List of 30 Academic Dean Interview Questions & Answers
1.
How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
How to Answer
We all like to be recognized in some way for our accomplishments in the workplace. Share with the interviewer how you would want to be known for your hard work. Through gifts? Financial perks? Public recognition? Kind words? Title promotions?
Written by Rachelle Enns
1st Answer Example
"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is to be given words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is being noticed."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"I am very simple. I do not really require any formal recognition, but kind words from my coworkers and superiors will keep me motivated and working hard."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"I am a highly competitive person who is compensation driven. I like to be recognized for my accomplishments through monetary bonus' where the stakes are high."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Community Answer
"I do not need recognition and prefer to give recognition to others, especially rookie teachers. It makes me happier to see others receive recognition."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It's very nice that you prefer to recognize others; however, the interviewer will want some idea on how they can continue to encourage you on the job as well. Everyone needs some encouragement from time to time. I have added a sample, below.
"I prefer to give recognition to others, especially rookie teachers. It makes me happier to see others receive recognition. If I were to receive any credit, I would appreciate a quiet word of kindness and the autonomy to more freely award teachers who are going over and above."
2.
What questions do you have for me in regards to this school, or position?
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
1st Answer Example
"A few questions do come to mind. What is the biggest goal for your school this year? And, what is your proudest accomplishment since working with this university?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Community Answer
"Yes, I do have a question. What are the top characteristics you are looking for in the position? What do you see as challenges for the position?"
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
These are strong questions! If you wish, you can dig even further. I have provided an example below.
"What are the top characteristics you are looking for in this position, and do you feel that I have portrayed these characteristics in this meeting today?" (This gathers agreement and helps solidify your candidacy)
"What are the greatest challenges I will face in this position? I ask because I would like to actively work on a plan to overcome these challenges" (or something along those lines)."
3.
What sources do you look to when solving complicated problems?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can think outside the box, or even ask for help when you are stuck on a complicated problem.
Maybe you look to a mentor or boss for advice. Perhaps you have handbooks, manuals and systems you turn to for help. You may turn to textbooks, online research, colleagues or even student body history to find the right solution. Show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable and equipped to handle these types of scenarios.
Written by Rachelle Enns
1st Answer Example
"When I am faced with a complicated problem, I will look to the resources that my current school has provided me. The answer is almost always in there. If it's more of a moral dilemma vs. a knowledge-based dilemma, I will ask my mentor for his thoughts and opinion since I value his expertise in the education industry."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"If there's a complicated problem, I'll write out what I think the possible solutions would be, and make a note of what my gut tells me to do. Then, I will weigh those potential solutions against one another and list the complications that may arise as a result of each choice."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"I have a great cohort of professors and deans from my years in the education industry. If I am stuck on a problem or feel I need some additional help, I reach out to this group. If nothing else, they're there to lend an ear and let me bounce my ideas off of them. I value this collaborative, supportive group that I've amassed over the years."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Community Answer
"I refer to the institutional policies and procedures and the experience of my colleagues. I have found that my fellow Deans and coworkers often have great ideas and strategies for overcoming complicated problems. I really enjoy sharing ideas and learning from my colleagues."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds as though you actively seek out learning opportunities from those around you, which is a factor that any interviewer should appreciate. Good enthusiasm in your answer!
4.
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 morality in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns
5.
How will you earn the trust of your faculty and coworkers?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you can win your new coworkers over. Workplace relationships are essential to nurture. Talk to the interviewer about how you plan to earn the trust of your new co-workers, should you be offered the position.
Written by Rachelle Enns
6.
What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.
Written by Rachelle Enns
7.
How do you like to encourage ideas in your faculty or student body?
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
8.
Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you consider yourself a patient individual. Impatience can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in coworkers, so it is essential that you can showcase your ability to remain patient and professional in workplace situations.
Patience is indeed a virtue but can be challenging to maintain when it seems that situations continue to push your buttons. Show the interviewer that you possess the ability to keep your cool in challenging conditions.
Written by Rachelle Enns
9.
How do you handle a larger than average workload?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to be assured that you can handle the workload required of you in this position and that you will not become overwhelmed if/when workloads unexpectedly increase. When workloads increase, stress levels do too. How do you react?
Written by Rachelle Enns
10.
When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
How to Answer
Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity.
Written by Rachelle Enns
11.
How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?
How to Answer
One of the toughest parts of communication can be delivering bad news to people that you work with and care about. Whether it is delivering a less than positive work review or terminating someone - it doesn't come easy. Assure the interviewer that you can handle this type of task in a transparent, concise, and professional manner.
