I have interviewed for 2 positions at Northwestern University. I never received a decision from either department I met with; Psychiatry and Preventive Medicine. While I understand the job search and interviewing process, and also appreciate that these people are busy-- it is rude and unprofessional not to give a response. I traveled and spent money to come for these interviews, and see it as a common courtesy for these professionals to at least send a short response e-mail. This University has a wonderful reputation, and even small things like this tarnishes it. (Dept of Preventive Medicine update, 3 weeks after asking for a follow-up: I was interviewed by the Primary Investigator (PI)& a group of their research team. The PI finally responded to me saying one of his researchers stated she called me with their decision. I never received a call from her. And I know it's not a "technology issue" because her phone didn't have issues calling me & doing a 40minute phone interview. Clearly she's fibbing to her PI. There would have been no need to lie if she had given me a response when she said she would.)

Depends on department/research group, but normally a video call (in place of onsite interviews in current environment). Overview of mission of research group/major project or initiative is standard as well. No assessments/surveys unlike with a corporation as part of the process or evaluation of skills, recommendations from former/current employers and faculty are more common.