20 Dalhousie University Interview Questions and Answers

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Dalhousie University is a leading research university with a reputation for academic excellence. With over 18,000 students, Dalhousie is one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada.

If you’re hoping to study at Dalhousie, you’ll need to go through an interview process as part of your application. The interview is your chance to show the admissions committee who you are and why you deserve to be a Dalhousie student.

In this guide, we’ve provided a list of sample Dalhousie University interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Dalhousie University Interview Process

The interview process at Dalhousie University can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, the process may be informal and relaxed. However, for other positions, such as a Manager, the process may be more formal and lengthy. Overall, the interview process at Dalhousie University is generally fair and reasonable.

1. What is your research background?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your academic background and how it relates to the position you’re applying for. If you have any publications, make sure to include them in your answer.

Example: “I am currently working on my dissertation for my PhD in English literature. My research focuses on the role of women in Shakespearean plays. I’ve published several articles on this topic that have been well-received by scholars in the field. In addition to my work as an academic, I also volunteer at a local library where I help children with their homework.”

2. How would you describe your teaching style?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would adapt to a new teaching environment. You can describe your style by describing what you value in student learning and how you encourage it.

Example: “I believe that every student learns differently, so I try to create an individualized lesson plan for each of my students. For example, if one student is struggling with math concepts, I will provide extra support through tutoring or group lessons. If another student is excelling at math, I may assign more challenging problems to challenge them further. I also think it’s important to be flexible when adapting to different learning styles, so I make sure to give all students multiple opportunities to learn material.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to explain something complex to someone who didn’t understand it, how did you do that?

This question is a great way to assess your communication skills. It’s important for professors and instructors to be able to explain complex concepts in ways that are easy to understand, so this can help the interviewer determine if you have those skills.

Example: “In my last job as an IT specialist, I had to work with many clients who didn’t know much about computers or software. When explaining something to them, I would use analogies they could relate to and avoid jargon when possible. If someone still didn’t understand what I was saying, I would take the time to go over it again until they understood.”

4. Do you have any experience working in the field of [job title]?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to their job opening. If you have relevant experience, be sure to highlight that in your answer. If you don’t have any experience, consider talking about what inspired you to pursue this career path.

Example: “I worked as an assistant manager at a local restaurant while I was in college. This position helped me develop my customer service skills and taught me how to work with a team of employees. It also gave me valuable leadership experience, which has helped me throughout my academic career.”

5. What are some challenges that you expect to face as a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt. You can use this question to discuss a challenge you faced in the past, how you overcame it and what you learned from the experience.

Example: “I expect that one of the biggest challenges I will face as a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow at Dalhousie University will be balancing my research with other responsibilities. In my last position, I had to balance teaching classes with conducting research, which was challenging at times. However, I developed strategies for managing my time effectively so that I could complete all of my work on time.”

6. Why do you want to work at Dalhousie University?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your interest in their organization. They want to know what attracted you to the job and how you can contribute to the team. When preparing for this interview, make a list of reasons why you are interested in working at Dalhousie University. Consider mentioning any personal connections you have with the school or its faculty members.

Example: “I am very passionate about education, so I was excited to see that Dalhousie University is one of Canada’s top universities. I also have several friends who graduated from here, so I would love to work somewhere they recommend. I think my skills as an educator will be beneficial to the students here.”

7. What is one thing you would change about our department if you could?

This question is a way for the interviewer to see how you would fit in with their team. It also gives them an opportunity to explain what they like about the department and why it’s important that you share those same values. When answering this question, try to think of something positive that will help you stand out from other candidates.

Example: “I love Dalhousie University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. I would love to see more resources available for students who are struggling financially. There are many great scholarships available, but there could always be more.”

8. What was your favorite class in college and why?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential future colleagues. It can also give you insight into the type of classes Dalhousie University offers. When answering this question, try to pick a class that relates to your major or career goals.

Example: “My favorite class in college was my public speaking course. I chose it because I knew I wanted to pursue a career in marketing, but I had never given a presentation before. The professor for this class taught us how to write and deliver effective speeches. She gave us constructive feedback on our presentations so we could improve each time. By the end of the semester, I felt confident enough to present at an event.”

9. Have you ever taught before? If so, what classes did you teach?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your teaching experience. If you have never taught before, you can talk about any other experiences that are similar to teaching.

Example: “I haven’t had the opportunity to teach before, but I have been an academic advisor at my current university for the past two years. This role has given me the chance to help students with their course selections and ensure they’re on track to graduate. It’s also helped me develop relationships with many of the students in our program.”

10. Can you tell us about a recent paper you read on this topic?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the subject matter and how you apply it. You can use this opportunity to show that you have done your research on the topic, but also that you are able to critically analyze what you read.

Example: “I recently read an article about the effects of social media on mental health in young adults. The study found that while social media has many positive aspects, there is a correlation between increased usage and depression. I think this is important because we need to be aware of these risks when using social media as educators.”

