17 English Professor Interview Questions and Answers

English professors are responsible for teaching college students the ins and outs of the English language. They help students develop their writing, reading, and speaking skills. They also teach students about the literature of various English-speaking countries.

If you’re interested in becoming an English professor, you’ll need to be able to answer common interview questions about your teaching experience and your knowledge of the English language. In this guide, we’ll provide you with sample interview questions and answers that will help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the latest developments in the field of English?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of expertise in the field. It also helps them understand how you keep up with current events and trends in the industry. Use this opportunity to show that you are a dedicated professional who stays on top of developments in your field.

Example: “I am very familiar with the latest developments in the field of English because I subscribe to several academic journals and newsletters. In addition, I attend conferences and seminars regularly so I can learn about new research and theories from other experts in the field. I find these resources helpful for my own teaching methods as well.”

What are some of your favorite classic works of literature?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and your interests. It also helps them understand what types of literature you enjoy reading, which can be important for an English professor. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention works that have influenced you or helped you develop your own writing style.

Example: “Some of my favorite classic works of literature are ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen and ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ by Charles Dickens. I’ve read all three multiple times and find myself returning to them often because they’re so well-written and engaging. Each time I read one of these books, I notice something new about the plot or characters.”

How do you help students develop their writing skills?

This question can help the interviewer understand your teaching style and how you support students. Use examples from past experiences to explain what methods you use to help students develop their writing skills, such as encouraging them to write creatively or helping them edit their work.

Example: “I believe that developing a student’s writing skills is an ongoing process. I encourage my students to write creatively by giving them assignments that allow them to express themselves in different ways. For example, I may give them a prompt that asks them to write about something they are passionate about. This allows them to write freely without worrying about grammar or spelling. Then, we go over their work together so they can learn how to improve their writing.”

What is your teaching philosophy?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your teaching style and how you plan to help students succeed. You can describe what methods you use in the classroom, including any technology or resources that you find helpful for student learning.

Example: “I believe that every student has a unique way of understanding information, so I try to create lessons that are engaging and interactive. In my last position, I used a variety of multimedia tools like videos and online games to keep students engaged during class. I also encourage students to ask questions and provide feedback on their learning experience so we can work together to improve their education.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to give critical feedback to a student.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you handle conflict. When answering, it can be helpful to focus on a specific example rather than generalizing the process of giving feedback.

Example: “In my first year as an English professor, I had a student who was failing all of their classes except for mine. After speaking with them privately, they told me that they were struggling in other courses because they weren’t prepared for the material. They asked if they could retake the course after taking summer classes to prepare. I agreed to let them retake the class but only if they maintained a B+ average or higher. If not, they would have to repeat the entire semester.”

If a student is struggling with reading comprehension, what strategies do you use to help them?

Reading comprehension is an important skill for students to develop. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you help students succeed in the classroom. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure that all of your students understand the material they read.

Example: “I have a few different strategies I use when helping students with reading comprehension. First, I make sure to give them plenty of time to read each assignment before we discuss it in class. This gives them enough time to process the information and allows me to provide feedback on their understanding as they’re reading. Second, I always include examples or analogies in my lessons so students can relate new concepts to things they already know. Finally, I encourage students to ask questions during class so they don’t feel embarrassed to speak up.”

What would you do if a student came to you asking for recommendations for new books to read?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you interact with students and your ability to recommend books. Use examples from past experiences where you helped students find new books to read or recommended specific titles for them to check out.

Example: “I would first ask what they’ve enjoyed reading in the past, as well as their interests. Then I’d look through my own book collection to see if there are any titles that might be a good fit. If not, I’d use online resources like Goodreads to search for similar books based on the student’s preferences.”

How well do you know the content of the courses you teach?

Interviewers want to know that you are passionate about the subject matter and have a strong understanding of it. They also want to make sure you can teach students effectively, so they ask this question to see if you’re familiar with the content you’ll be teaching in their department. When answering this question, try to show your passion for the subject matter and explain how much time you spend studying it.

Example: “I am very passionate about my subject area and I always strive to learn more about it. In fact, I read at least one book on each course I teach every year. I find that reading helps me understand the material better and gives me new ideas for lessons and activities. I also attend conferences and workshops related to my field because I think it’s important to stay up-to-date on current research.”

