20 CUNY (City University of New York) Interview Questions and Answers

CUNY is the largest urban public university system in the United States, with more than 270,000 students enrolled across 24 campuses. CUNY offers a wide range of programs and degrees, from associate’s degrees to doctoral programs.

The interview process for CUNY is competitive, so you’ll need to be prepared to answer a variety of questions. In this guide, we’ve provided a list of sample CUNY interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

CUNY (City University of New York) Interview Process

The interview process at CUNY (City University of New York) can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one in-person interview. For some positions, such as adjunct professor or assistant professor, you may be required to go through multiple rounds of interviews. These may include interviews with a search committee, department chair, and/or other faculty members. The length of the hiring process can also vary, but it is typically fairly lengthy, especially for higher level positions.

1. What is your teaching philosophy?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your teaching style and how you can best support students. You can describe a few key principles that guide your teaching, such as encouraging active learning or providing feedback in a timely manner.

Example: “I believe that every student has the ability to succeed if they’re given the right tools and encouragement. I try to create a positive classroom environment where my students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas. I also make sure to provide constructive feedback on assignments so students know what areas they need to improve.”

2. Why do you want to work at CUNY?

Employers ask this question to see if you have done your research on the university. They want to know that you are passionate about working for their institution and understand what makes it unique. When preparing for this question, read through the job description and look at the university’s website. Make a list of reasons why you would be excited to work in this role.

Example: “I am passionate about education and believe CUNY is one of the best institutions in the country. I love how diverse the student body is and how committed the faculty is to helping students succeed. I also think it’s important to support public universities because they provide an affordable option for many families.”

3. How would you prepare for a class session on a topic that you are not familiar with?

This question is a great way to test your critical thinking skills and ability to learn new information. Your answer should show the interviewer that you are willing to put in extra effort to ensure you understand all of the course material.

Example: “If I was teaching a class on a topic that I wasn’t familiar with, I would first do some research on the subject matter. Then, I would create an outline for my lecture based on what I learned from my research. During the lecture itself, I would use visual aids like PowerPoint slides or handouts to help students better understand the concepts.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult student, how did you approach the situation?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a variety of people. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to resolve the situation or how you helped the student in need.

Example: “In my current role as a teacher’s assistant, I had a student who was struggling to keep up with the class. The student would often ask me questions during lectures, which made it difficult for other students to learn. I approached the professor about the issue and we decided that I would meet with the student after each lecture to answer any questions they may have. This allowed the rest of the class to focus on the material being taught.”

5. Do you have any experience working in an urban setting?

The CUNY system is located in New York City, so the interviewer may want to know if you have experience working in an urban environment. If you do, share a story about how you overcame challenges or met goals while working in that setting. If you don’t, explain what you would expect from such a work environment and why you are qualified for it.

Example: “I worked as a teacher at a public school in my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. The school was in a very urban area with many students who came from low-income families. I had to be creative when teaching lessons because some students didn’t have access to computers or other resources at home. I also had to learn how to manage a classroom full of different personalities.”

6. Describe your research experience.

CUNY is a research-focused institution, so it’s likely that your interviewer will ask you this question to learn more about your academic background. To answer this question, describe the type of research you’ve done and how it relates to your major or career goals.

Example: “In my senior year at college, I worked as an intern for a local business where I researched customer feedback on their products. This experience helped me understand what customers want from our company and gave me valuable insight into the world of market research. Since then, I’ve continued researching consumer behavior in my free time, which has inspired me to pursue a career in marketing.”

7. Tell us about your dissertation and why you chose it.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your academic background and how it relates to the position you’re applying for. To answer, think of a few key points from your dissertation and explain what motivated you to choose that topic.

Example: “My dissertation was on the effects of social media on young adults’ mental health. I chose this topic because I wanted to understand why so many people my age were struggling with anxiety and depression. I interviewed several experts in the field and read through numerous studies before writing my paper. In the end, I found that social media can be both beneficial and harmful to our well-being depending on how we use it.”

8. Describe your experience using data analysis tools.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with data analysis tools and how you use them in your work. Use examples from previous jobs to describe the types of data analysis tools you’ve used, what they do and how you apply them to your work.

Example: “In my last job as a marketing analyst for a software company, I used several different types of data analysis tools to help me understand customer behavior and preferences. One tool I used was Google Analytics, which allows users to track website traffic and analyze user demographics. Another tool I used was Tableau, which is an analytics platform that helps users visualize large amounts of data. These two tools helped me gain valuable insights into consumer preferences and behaviors.”

9. How well do you work independently?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work independently and complete tasks without constant supervision. You can answer this question by describing a time when you worked on a project or task alone, the steps you took to complete it and how well you did.

Example: “In my current position as a marketing specialist, I am often tasked with creating content for our company’s social media accounts. I have found that I am quite good at coming up with ideas for posts and writing them myself. My manager has told me that she appreciates my creativity and enjoys seeing what I come up with each week.”

