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

Abstract

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