Do you have any experience working with students with special needs?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with students who may need additional support. If you do, explain how you helped them succeed in your classroom and what strategies you used to ensure they were able to meet their academic goals.

Example: “I’ve had several students with learning disabilities in my classes throughout my career as an English professor. I always make sure that I provide extra time for these students during class so they can ask questions or clarify any information I’m presenting. I also give them assignments that are more individualized so they can work at their own pace. This helps me assess their progress without overwhelming them.”

When giving a lecture, what types of visuals or examples do you use to help engage the class?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you engage students in the classroom. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few examples of visuals or resources that you use when lecturing so they know what types of materials you have access to.

Example: “I find that using real-world examples is one of the best ways to help my students understand concepts better. For example, if I’m talking about figurative language, I’ll give an example of a time I used metaphors or other figures of speech in conversation. This helps them relate the concept to their own lives and gives them something tangible to remember.”

We want to ensure our students have access to faculty outside of class. What would you do to build a relationship with students outside of the classroom?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with students. Faculty members who can connect with their students outside of the classroom are more likely to have a positive impact on their learning experience.

Example: “I believe it’s important for faculty to be approachable, especially when we’re teaching in smaller classrooms. I would make sure that my office hours were clearly posted online so students could easily find me if they needed help or advice. I also plan to attend at least one event hosted by student organizations each semester to get to know my students better.”

Describe your process when writing a critical analysis of a piece of literature.

This question can help the interviewer understand your writing process and how you approach a task. Use examples from past experiences to describe what steps you take when analyzing literature, such as researching information about the author or reading other works by the same writer.

Example: “I start my critical analysis by reading the piece of literature carefully and taking notes on any thoughts that come to mind. I then research the background of the author to learn more about their life and influences while they were creating the work. After this, I read other pieces by the same author to compare and contrast them with the original piece. Finally, I write my analysis based on these findings.”

What makes you stand out from other English professors?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you differentiate yourself from other professors. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific skill or quality that makes you unique as an English professor.

Example: “I think what makes me stand out is my ability to relate to students. I understand that many of my students are in their early 20s, so I try to use pop culture references and current events to make lessons more relatable. This helps students remember the material better because they’re able to connect it to something they already know.”

Which teaching methods do you prefer?

This question can help the interviewer understand your teaching style and how you plan to engage students in class. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few methods that you enjoy using in the classroom and explain why they’re effective.

Example: “I find that I’m most successful when I use a variety of teaching methods. For example, I like to start my classes with an engaging lecture where I introduce new material and provide examples for students to follow along with. Then, I’ll move into small group discussions or lectures where I can go more in-depth on certain topics. Finally, I end each class with a quick recap of what we learned so far.”

What do you think is the most important skill for an English professor to have?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you view your role as an English professor. It also helps them understand what skills you think are most important for success in this position. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a skill that is directly related to teaching or interacting with students.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for an English professor to have is patience. Students often struggle with understanding literature and grammar rules, so I find it’s important to be patient when explaining concepts and helping them learn new things. I try to make sure they feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback on their learning experience.”

How often do you update your knowledge of the latest literature and trends in the field?

This question can help the interviewer determine how passionate you are about your field of study. It also helps them understand whether you’re likely to stay at their university for a long time or if you might be looking for other opportunities that offer more up-to-date information and resources.

Example: “I’m always reading new literature, articles and books in my field. I subscribe to several journals and newsletters so I can read the latest research from my colleagues. I also attend conferences and workshops where I can learn about the newest trends in education and teaching methods. I find this type of learning very rewarding because it allows me to bring new ideas back to my classroom.”

There is a new trend in literature that you don’t agree with. How do you address it in class?

This question is an opportunity to show your critical thinking skills and how you can apply them in a classroom setting. You should answer this question by explaining the trend, why it’s important and what you would do differently.

Example: “There is a new trend in literature that I don’t agree with because it limits students from reading classic works of literature. This trend is called trigger warnings, which are disclaimers placed at the beginning of books or stories that warn readers about potentially offensive content. While I understand where this idea comes from, I believe it takes away from the purpose of literature, which is to challenge our beliefs and expand our minds. Instead, I would encourage my students to read these classics without any warning so they could experience the full story.”