural geography encountered by those being interviewed at the Modern Language Association (MLA) convention. Notes that interviews are conducted in hotel suites, hotel rooms, and in the interview area. Suggests that the drawbacks of the interview area are outweighed by the essential fairness and equal opportunity this setting…

Suggests that to be hired usually means that one happens to be the right person at the right place at the right time. Considers that none of the factors that lead to being hired is really in a job candidate's control. Suggests that when interviewing for a position "you just have to be yourself." (SG)

Offers some general principles for college faculty search committee members to follow. Analyzes the search process and discusses advertising and initial screening, preparing applications, setting up Modern Language Association (MLA) interviews, interviewing on campus, and negotiating an offer. (SG)

Offers advice to potential interviewees attending an MLA conference. Cautions the interviewee to arrive for the appointment early, but not to knock until the time of the appointment. Advises interviewees to answer questions briefly and to let the committee set the pace of the interview. (PA)

States that keeping a cool head when job interviewing on campus is a powerful bonus. Encourages the applicant to analyze the process in rhetorical terms. Discusses the purpose of the interview and the applicant as author and performer. Advises remembering who the audience is. Suggests applicants should carry a credit card for emergencies. (PA)

Considers the inappropriate question in the particular context of the Modern Language Association (MLA) interview--interviews for academic positions which take place at the MLA convention. Mentions questions that are illegal as well as inappropriate. Encourages "planning" for inappropriate questions. (PA)

Presents suggestions on how to talk about scholarship: (1) recall the history of the dissertation subject that was chosen; (2) review both areas of knowledge and ignorance; (3) find words to describe the direction of the dissertation; and (4) ruminate on what things are loved about the enterprise--defining the literary style of another, for…

Offers advice about interviewing at the Modern Language Association (MLA) convention: practice or rehearse issues; allow enthusiasm about teaching to show; model good teaching practices in the interview; and listen thoughtfully and resist the temptation to talk too much. (RS)

States that an important part of the ethos interviewees present in MLA job interviews is their enthusiasm for, commitment to, and knowledge of teaching. Advises interviewees to show their passion for teaching; to say why teaching is important, not just interesting; and to remember that teaching is not just performance but design. (PA)

Describes the characteristics that many "comprehensive" universities share, and some of the things that set them apart from one another. Cautions potential applicants that comprehensive institutions expect a balance of teaching and research different from that at graduate institutions. Advises that in interviewing, applicants should be…

Discusses several problems in the national hiring process, including candidates' (1) lack of preparation and/or interest in teaching, (2) lack of familiarity with interviewing institutions, and (3) unrealistic expectations and general ignorance of conditions in most of the country's English departments. (SR)

Describes the problems that those in search of a teaching position at the college level will encounter during the job search and how to combat those problems with tailored, easy-to-read cover letters and resumes and a planned, researched strategy for each interview obtained. (JC)