Uni lecturers - advice on applying for lecturing post?

[Whoamireally]

I'm about to apply for a lecturer post at a nearby University - a move from the NHS into education.

I don't have any formal experience in an educational setting - although they don't appear to be specifically looking for that in the person specification. They appear to be more interested in whether you have the clinical knowledge and skills to deliver particular elements of an undergrad programme (I think I do).

I'd really appreciate some advice from lecturers about what sorts of things they generally ask at an interview.

Also some pointers for things to read - I'd like to find out a bit more about what national guidelines or frameworks you are working to? Are there any big changes planned on the horizon which will affect the way that you work? thank you :-)

I have lectured on and off for a decade or more. Just taken a part time lecturing post in a local university for a bit of social actiity.

I am an economics lecturer but I dont work to any guidelines or frameworks. I design the course according to the broad topic areas the university want covering.

It is not like teaching in a school with a national curriculum handed down from on high. Its all down to me as a lecturer ot decide what is relevant and how to teach it.

The sorts of things they asked me were:

Have you ever done any kind of trainining of others or public speaking or lecturing? Have you ever prepared lecture materials? Do you know what text books or other materials you would draw on to support your lectures? How will you deal with cultural and learning style differences between students from different countries. Have you ever used computer based classes or break out group excercises as well as standard lecturing techniques?

The only big changes is the amount of Govt funding for universities but that does not affect me as an individual lecturer - that is a management issue.

Thank you BeenBeta - from a course content perspective it'll be more structured as students will need to meet set criteria to gain entry to the relevant professional body, but that's something I am on familiar ground with. Was wondering more about general Government dictats, initiatives etc. which may affect further education. There's always something being bandied about in the NHS.

Really helpful to have some idea for interview qu's. I now need to plan how I can relate the clinical teaching I've done to a university setting....

I wouldnt worry too much about Govt dictats other than those that will affect directly your particular course content (eg new regulations or clinical guidelines). Those you will be expected to know.

The major issue facing all universities is funding after announced Govt cuts. You will not have to worry about that though. The Vice Chancellor will be worrying about that.

.

Thanks - I suppose it's possible that there will be internal candidates, in which case I probably don't stand a chance, but would be suprised if there were lots of them as it's something quite specialist that they want the person to do within the wider syllabus. Can't say too much as the course is only available at 5 Uni's and don't want to jeopardise my chances

Academia is fiercly competitive at the moment. I have friends and colleagues with years of experience within academia not even getting interviews. Look at the job description and write the skills section with that as your framework. Oh and GOOD LUCK!

Thank you I'm ever the optimist!

Sorry didn't mean to be so pessimistic. I really hope it goes well for you

Lol didn't take it that way!! Just had someone else tell me the same thing last night. Appears to be a common theme

Thanks for all the advice given, just wanted to let you know that I went for the interview (which felt reasonably informal despite having to do a 10 minute presentation followed by an interview with a panel of 6) and I got the job

So chuffed. Start in November! Thanks again!

Congratulations Whoamireally, I had this thread on threads I'm watching.

Hope the job goes well although you might not be on MN as much anymore! Just wondering what sort of questions the panel of 6 asked you as dh is hoping to get an interview for a lecturer position in the UK and he totally botched his last one up with the wrong answers to the panel (we asked for feedback).

Hey well done you!

Hope it all goes well for you.

Congrats whoiamireally - hope it all goes well.

Admylin - I have had two interviews for lectureships recently and completely messed up the first but got the second (unanimous decision of a panel of 8). I am not sure I know why the first went so bad and the second so well - think it was not just me tbh and am now very glad I didnt get the first! Dont think I would have fitted in - both were Russell group unis but with a very different outlook.

Before the second I went to see a recruitment consultant and although he doesnt normally do academic posts he was very helpful and pointed out some things I wasnt doing well or what I did do well and suggested how to improve (eg stop talking when you have answered the question so you dont dig yourself a hole - not easy for academics!) and make sure everything is "shiny".

I bought him a bottle of whisky!

Thanks for the 'feedback'!
Dh was told that at his first interview he didn't make them think that he really wanted the job. He knows now to change that part but he says he doesn't want to sound as if he's begging/desperate either...

You're welcome! It probably was the case and I can understand its a fine line between convincing them you really want the job and looking desperate.

I was also told to make sure I concentrated on why they would want me - what can I do for them - rather than why I wanted the job. I read their 10 year plan and a few other online documents and quoted a couple of things back to them in the interview which seemed to go down well.