It’s Time to Bag Candidate Dinners: Why Even “Informal” Meals Can Compromise the Search Process

Ostensibly, candidate dinners benefit both applicants and search committees. Candidates, who may travel great distances to interview, can share a friendly meal with members of the committee and/or other faculty and staff. The unstructured setting provides opportunities for candidates to learn about the geographical area, local color, and also a few personalities. A good dining experience might make a hugely favorable impression on a candidate weighing multiple offers. The search committee too realizes advantages, as they have the opportunity to assess a candidate’s interpersonal skills outside of the strictures of formal interviews