List of 32 Academic Advisor Interview Questions & Answers
1.
What is your current salary?
How to Answer
A potential employer will often base their offer on your current salary. You should be transparent about your most recent earnings and be prepared to back up any salary requests.
Written by Rachelle Enns
1st Answer Example
"I am currently earning a base salary of $78,000 plus full health benefits. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"As I am a recent graduate, I would like to be offered a fair salary that reflects my recent education. I am most concerned with joining an organization that will help me to grow my career as an academic advisor. Compensation is not my primary driver."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"I am currently making $89,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2.
How do you like to encourage ideas in others?
How to Answer
Encouragement to others is a great skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to encourage creative ideas in your team members or students.
Written by Rachelle Enns
1st Answer Example
"I like to encourage other people to be creative in their thinking and present ideas to the organization or faculty, no matter how off the wall they may seem. Some of our most successful students are ones who are confident in their ability to bring forward their unique ideas. I encourage participation through an open door policy and strong praise for those who show initiative."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"Here are some ways that you can encourage ideas in others:
- Get to know them and what they like to work on
- Send an encouraging email letting them know you like their plan or ideas
- Publicly praise their efforts
- If they are doing a great job, offer them more related opportunities
- If you are a leader, then tell them that you like their ideas
- Say things like 'Well done' or 'Nice work' on a regular basis
- Show that you believe in their quality of work before they even deliver it"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"I encourage my students to tap into the best parts of themselves. It helps to ask probing questions to get them to generate ideas on their own. I have found that by painting a long-term vision for their future, my students will often jump in with creative solutions to get us there."
Written by Rachelle Enns
3.
How do you explain complicated concepts to those who may not understand?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of explaining complex ideas without being condescending to your co-workers or talking over their heads. Give the interviewer an example of how you break down information to make it more easily digestible for the average person.
Think of a presentation about a complex topic, as a proposal to solve a challenging problem. The solution may seem obvious to you, but everyone else in the room is scratching their heads trying to figure out what you're talking about. When you can define key terms and phrases to make them more relevant to your audience, you have skill! Not everyone can do this.
Prepare an example that demonstrates your communication skills and your ability to convey complex information in easy to understand terms.
Written by Rachelle Enns
1st Answer Example
"I find that when there is a complicated concept to teach, visual aids are always the way to go. Did you know that 65% of people are visual learners and that presentations with visual components are 43% more persuasive? I took a course on creating effective info-graphics and will often implement those in my presentations."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"I try to use written and verbal examples. If possible, I like to have hands-on examples, but that is not always feasible. Communicating in more than one way helps those with different learning styles."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"I find the best way to explain a topic is a multifaceted approach. If possible, I like to send a quick email memo summarizing or teasing what we'll be talking about, so my student comes in with the right mindset. Then, a quick overview in person, check for understanding or questions. Then, I wrap up by clarifying any outstanding issues."
Written by Rachelle Enns
4.
What do you know about the culture at our school?
How to Answer
Workplace culture and fit is a significant factor when considering a career move. Assure the interviewer that you have put thought, research, and consideration of how the workplace culture will work for you.
Written by Rachelle Enns
5.
How would you describe your work ethic?
How to Answer
When the interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific examples or keywords they can relate to. When you read the job posting or job description, do they refer to particular ethics or values? Talk about their values and how those align well with your work values.
Written by Rachelle Enns
6.
Presenting accurate reports and documentation is an important part of being an academic advisor. How would you describe your written communication skills?
How to Answer
Being a clear communicator, in written form, is an essential skill to master. Have you taken any courses in communication and writing? Are you confident in your written communication skills? Talk to the interviewer about your written communication abilities and support your answer with a brief example or story.
Written by Rachelle Enns
7.
Do you consider yourself a team player? Why?
How to Answer
Working well on a team requires you to have solid interpersonal skills and self-awareness. Assure the interviewer that you have strong team-player skills. Briefly tell the interviewer why you see yourself as a team player.
Written by Rachelle Enns
8.
When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
How to Answer
As an academic advisor, you are likely accustomed to working with a very large or diverse student body. Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity.
Written by Rachelle Enns
9.
Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer
Open-ended questions are some of the hardest to answer in an interview. It's important to train yourself how to talk about yourself. It may sound a little silly because you've been talking about yourself for years!
In an interview, you should leave out the highly personal stuff. No need to talk about your new puppy or your favorite foods. Keep it professional and concise. Interviews typically last for about thirty minutes to an hour, so keep that in mind as you prepare. Sometimes practicing with a friend or timing your response can help.
Focus on your interest or passion for the field, your education, and accomplishments. Keep it relevant to the job at hand! Also, consider the fact that there is plenty of time for you to talk about your skills and strengths during the interview, so you don't have to say it all in one gulp.
Written by Rachelle Enns
10.
How often do you take work home with you?
How to Answer
The majority of the world's workforce will work overtime hours or take work home with them on occasion. Talk to the interviewer about how frequently you take your work home.
Written by Rachelle Enns
11.
We are asking for 8 years of experience in an academic environment and you have just 5. Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
How to Answer
To many employers, the number of years' experience is flexible - so long as you have the results to show for the years that you do have. Talk to the interviewer about your major career successes. This is the time to sell yourself. Make no apologies for your lack of years!
Written by Rachelle Enns
12.
As an academic advisor you will often be privy to sensitive situations. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?
How to Answer
Is honesty always the best policy? Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on honesty when it comes to your roster of students.
Written by Rachelle Enns
13.
What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?
How to Answer
Everyone will have their own particular triggers that cause them to feel dissatisfaction on the job. Talk to the interviewer about any factors that may deflate or discourage you in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns
14.
Tell me about your leadership qualities and how those help you with leading your students.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know what you consider to be strong leadership qualities. When describing leadership qualities, try to avoid general terms and give some unique ideas.
