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I applied for a tenure-track position a few months ago, and I just received an email from one of the members of the search committee. They mentioned the possibility of having an informal meeting during an upcoming conference (a kind of meet-and-greet). However, if it is not convenient for me, they are open to arranging another informal meeting time or location.

May I ask that is there any benefits to attending such an informal meet? Thank you.

P.S. It seems like this email was not sent only to me (as the recipients were hidden, and I can only see the sender and three other members of the search committee).

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    Well, you have applied and they want to chat with you, presumably to see how good of a fit you might be to then decide to proceed to an official interview. You can either have the meeting, and both sides get relevant information on the application, or you can skip the meeting and not give them more info to make a decision to invite to an interview. Your call. Commented Jul 20, 2023 at 16:16
  • hi @Jon Custer, thank you. The situation is that I am currently in another country, so basically, I cannot attend the conference. Do you think there's any difference if I request a Zoom meeting before (or after) the conference, or a face-to-face meeting after the conference? (I will be back in the USA a few days after that conference.) Commented Jul 20, 2023 at 16:28
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    @rorocc - please put in the information that you won't be at the conference Commented Jul 20, 2023 at 17:07
  • This doesn't qualify as an answer, but mainly a comment about the appropriateness of such an "informal" meeting. Do you know if this is part of their official vetting process? If not, then I would feel uncomfortable about what role (if any) this meeting should play in the decision to interview you. Does anyone else get this vibe from having (what could be) a pre-interview that is unsanctioned by the hiring institution? Commented Jul 20, 2023 at 18:10
  • @user138719 - depends a lot on actual policy. Telephone pre-screening interviews are certainly sanctioned by my (non-univerisity) HR department in order to better determine fit between the candidate and the posting beyond what is in the standard application submittal material. Commented Jul 20, 2023 at 18:22

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I suspect they are trying to save some money by meeting applicants where they don't need to pay for a visit. There isn't anything wrong with that, but it may be less "informal" than you think.

It would be to your advantage to meet with them, and consider the meeting an important one. If you don't and they meet someone "interesting" there, then you will find yourself at a disadvantage.

It also gives you a chance to evaluate them, which can be good. Finding mutual interest(s) can be an advantage.

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  • hi buffy thank you. I am currently in another country, which means I cannot attend the conference in person. I was wondering if there's any difference between requesting a Zoom meeting before or after the conference, or alternatively, a face-to-face meeting after the conference? (Just to clarify, I will be back in the USA a few days after the conference) Commented Jul 20, 2023 at 16:29
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    A zoom meet sounds like a good plan. Explain your circumstances if you request it. Commented Jul 20, 2023 at 16:45

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