I interviewed for a faculty position in the Engineering Department. The process included an on-campus interview, which took place during a very demanding time in the semester. I made a significant effort to participate, taking time off from teaching, traveling a long distance, and preparing customized materials on specific topics they requested.
After the interview, I was asked to submit ideas for collaboration with nearby institutions, which I provided in detail to demonstrate my interest and commitment. However, I was later informed that due to budget constraints, the university could only offer a part-time position with a significantly lower salary than expected. This was unexpected, as the interview had been presented as a full-time opportunity.
It is a good idea to ask early in the process about budget and hiring constraints. Institutions should be transparent about compensation and position status before asking candidates to commit extensive time and effort to full-day interviews and follow-up tasks.