A great leader is someone who people naturally want to follow. They have exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with nearly any personality type. A respected leader will take ownership of their mistakes and will always lead their team by example. True leaders see the importance of motivating others and recognizing even the smallest achievements. Which of these qualities do you most identify with?
Written by Rachelle Enns
15.
As an academic advisor, understanding sources of inspiration is important. Who has inspired you in your life and why?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know who in your life inspires you. Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, author - literally anyone! Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life and why.
Written by Rachelle Enns
16.
When faced with a problem, are you more likely to jump into solving it, or are you the type to carefully assess the issue first?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know more about your problem-solving skills, and your personality. Discuss how you tackle problems when they arise, and keep your answer work-related if you can. Whether you are the type to jump right into solving a problem or you are more methodical in your approach, highlight to the interviewer that you are capable of handling issues professionally while using sound judgment.
Written by Rachelle Enns
17.
Why do you want to work as an academic advisor?
How to Answer
This question can be difficult because it requires you to know enough about the educational facility to be impressed by what they do, and what they have to offer you, regarding growing your abilities as an academic advisor.
Prepare for this question through due diligence! Review the academic facility's website first. You can read reviews of former students and find out about their reputation in the educational space. Sometimes you can even find articles or press releases to give you a brief on their latest accomplishments, innovations or school culture. Pinpoint the highlights.
Know the facility's vision so that you can quickly tell them that your values align. Sharing your knowledge on the latest education-related news is a great indicator that you have a vested interest in them and the educational industry.
Written by Rachelle Enns
18.
How do you handle stress on the job?
How to Answer
Are you someone who can handle stress on the job? How do you manage the stressful times? Talk to the interviewer about your ability to contain pressure in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns
19.
If asked, how do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can honestly say your co-workers enjoy collaborating with you. Select a few positive and unique keywords that genuinely define your work ethic.
Written by Rachelle Enns
20.
All of our candidates must pass a criminal record check and education verification. Is there any reason why you would not be comfortable with this?
How to Answer
If you can successfully pass a criminal record check and education verification: 'Yes, I am happy to comply with any background checks required. My record is clean.'
If you are not able to successfully pass a criminal record check and education verification, you want to be very upfront about that.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 27th, 2018
21.
What questions do you have for me?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the school's website and other online resources to ensure the questions you are asking are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from merely watching a video on their website!
Written by Rachelle Enns
22.
How often do you monitor the progress of the students on your academic roster?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to better understand your level of engagement with the students on your academic roster. Are you more hands off...waiting for the student to come to you? Or, do you take a proactive approach and make a note to connect with your students on a regular basis? Discuss the ways that you ensure your level of engagement with your students is high.
Written by Rachelle Enns
23.
What do you find most rewarding about being an academic advisor?
How to Answer
By understanding why you find this career path rewarding, the interviewer will also be able to know how to keep you motivated on the job. Give a few examples of what you find most rewarding. Try to give unique answers vs. merely saying 'I like talking to people,' for instance.
Written by Rachelle Enns
24.
What would you do if a student on your academic roster was failing a course?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like further insight into your style when it comes to giving advice and helping any failing students on your academic roster. Give a brief overview of what you would do to help a student who was struggling.
Written by Rachelle Enns
25.
What did you think of your academic advisor when you were an undergraduate student?
How to Answer
The interviewer is wondering if perhaps you were influenced by the career path of academic advisor by a positive, or even negative, experience of your own. Hopefully positive! This question is not an invitation to complain about your experience or speak negatively about anyone. Keep your answer brief and positive.
Written by Rachelle Enns
26.
When given your advisory roster, how much of each student's background do you like to learn?
How to Answer
The correct answer to this question will always be 'as much as possible!'. The interviewer wants to see that you are engaged with your students and that you have the natural desire to get to know them better. The more you know, the better you can assist!
Written by Rachelle Enns
27.
Under what circumstance would you suggest a student change majors?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you fully understand the gravity of a decision like changing majors. They want to see that you can guide their students wisely. If you can, give an example of a time when you suggested a student change majors.
Written by Rachelle Enns
28.
What are your favorite resources for helping students discover potential career choices?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know what types of resources you prefer to utilize when advising your students on their potential career choices. Give two strong examples if you can. This will show that you are well-rounded and able to offer variety to your students. At the end of your answer, be sure to ask the interviewer if they have any recommendations or favorites as well. This can strike up a friendly and informative conversation.
Written by Rachelle Enns
29.
How familiar are you with the undergrad and graduate programs at our school?
How to Answer
Interviewers and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, you must make some effort to research the opportunity. You don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be knowledgeable on the school before your interview.
Start by searching the school's website and take particular note of any new programs they have implemented. Identify their most popular programs if you can, and look at their competitors to see where this school may stand out.
Written by Rachelle Enns
30.
Walk me through your approach with students who are undecided on their major.
How to Answer
This behavioral style question will help the interviewer to understand your coaching and counseling style better. Take the interviewer through your process for assisting students who need clear direction. Use a real-life example if you have one!
Written by Rachelle Enns
31.
In your opinion, what are the top 3 functions of an academic advisor?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to be assured that you fully understand the scope of this position. If you are not sure of the essential functions of this role, go back to the job posting or job description. These will be clearly outlined in those documents. What do they continually mention in the job posting? Is there a standard theme? Talk about those and be sure to tie in the fact that you are experienced and talented in those exact areas.
Written by Rachelle Enns
32.
What unique qualities can you bring to our school?
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking what makes you stand out from the crowd! This question is not the time to say that you are organized, and reliable. Boring! You need to dig deep and think of the unique skills that make you an obvious stand-out from other potential applicants
Written by Rachelle Enns