How many requests for additional materials are generally sent, when a department narrows its applicants that way?
Most common narrowing process is a) an initial pool of 20-30 minimally qualified candidates, requested to send additional material; b) winnowed to 10-12 for initial interviews (MLA, AWP or telephone), c) 2-3 for a campus visit. Search committees often have in mind a third or fourth “backup” candidate if the initial campus visitors are unacceptable. Bear in mind that this year may see more telephone interviews, as search budgets are cut back and conference trips are cancelled. With telephone interviews there is less pressure to narrow the pool quickly. A: I’m on a committee that had 90 applicants for poetry, we choose 17 for additonal material, and the committee head strictly held us to 8 for MLA interviews.