10. Have you ever worked in an academic environment before?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to working at CUNY. If you have not worked in an academic environment, consider sharing another work experience that involves helping others or being part of a team.

Example: “I’ve never worked in an academic setting before, but I do have experience working with students as a tutor. In my last position, I helped students understand concepts they were struggling with and provided them with resources to help them succeed. This experience has given me valuable insight into what students need from their professors and how I can support them.”

11. In what areas of research are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to determine if your interests align with the university’s research initiatives. If you’re interviewing for an academic position, it can also help employers understand what kind of teaching style you might have. When answering this question, try to be as specific as possible about which areas interest you and why.

Example: “I’m most interested in studying how students learn best. I think that understanding learning styles and methods can help teachers create more effective lessons and improve student retention rates. In my last role, I worked on developing a new curriculum based on these principles. It was rewarding to see the positive impact our efforts had on the school.”

12. Are you comfortable speaking in front of large groups?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your public speaking skills. If you have experience giving presentations or speeches, share that information with the interviewer.

Example: “I’ve given several presentations in my previous role as an English teacher. I find it helpful to use visual aids and other resources to help keep students engaged. I also like to incorporate humor into my talks because it helps make lessons more memorable. In one of my classes, I gave a presentation on Shakespearean comedies. I used props and costumes to demonstrate different elements of comedy, which helped my students understand the material better.”

13. Give an example of a time where you had to make a presentation on short notice, what was your process?

This question is a great way to show your communication skills and how you can adapt to unexpected situations. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the steps you took to prepare for the presentation and what you learned from the experience.

Example: “In my current role as an event planner, I often have to make last-minute presentations to clients about upcoming events. In one instance, I had to present to a client who was unhappy with some of our recent changes in their event planning process. I gathered all of the information I could on the situation and presented it to them in a calm and professional manner. They were happy with my response and we were able to come up with a solution that worked for everyone.”

14. Would you be comfortable helping students with their homework assignments?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are willing to help students with their homework assignments. This can be a part of the job, so it’s important to show that you’re comfortable doing it. You can answer honestly and explain why you would or wouldn’t do it.

Example: “I have helped my niece with her homework before, but I don’t think I would enjoy helping every student with their homework. However, I am happy to assist them in other ways, such as by answering questions about the assignment or finding resources for them.”

15. When do you consider a project or paper to be complete?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach your work and when you feel it’s ready to be turned in. Your answer should show that you are a hard worker who is dedicated to producing quality work on time.

Example: “I consider my projects complete once I’ve thoroughly researched all of the necessary information, organized it into an appropriate format and written it out clearly. For papers, this means proofreading for grammar and spelling errors as well as ensuring that the citations are accurate. When I’m working on group projects, I also make sure that everyone has contributed their part before turning anything in.”

16. What qualities would you look for in a graduate student?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the university and its students. It also allows you to talk about what qualities you value in yourself as a student. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about which professors or mentors have inspired you. Consider how their characteristics might relate to those that are important for CUNY graduates.

Example: “I would look for a graduate student who is dedicated to his or her education. I believe that having a passion for learning is one of the most important things when pursuing a degree. Another quality I would look for is someone who is willing to take risks. I know that many people feel uncomfortable with taking chances, but I think that being open to new experiences is an important part of growing as a person.”

17. How do you think technology will impact higher education?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the higher education industry and how it’s changing. You can use examples from your own experience or discuss what you think will happen in the future.

Example: “I believe technology has already had a huge impact on higher education, especially with online learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera. I’ve taken several courses through these websites myself, and they’re very convenient for students who are working full-time jobs while going to school. In my opinion, this is just the beginning of how technology will change higher education. I predict that within 10 years, most colleges will offer at least some classes online.”

18. What do you think sets CUNY apart from other colleges/universities?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the institution and how it compares to other colleges. You can use this as a chance to highlight any unique aspects of CUNY, such as its location or size.

Example: “CUNY has some very unique qualities that set it apart from other institutions. For one thing, I think its commitment to diversity sets it apart. The university’s mission statement includes ‘access for all’ which means they are committed to providing education to students who may not otherwise have access to higher learning. Another quality that sets CUNY apart is its affordability. Many private universities charge exorbitant tuition fees, but CUNY offers many programs at a fraction of the cost.”

19. What would you say are your biggest strengths as an educator?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your teaching style and how you would fit in with their team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of specific examples that showcase your strengths as an educator.

Example: “I believe my biggest strength as an educator is my ability to create engaging lessons that help students retain information. I have always been passionate about education, so I spend time each week researching new ways to make learning fun and interesting for my students. This has led me to develop some unique lesson plans that are both informative and entertaining.”

20. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you have career goals. When answering this question, be honest about your future plans but also show that you’re willing to stay with the company for several years.

Example: “I hope to be working as an accountant at a small business by then. I would like to work my way up from an entry-level position to a more senior role where I can help manage finances. In five years, I’d love to be managing my own team of accountants.”