How familiar are you with the undergrad and graduate programs at our school?
Interviewers and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, you must make considerable effort to research the organization. You don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be knowledgeable about 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 stands out. Then, describe your familiarity with their undergrad and graduate programs, showing you have done your homework before your interview.
"I conducted a great deal of research on your programs before coming here today. I was very excited to see that you recently added a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. I am thrilled to see that you have solid options for business students as well."
"At this point, I have studied your program offerings for a few hours, so I feel my knowledge base is strong. Your offerings have an incredible range. Which of your programs is the most popular?"
"I have been familiar with your school and its programs for quite some time, as I graduated from here six years ago with a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling. In addition to being very familiar with your educational institution, I have already advised students on many similar programs as yours from my six years working at a competitive university. If hired, the time to train me would be minimal."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
As an undergraduate assistant in the admissions office at this institution, I worked at the front desk. I learned a great deal about the existing two-year programs, certificates, and admission requirements to get into the programs.
Rachelle's Feedback
You do a great job qualifying yourself in this response. Try also tying in your initial Assistant experience with why you desire to work in this Academic Advisor role.
Anonymous Answer
I have been advising part-time for 3 years now and I am very familiar with the programs, the coursework, and many of the faculty, deans, and go-to folks who support these programs. Moving to full-time will allow me to engage more, and serve on other committees which I love.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! The interviewer will be happy to hear that you have so much familiarity with the programs at the school. Consider including a sentence or two here about why you want to move from your part-time position into this role. Remind the interviewer that your experience will allow you to excel in this position.
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