20 Arizona State University Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job at a specific company, you can expect to be asked questions about your qualifications for the role, your interest in the company, and your goals for the future. But you may also be asked company specific interview questions that are designed to help the interviewer learn more about you and how you would fit into the company culture.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers for Arizona State University. These questions will give you an idea of what to expect and how to answer questions about your qualifications, your interest in the company, and your goals for the future.

Arizona State University Interview Process

The interview process at Arizona State University can vary depending on the position you are applying for. Generally, the process will involve an initial screening by a hiring manager, followed by one or more in-person interviews. The length of the process can vary depending on the number of candidates being interviewed, but it typically takes several weeks to complete.

The difficulty of the interviews also varies depending on the position. For some positions, such as research assistant or postdoctoral research associate, the interviews may be fairly straightforward and focus primarily on your qualifications. For other positions, such as teaching assistant or professor, the interviews may be more difficult and include questions about your teaching experience and philosophy. Overall, the interview process at Arizona State University is relatively standard and should not be too difficult for most candidates.

1. What are your current research interests?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your research interests align with those of Arizona State University. You should answer this question by listing two or three topics you are currently researching and explain why they interest you.

Example: “I am currently studying how to improve the quality of life for people living in poverty. I find this topic interesting because it is a complex issue that requires innovative solutions. My other area of interest is artificial intelligence, specifically how AI can be used to solve problems related to poverty.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to overcome an obstacle while conducting research.

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your problem-solving skills and how you use them to overcome challenges. Use examples from your experience that show you’re willing to take on difficult tasks and find solutions.

Example: “In my last position, I was tasked with finding information about a specific topic for an upcoming presentation. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much research available on this subject, so I had to come up with alternative ways to gather more information. I contacted several experts in the field who were able to provide me with additional insight into the topic. This helped me create a more informative presentation.”

3. Describe how you would organize a lab meeting.

ASU is a large university with many different departments. The interviewer wants to know how you would communicate important information to your team members and ensure everyone understands the same things. Use examples from previous experience or describe what you would do if you had no prior experience organizing meetings.

Example: “I have worked in a lab for three years, so I am familiar with the best ways to organize a meeting. In my current role, we hold weekly meetings where each member of the team presents their research findings. We also discuss any challenges that may be occurring within the group. This helps us stay on track with our projects and ensures we are all working toward the same goals.”

4. How do you keep up with the latest trends in your field of study?

Employers ask this question to see if you are passionate about your field of study and how you stay up-to-date on the latest developments. They want to know that you will be able to contribute new ideas and techniques to their team. When answering, show them that you have a passion for your major and that you actively seek out information from reputable sources.

Example: “I am passionate about my major because I love learning about the human body. I try to read at least one article per week about current research in the medical field. I also subscribe to several newsletters that provide me with updates on recent discoveries and advancements.”

5. Do you have any experience communicating scientific concepts to non-scientists?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have experience communicating complex concepts in a way that’s easy for others to understand. Showcase your communication skills by describing a time when you had to explain something technical or scientific to someone who wasn’t familiar with it.

Example: “In my current role, I regularly speak at local schools and community events about my research. I find that this helps me stay motivated because I get to share what I’m working on with people who are genuinely interested in learning more. It also gives me valuable insight into how well I can communicate complicated topics.”

6. Can you tell me about some of your previous teaching experiences?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your teaching style and how you interact with students. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share an example of a time when you helped a student succeed or overcame a challenge.

Example: “In my last position as a history teacher at a local high school, I had a student who was struggling in my class. He would often miss assignments and tests, which made it difficult for him to pass the course. After talking with him one-on-one, we determined that he wasn’t sure how to study for exams. We created a study guide together, and he used it to help him prepare for his final exam. By studying the material on his own, he passed the class.”

7. If hired, what steps would you take to ensure that all students feel welcome and comfortable in class?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to create a safe learning environment for all students. In your answer, describe how you would ensure that every student feels welcome in class and can ask questions without feeling embarrassed or judged.

Example: “I believe it’s important to make sure everyone feels comfortable asking questions in class. I would start by making sure my syllabus clearly outlines the expectations of each assignment and provides resources for any additional help they may need. I also plan to hold office hours once a week so students have the opportunity to meet with me one-on-one if they’re struggling with a particular concept.”

8. Tell me about a difficult student that you had to work with.

This question is a great way to see how you handle challenging situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to help that student succeed and improve their grades or performance in your class.

Example: “In my first year of teaching, I had a student who was failing all of his classes. He would often miss class and didn’t turn in assignments on time. After talking with him about his situation, we decided he should drop one of his courses so he could focus more on the other two. This helped him get back on track and pass both remaining courses.”

9. Why ASU?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the school and its programs. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about what attracted you to this particular university. When answering, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the campus or program that appeal to you.

Example: “I chose ASU because I was looking for a large public university with a strong engineering program. The reputation of the engineering department here is excellent, and I really like the idea of being able to study alongside other students who are passionate about engineering as well. I am excited to learn from professors who have real-world experience in their fields.”

10. Do you prefer working alone or as part of a team?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might fit into their department. If your role requires a lot of collaboration, it’s important to show that you enjoy working with others and are willing to take on leadership roles within teams.

