Postsecondary Teacher Interview Questions & Answers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Critical-thinking skills
• Speaking skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Writing skills
• Resourcefulness

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Postsecondary Teacher positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Critical-thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical-thinking skills:

To challenge established theories and beliefs, conduct original research, and design experiments, postsecondary teachers need to apply analyses and logic to arrive at sound conclusions.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Most postsecondary teachers need to be able to work well with others and must have good communication skills to serve on committees and give lectures.

Learn more about interpersonal interview questions and how to answer them!

Resourcefulness

Why interviewers are interested in your resourcefulness:

Postsecondary teachers need to be able to present information in a way that students will understand. They need to adapt to the different learning styles of their students and teach students who have little or no experience with the subject.

Speaking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your speaking skills:

Postsecondary teachers need good verbal skills to give lectures.

Writing skills

Why interviewers are interested in your writing skills:

Postsecondary teachers need to be skilled writers to publish original research and analysis.

(source: bls.gov)

Postsecondary Teacher Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Postsecondary Teacher Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Postsecondary Teacher Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Describe how you plan, organize, and prioritize your tasks on a workday.
2. What do you consider the most challenging aspect of being a teacher?
3. What qualities do you have that would help you on the job? Can you give an example of how you have successfully used these skills in the past?
4. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge that students face in this day and age?
5. How do you adapt to the different learning styles of your students?
6. What do you consider your greatest success as a postsecondary teacher?
7. How do you deal with students who regularly miss classes?
8. Describe to me how you would describe your style of teaching.
9. How do you motivate students to become active learners in your classes?
10. Do you think teamwork is important as a teacher? How does working together with other teachers benefit your students?
11. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult student. How did you approach and handle the situation?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.