Associate Professor Interview Questions & Answers


Associate Professors are experts in their field who rank just below full Professors. Associate professors serve as teachers at institutions of higher education such as colleges and universities. They typically teach classes pertinent to the specific field in which they have an advanced academic degree.

The duties of the associate professor range from developing lesson plans and curricula to lecturing various class sizes of students. Many associate professors also become advisors to students majoring in the professor's specialty field. Conducting research may become a major component of the professor's responsibilities as well.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Associate Professor or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Associate Professor position, these Associate Professor interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Associate Professor Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Associate Professor interview questions.

  1. What do you think most uniquely qualifies you for this position?
  2. How would your background and experience strengthen this department?
  3. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your academic career so far?
  4. How do you define good teaching?
  5. Describe your teaching philosophy.
  6. Describe an excellent lecture you delivered. How did you prepare for it?
  7. How do you adjust your style to the less-motivated or under-prepared student?
  8. A graduate student is struggling to complete their thesis. What do you do?
  9. How do you engage students, particularly in a course of non-majors?
  10. How would you encourage students to major in your field?
  11. Can you describe a time when a student taught you something valuable?
  12. What are your plans for research?
  13. What makes you a good advisor?
  14. How would your background and experience strengthen this department?
  15. What do you hope to contribute to your field during your time at this university?

Associate Professor Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Associate Professor interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  2. What is Your Greatest Strength?
  3. Tell Me About Yourself
  4. Why Do You Want This Job?
  5. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  6. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  7. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  8. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  9. Why Should We Hire You?
  10. What is Your Greatest Weakness?