Reader queries on research and teaching questions

In the comments section of our most recent 'How can we help you?' post, there were a few queries about how to answer the standard 'tell us a little about your research/teaching' questions. Amanda wrote:

So I have been asked, "So tell us about your research..." I am never quite sure the scope and depth of this. I don't want to babble on. On the other hand, if I just give an overview, I have been asked to provide arguments in response. In addition, I finished my dissertation and have moved on to new projects. Should I talk both about my dissertation and new projects? Advice appreciated.

Nick then added:

Same for teaching questions. Anything that is not a precise question is likely to create a gap between the committee's actual expectations and the candidate's interpretation.

There was already some discussion of these issues in the comments section -- but I think it might be helpful to hear from more people, particularly individuals on search committees. Any past or present search committee members willing to weigh in? What do strong answers to these kinds of questions look like to you? And weak answers?

Comments

[The other postdoc]

First, don't be afraid to ask for clarification (on this question or any others). If they say, "So, tell us about your research," it's not unreasonable to ask if they want you to talk about (1) the actual content of your research or (2) your publication plans (e.g., what's in the pipeline, what's going out for review soon, and where). I get the sense that when this is used as an opener, they want to know more about the content of your research—but that doesn't mean to can't drop in a few lines about where you've published and what's out for review.

When it comes to giving your elevator speech, I think it works well in four stages: (1) Briefly describe the broad area of your research; (2) explain how your specific project differs from current work in the field (what is your unique contribution?); (3) motivate why your specific project is important (what are the implications for your field?); (4) give a concrete example of your work (e.g., give a quick summary of an argument you offer in an article or dissertation chapter).

[Amanda]

Thanks (other) postdoc! That's really helpful.