Written by Rachelle Enns
12.
Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
How to Answer
On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?
Written by Rachelle Enns
13.
Tell me about a time when you improved communication between yourself and a co-worker or client.
How to Answer
Possessing the skills to improve communication in the workplace is a precious asset. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to enhance communication in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns
14.
When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
How to Answer
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with delays in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns
15.
Tell me about an organization or group outside of work that you contributed to.
How to Answer
Many hiring managers will choose one candidate over another because of their volunteer experience. They feel that it shows strong character and selflessness which are all qualities that make a great employee!
Talk to the interviewer about your willingness to give back to your community in some form of volunteerism. If you do not have formal volunteer experience, you can draw on things you do in your spare time to assist friends, family, or even your current employer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
16.
Why do you want a career as an academic dean?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know why a career as an academic dean may interest you. You can add a personal touch when answering this question. Be sure that your passion for your job comes through in your answer!
Written by Rachelle Enns
17.
Would you consider returning to school to complete your PhD?
How to Answer
As an Academic Dean, you may have a Bachelors Degree, a Masters Degree or a Ph.D. If you have not achieved your Ph.D. discuss with the interviewer if you see value in it, for yourself.
Written by Rachelle Enns
18.
What is your proudest moment as a teacher or leader?
How to Answer
As an Academic Dean, you will have many students and faculty looking up to you. Your passion for the job must shine through! Talk to the interviewer about what the proudest moment in your career has been so far.
Written by Rachelle Enns
19.
Are you familiar with this States academic criteria?
How to Answer
Academic criteria could change from state to state. If you are relocating from another state for this position, assure the interviewer that you understand the difference, if any, between your last positions requirements and this one.
Written by Rachelle Enns
20.
How active do you plan to be with your faculty?
How to Answer
Being hands-on and active with your staff is an integral part of being an active leader. Assure the interviewer that you plan to be an active part of the school community.
Written by Rachelle Enns
21.
Give me an example of a new academic rule or regulation that you have created.
How to Answer
As an Academic Dean, you should have experience with creating and enforcing academic rules and regulations. Discuss your experiences with the interviewer and be sure to highlight your most significant wins when it comes to academic rules.
Written by Rachelle Enns
22.
Tell me about your exposure to budgeting and fundraising in your last position.
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewer the types of budgets and fundraising efforts that you have managed. Be sure to mention any significant results or achievements.
Written by Rachelle Enns
23.
Outline your formal education and training.
How to Answer
Your education background may be listed on your resume so be sure to expand on it a little bit. For instance - talk about your favorite course or any awards that you may have received while attending post-secondary studies.
Written by Rachelle Enns
24.
How do you assess academic performance?
How to Answer
Academic performance is a significant focus for Academic Deans. Talk to the interviewer about your areas of attention when it comes to assessing a student's academic performance.
Written by Rachelle Enns
25.
Why are you the best Academic Dean for us?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know why you feel you are the best choice for this position. What makes you stand out from other potential applicants? Now is the time to brag about yourself and your abilities a little bit. Don't be shy! Highlight qualities that are unique.
Written by Rachelle Enns
26.
What three words would you use to describe yourself as an Educator?
How to Answer
If you could sum up your teaching style in just three words what would they be? Display to the interviewer that you are a good fit by choosing descriptive words that are unique. If there are keywords that are used quite often in the job posting, job description, or the school's values you can draw on those as well.
Written by Rachelle Enns
27.
How would you handle a situation where one of your faculty members was causing difficulty in the workplace?
How to Answer
As an Academic Dean, you are tasked with leading your faculty members. What would you do if one of those members caused you difficulty? Discuss with the interviewer how you would address a situation like this. Remain positive, factual, and avoid naming names in a case like this. You want to show the interviewer that you are an agent of change and not a petty individual.
Written by Rachelle Enns
28.
How do you decide what gets top priority when scheduling your time?
How to Answer
As an Academic Dean, you will have a large variety of tasks on your plate, and you must be able to quickly and efficiently prioritize your schedule and the schedule of others. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of this task.
Written by Rachelle Enns
29.
As an Academic Dean you will be exposed to a wide variety of people, situations and environments. Do you feel prepared for this?
How to Answer
As an Academic Dean, you will be exposed to a vast array of people and situations. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of handling this.
Written by Rachelle Enns
30.
What motivates you to succeed?
How to Answer
A great employer will always want to know how they can keep you motivated and engaged on the job. Be open with the interviewer on what keeps you motivated to succeed at work.
Written by Rachelle Enns