On several occasions, during the interview process, I was asked to provide a short teaching example. I believe this is a legitimate way to assess an applicant's abilities to fulfill the role of instructor. I was given the topic of my lecture by the hiring institution, and was not allowed to choose my preferred topic. And although there were several staff observing my presentation, the students were also allowed to "rate" me. I am not sure to what extent the student's opinions were calculated, or if I had been better off teaching a topic of my choice. I think it is important that the applicant be given the opportunity to teach from several choice options, and also have it be clear to what extent the student evaluation will play in the hiring decision.