11. What are some qualities you think make for a good teacher?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your teaching style and how you would approach your job if you’re offered it. You can answer this question by describing some qualities that you think are important in a teacher, such as patience, organization or creativity.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a teacher is to be organized. It’s important to have lesson plans ready so students know what they’ll be learning each day. Another quality I think makes for a good teacher is being patient. Students may ask questions or need extra help, and teachers should be able to provide support without getting frustrated. Finally, I think having a creative mind is helpful because it allows you to come up with new ways to teach concepts.”

12. What are your long term goals after graduating from this program?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a plan for your future. It’s important to be honest about what you want to do after graduation, but it can also be helpful to include some steps you’re taking to get there.

Example: “I hope to work in a marketing department of a large company. I’m currently working on getting my MBA so that I can gain more experience and knowledge in this field. After graduating from this program, I would like to find a job as a marketing associate at a small business or startup.”

13. What do you like most about working in academia?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are passionate about your career and why. You can use this question to discuss a specific project or experience that made you want to work in academia.

Example: “I love working with students because they’re always so eager to learn new things. I find it rewarding to help them develop their critical thinking skills, which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Another thing I enjoy about my job is collaborating with other faculty members on research projects. It’s exciting to see how our different perspectives come together to create something new.”

14. What do you dislike most about working in academia?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are aware of some of the challenges of working in academia. You can answer this question by identifying a few things you dislike about your current position and explaining why they’re not ideal.

Example: “I find it challenging when I have to grade papers because there’s no standard way to do so. Every professor has their own grading scale, which means students don’t know what to expect from me. I also dislike having to teach the same material over and over again because I feel like I’m repeating myself. I would rather be able to focus on new topics.”

15. Describe a time where you disagreed with a professor or advisor, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenges. It can also show them that you are able to respectfully disagree with authority figures. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you disagreed with someone in a respectful way and what actions you took to resolve the disagreement.

Example: “In my first year of college, I had an advisor who was very strict about our assignments. If we missed one deadline, they would often give us a zero on the assignment. This made me nervous because I am naturally a perfectionist, so I wanted to make sure I met all deadlines. However, I decided to speak with my advisor about this issue. I told her that I understood she was just trying to keep everyone accountable for their work, but I explained that I needed more time to complete some of the larger projects. She agreed to let me submit late work if I could prove that I completed most of it by the original due date.”

16. What are some ways you would help students succeed in this course?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer how you can help students succeed in this course. You can use your answer to highlight your teaching skills and any strategies you have for helping students learn.

Example: “I believe that one of the best ways I can help my students succeed is by creating a positive learning environment where they feel comfortable asking questions. In my last position, I had a student who was struggling with a concept we were learning. Instead of just answering their question, I asked them what they thought the answer might be so I could explain it from there. This helped them understand the concept better and gave me insight into what else they needed help with.”

17. Are you interested in pursuing an academic career?

This question is often asked to determine if you are interested in pursuing a career at Dalhousie University. It can also help the interviewer understand your goals and motivations for applying to this position. When answering, it can be helpful to mention what led you to apply for this job. You may also want to discuss any relevant experience that helped prepare you for an academic career.

Example: “I am very passionate about education and I have always wanted to pursue an academic career. My love of teaching started when I was young, as my parents were both teachers. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I volunteered as a tutor and mentor to younger students. This experience helped me realize how much I enjoy working with students and helping them learn new things.”

18. How would you go about preparing for this class?

This question is a great way to assess your study habits and how you approach academic challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to prepare for class and highlight any specific strategies that have helped you in the past.

Example: “I always try to arrive at least 10 minutes early to class so I can get settled and ready to start on time. Once class starts, I make sure to pay attention and take notes as the professor speaks. I find that taking detailed notes helps me remember important information later when studying or reviewing my notes. After each lecture, I review my notes and highlight key points I want to remember.”

19. We are looking for someone who can take initiative and be proactive. Give us an example of a time when you took the lead on a project.

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and how you can take charge of a situation. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about a time when you were in a leadership position or helped lead a team.

Example: “In my last role as the marketing manager for a small business, I noticed that our website was not ranking well on search engines. This made it difficult for customers to find us online. So, I took initiative and hired a web developer to help improve our SEO. After implementing some changes to our website, we saw a significant increase in traffic.”

20. How would you approach teaching a difficult concept to students?

This question can help the interviewer assess your teaching style and how you adapt to different learning styles. Use examples from past experiences where you had to teach a difficult concept or skill to students, and explain what steps you took to ensure they understood it.

Example: “I once taught an introductory biology class that included both pre-med and non-science majors. I knew some of my students were there because it was required for their major, so I made sure to include plenty of visuals in my lectures and demonstrations. I also used analogies and metaphors to make complex concepts easier to understand. For example, when explaining DNA replication, I compared it to making copies of documents on a computer.”