Cracking the first-round Zoom interview: lessons from the academic job market

For graduate students preparing to enter the academic job market, Zoom interviews have quickly become the norm. While faculty candidates once met hiring committees at academic conferences, today most institutions conduct their first-round conversations online. At a recent ASU Lunch and Learn, three panelists, each fresh from the job market, shared their experiences and advice for navigating this virtual process.

Meet the Panelists

Dr. Vikrant Kamble completed his PhD in economics at Georgia Tech and a postdoc at Arizona State University before becoming an Assistant Professor of Business Management at Muskingum University.

Dr. Kevin Trinh earned his PhD in geological sciences at ASU and is currently a prize postdoc at Caltech, studying moons in the outer solar system and contributing to NASA’s Europa Clipper mission.

Dr. Kris Vera-Phillips, a former newsroom producer and manager, earned her PhD at ASU and is now an Assistant Professor of Journalism at Southern Methodist University.

Together, they offered an inside look at the realities of applying, interviewing, and ultimately landing academic positions.

The Numbers Behind the Process

The panelists emphasized just how competitive the market is. Kamble submitted more than 400 applications and received around a dozen first-round interviews, all held on Zoom. Vera-Phillips had eight first-round interviews, half from direct applications and half from universities reaching out to her. Trinh balanced applications to both postdoc fellowships and faculty jobs, noting the unique challenges of each. Their experiences underline the importance of persistence, patience, and wide-ranging applications.

What to Expect in Zoom Interviews

Most first-round interviews last only 20–30 minutes and are highly structured. Candidates are often asked to summarize their research, describe their teaching experience, and outline a three-to-five-year research agenda. Many institutions also ask about mentoring, diversity, and advising. As Vera-Phillips explained, interviews often come with a list of questions provided in advance, making preparation easier and allowing candidates to keep notes handy.

Trinh’s experience at Caltech, however, was different. Instead of general questions, faculty dove into highly technical details of his research, interrupting frequently to test his ability to think on his feet. The contrast between structured interviews and probing research discussions shows that preparation must include both polished summaries and readiness for spontaneous, in-depth dialogue.

Preparing Effectively

All three panelists stressed preparation. Kamble recommended rehearsing multiple versions of your research pitch—in one minute, three minutes, and five minutes—so you can adapt to any format. Vera-Phillips advised working professional and academic connections to learn about institutions in advance, which helped her tailor her answers. Trinh highlighted mock interviews and practicing with colleagues as valuable tools, though he emphasized that nothing substitutes for truly knowing your own work.

Making Connections Through the Screen

Connecting with a panel over Zoom is challenging, but not impossible. Researching your interviewers and referencing their work can make a strong impression. Practicing eye contact with the camera, not just the screen, helps you appear engaged. And following up with a thank-you note that recalls specific details from the conversation reinforces your interest and professionalism.

What They’d Do Differently

Looking back, each panelist reflected on lessons learned. Kamble would focus even more on networking, noting that “institutes don’t hire people, people hire people.” Vera-Phillips wished she had scheduled lower-priority interviews earlier as practice runs before meeting with her top-choice schools. Trinh recognized the value of being bold—when asked what he would do with unlimited funding, he realized committees want ambitious visions as much as concrete plans.

Final Takeaways

For graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, approaching the job market, the message is clear: Zoom interviews require preparation, adaptability, and authenticity. Beyond rehearsed answers, success comes from showing that you understand the institution, can think critically under pressure, and are genuinely interested in becoming a colleague. In short—treat the Zoom interview as both a performance and a conversation, where human connection matters as much as academic credentials.