Faculty Hiring Mock Interview (Research & Teaching Track) with

This 45-minute session is designed for candidates preparing for faculty interviews in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or related fields (Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, other engineering or science fields, research-track, teaching-track, or hybrid positions).

The session consists of:
• 30 minutes simulating a realistic faculty hiring interview
• 15 minutes of direct, committee-style feedback

The mock interview focuses on:
• Research vision, agenda, and long-term impact
• Explaining prior work clearly to a mixed faculty audience
• Handling questions about funding strategy, independence, and trajectory
• Teaching philosophy, mentoring approach, and departmental fit
• Identifying red flags and weak points commonly noticed by search committees

I have interviewed for faculty positions at multiple premier universities and have served on several faculty hiring committees, evaluating candidates across research, teaching, and service dimensions. This session reflects how hiring committees actually assess candidates—not generic interview advice.

You will receive candid, committee-style feedback on content, structure, clarity, and positioning, along with concrete recommendations to strengthen your interview performance.

This session is best suited for candidates who already have a well-defined research agenda and are actively preparing for faculty interviews.

I am a Principal Researcher at Microsoft, working on AI systems. With 12+ years of experience in both industry and academia, I have successfully navigated career transitions, built strong networks, and thrived in both corporate and academic environments.

I have mentored several dozens of researchers, engineers, and professionals at different career stages—helping them break into big tech, transition between academia and industry (and vice versa), refine their technical focus, and develop long-term career strategies. Many of my mentees have secured roles at top tech companies, advanced in their careers, or successfully pivoted to new opportunities.

Throughout my career, I have defied expectations and broken barriers. Whether it was earning a Ph.D., securing a faculty position, transitioning into big tech, or advancing within it, I encountered skepticism from others. But instead of accepting limitations, I made it happen through strategic planning, resilience, and continuous learning. Now, I want to help others do the same!

If your goal is to break into big tech, transition between academia and industry, or advance in your career, I offer strategic guidance, actionable advice, and mentorship tailored to your goals. Let’s connect and build a roadmap to success!

🌐 Learn more about me: https://sites.google.com/site/spyridonmastorakis
💼 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spyridon-mastorakis-56438190/
👥 See a list of my current and past mentees: https://sites.google.com/site/spyridonmastorakis/current-and-past-mentees