Respondents indicated that publications in refereed journals are weighed the heaviest when evaluating applicants' credentials in the initial stages of the selection process. No minimum requirement of research productivity was provided, although many respondents indicated that at least one or two first-authored articles in a refereed journal were necessary to be considered a serious candidate. Several respondents indicated that although the quantity of research required to be invited for an interview is market-driven, generally applicants with several publications do exist in most applicant pools. Conference presentations are also considered evidence of research productivity, however, these do not serve as substitutes for publications. Search committees also consider evidence of programmatic research.
Committees are interested in certain aspects of the candidates research program.
Although publications appear as the most important criterion for obtaining an interview, at some universities publications may play a smaller role in reaching the final decision. Publications, therefore, apparently comprise the first hurdle of the academic selection process. Publications may receive less weight at teaching institutions. Nonetheless, several respondents noted that due to the increasing number of competitive candidates, teaching institutions may also emphasize research publications. Respondents indicated that they seldom see candidates without some teaching experience, and many applicants have substantial amounts of teaching experience.