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The first two recruitment interviews were uneventful. The panel of Dominic, Professor Midsomer and Mrs Addams from Human Resources ran through their questions and made cursory notes on the responses, but the candidates were unable to set the room alight. The first hadn’t finished her PhD yet and was clearly way out of her depth. The next was an external candidate who seemed more qualified for Theo’s job than for a basic lecturer’s post. Dominic glanced at his application. Not currently employed. No reason given for leaving his last post. Clearly a story of some sort there, and not one Dominic wanted to deal with the fallout from. Two strong Nos to start the day.
Third up was the first internal candidate. Dr Levine had been a sessional lecturer for about a year more than Helen and taught eighteenth century culture, science and medicine. Dominic smiled and nodded and did his best to maintain an attentive face during the presentation. It was about Faraday and electricity, and ended with the claim that Dr Levine would electrify the teaching and research in the department. Dominic fancied he could almost hear Professor Midsomer wince.
Mrs Addams asked her questions first, opening with the classic, ‘And why do you want this post?’ followed by the equally timeless, ‘And what skills do you think you would bring to the role?’ It was the traditional interview opening one-two, and Dr Levine, predictably, didn’t fluff his lines.
Professor Midsomer was next up with his questions about teaching practice and how the candidate would enhance the university’s research reputation. Again Levine’s answers were solid. Not inspiring, but decent. Dominic was last up. His two questions couldn’t be further apart. One was based on the candidate’s presentation or past research, hence the need to be attentive throughout. The second was a pet subject of his. Dominic tapped his pen on the table and looked up at the candidate, ‘So, a bit of a change of subject now, can you tell me how you would contribute to the equality goals of the department and to the university’s key aim of attracting students from lower income backgrounds into higher education?’
There was a pause. Dr Levine swallowed before continuing. ‘Well obviously, I would treat all students the same, regardless of their background.’
Dominic nodded, but didn’t offer any other prompt. He let the silence hang for a moment, to see if the candidate would say more. Nothing was forthcoming. ‘Anything more specific than that?’ he prompted.
‘Well, of course one has to be even-handed, but we can’t lower standards, can we? Students still have to achieve the required standard. If you don’t maintain that you end up pandering to them.’
Dominic forced his eyebrow not to rise. ‘Pandering?’
The candidate glanced at him, apparently aware that he may not have made the smartest word selection. ‘Well I don’t mean pandering. Obviously. I just, well I’d treat all my students the same.’ His voice petered out.
‘All right.’ Dominic placed his pen at the side of his papers. ‘Was there anything you were wanting to ask us at this stage?’
Dr Levine asked a question about how the department saw the postholder’s career progression. Dominic let Theo answer and only half listened to the reply.
‘Okay.’ Dominic gestured towards Mrs Addams. ‘Do you have anything to add?’
She shook her head, and she addressed the candidate. ‘You’re all clear about the hours, salary etcetera?’
‘I am.’
‘Very good.’ Mrs Addams got up and gestured Dr Levine towards the door. ‘We’ll be in touch. We’re aiming to make a decision as soon as possible, but don’t be concerned if you don’t hear until next week.’
She returned to her seat. Dominic looked at his fellow interviewers. Professor Midsomer was beaming. ‘Good candidate. Just the right sort.’
The right sort? That again. Dominic was the right sort for Emily. Levine was the right sort for the job. Dominic didn’t reply for a second. ‘I thought he struggled with the final question.’
Theo shrugged. ‘Well, what else is a man supposed to say? Of course you treat them all the same.’
Again, Dominic let the comment pass. It was correct in a way, and he knew that Theo was a decent bloke and a very fair teacher. He’d supported Dominic’s own career all the way, but the attitude rankled. The idea that there was a right sort, and the knowledge that if there was Dominic himself probably wasn’t it struck an uncomfortable chord. He looked at the clock and back to his list of candidates.
‘Time for a coffee before the next one?’