On what to do when a job candidate behaves badly (or report, report report!).
I recently posted that early career scholars would be smart to stay out of conflict over hiring.
I stand by that sentiment.
While you should participate in faculty hiring as an early career scholar, it is smart to express an opinion and then let the senior faculty fight it out over who to hire.
So show up to job talks and participate in interviews.
BUT.
Don't take random kill shots at candidates.
However, what to do? When a candidate behaves badly?
You report it to the Department chair.
What is bad behavior?
(1) sexist or racist language.
Yes. It still happens. You can't take the stripes off a zebra.
(2) encouraging unethical conduct.
I heard a candidate once explain why the IRB was worthless and opine that they didn't submit paperwork to their local IRB.
(3) rude to junior people.
Esp. if you are making a senior hire, you do not want to hire jerk.
(4) expressing contempt for teaching.
Teaching is 60% of faculty life. You want everyone in your group to teach well.
(5) bad mouthing their home institution.
If they bad mouth where they work, what will they say about you?
I'm sure there are more - feel free to add comments :)
So what to do, if you are stuck with a badly behaving candidate?
(1) take the high road.
Be polite. Listen. Remember, you are a representative of your school.
(2) don't engage.
Often, people that make sexist or racist comments are looking to get a rise out of you. Don't take the bait.
(3) report (discretely).
Your department chair needs to know about the misconduct.
BUT, you need not yell that it happened from the rooftops.
You don't want to be remembered as a yeller. You do want this person handled properly.
(4) save your comments.
If the dept chair encourages you to speak up, save your comments for the committee meeting.
Saying the comments just once gives them power.
So be strategic in talking about what is on your mind.
(5) let it go.
Once you have reported the bad behavior, let it go.
Do not let the dumb or offensive comments or actions of a job candidate ruin your day, week, or month.
Academic life is stressful enough - so don't internalize another person's issues.
Best of luck!
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