Example: “I prefer working in a team environment because I find it more efficient than trying to complete tasks alone. However, I also like taking on solo projects because they allow me to develop my skills and learn new things. In my last position, I was part of a large team but also took on several solo projects. This allowed me to work independently while still collaborating with other members of the team.”

11. What is your favorite book or article on education and why?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the field and how you apply it. You can choose a book or article that relates to the position, but make sure it’s one you’ve read thoroughly and understand its main points.

Example: “My favorite book on education is ‘The Death and Life of the Great American School System’ by Diane Ravitch. It’s a nonfiction book about the history of public education in America and how we got to where we are today. I find this book interesting because it shows how our current system isn’t working for everyone and gives examples of other countries with better systems. This book has inspired me to pursue a career in education so I can help improve our schools.”

12. Can you give us an example of when you worked with someone from another culture?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you adapt to different cultures and backgrounds. It’s important to show that you’re willing to work with people from all over the world, even if you haven’t had experience doing so in your previous roles.

Example: “I worked at a restaurant where many of my coworkers were from Mexico. I learned some Spanish phrases and tried to learn more about their culture. They taught me how to make authentic Mexican food, which was really fun. We also shared stories about our lives and families, which helped us get to know each other better.”

13. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

This question is a great way to learn more about your career goals. It also helps the interviewer determine if you are likely to stay with their company for an extended period of time. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest and specific. You can mention what you hope to accomplish in that time frame and how you plan to get there.

Example: “In 10 years, I see myself as a successful business owner. I would like to have my own marketing firm where I work with small businesses to help them grow their brand. To achieve this goal, I will continue to take on challenging projects at ASU and build relationships with professors and other students.”

14. How would you handle a situation where a student was failing one of your classes?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your teaching style and how you handle challenging situations. In your answer, try to highlight your ability to help students succeed while also maintaining high standards for academic performance.

Example: “If a student was failing one of my classes, I would first meet with them to discuss their progress and determine what they need to do to improve. If the student is struggling in multiple areas, I might recommend that they take an online course or seek tutoring services. However, if it’s just one class, I might offer extra credit assignments or other ways to make up points so they can pass the class.”

15. What are your thoughts on using technology in the classroom?

Technology is an important part of the modern classroom, and ASU wants to make sure you’re comfortable using it. Your answer should show that you understand how technology can be beneficial in a learning environment. You can also mention any specific programs or devices you use regularly.

Example: “I think technology has a lot of potential for improving education. For example, I’ve used Google Classroom with my students before, which allows me to share documents and assignments with them easily. It’s also useful for allowing students to submit work digitally, so they don’t have to worry about losing their papers. However, I think we need to be careful not to rely too much on technology. Sometimes, it’s better to do things the old-fashioned way.”

16. What is your favorite subject to teach?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your teaching style. They may also use this information to determine which department you would be best suited for at ASU. When answering, try to choose a subject that is relevant to the position you are applying for and explain why it’s your favorite.

Example: “My favorite subject to teach is math because I love seeing students’ faces light up when they finally understand a concept or problem. It makes me feel like I’m helping them reach their full potential as learners. In my last job, I was able to create an after-school program where I could work with struggling students one-on-one. This helped many students improve their grades and boosted their confidence in math.”

17. Do you consider yourself more of a leader or follower and why?

This question is a great way to assess your leadership skills and how you interact with others. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to discuss a time when you were in charge of a project or group and the results that followed.

Example: “I consider myself more of a leader because I enjoy motivating others and helping them achieve their goals. In my last position as an administrative assistant at a law firm, I was tasked with organizing weekly meetings for our team. Each week, I would send out meeting reminders and agendas so everyone could prepare for the discussion. This helped me develop my organizational skills and learn how to delegate tasks.”

18. What type of learning environment do you think works best for students?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the university’s learning environment. You can answer this question by describing what you think works best for students and why.

Example: “I believe that a student learns best when they are in an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions, whether it be in class or during office hours. I also think that students learn best when they have access to resources like tutoring services and academic support groups. When I was a teaching assistant at my previous school, I noticed that many students were struggling with their coursework because they didn’t know how to ask for help. So, I started a study group where students could meet up once a week to discuss their assignments and get help from each other.”

19. What can you contribute to our department/university?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the position and how you can make an impact. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight what skills you have that will help you succeed at ASU. You should also mention any personal qualities or characteristics that may be beneficial for the university.

Example: “I am passionate about education and would love to contribute my teaching abilities to your department. I believe I could bring new ideas to the classroom and create a fun learning environment for students. I also think I would be able to relate well to students because of my age and background. I understand what it’s like to be a college student and want to use that experience to help others.”

20. In terms of course curriculum, what do you think should be changed or improved?

This question is a great way to gauge your knowledge of the school’s curriculum and how you might improve it. When answering this question, be sure to focus on what you would change about the coursework itself rather than the professors or teaching methods.

Example: “I think that ASU should add more electives for students in their major courses. I know that many majors require certain classes, but I feel like there are some topics that could be covered in an elective class so that students can learn more about them. For example, my major requires me to take a statistics class, but I would love to have the opportunity to take a class on data analysis as well.”