20 Humber College Interview Questions and Answers

Humber College is a leading post-secondary institution in Canada, offering over 150 programs to more than 35,000 full-time and 20,000 part-time students. Located in Toronto, Humber College has campuses across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as an online learning division.

The interview process at Humber College is designed to assess your fit for the program you’re applying to. You can expect to be asked questions about your academic history, work experience, and career goals. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample Humber College interview questions and answers.

Humber College Interview Process

The interview process at Humber College can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as a Stagiaire, you may only have one interview, while for others, like a Senior Software Developer, you may have multiple rounds of interviews. However, most positions will require at least one in-person interview.

Some common questions that may be asked during an interview at Humber College include behavioral and situational questions. For example, you may be asked to describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or co-worker. Other questions may be more specific to the job you are applying for, such as questions about your experience with certain software or technologies.

Overall, the interview process at Humber College is generally positive. Interviewers are typically friendly and try to make the experience as comfortable as possible for candidates. However, some candidates have reported waiting for weeks or even months to hear back after their interview, which can be frustrating.

1. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are confident in your abilities, but also aware of areas where you can improve. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest and specific. Try to focus on strengths that relate to the job description or skills required for the role.

Example: “I am a very organized person who is always prepared for meetings and assignments. I have excellent time management skills, which has helped me stay on track with my coursework while working part-time. My weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on work that I forget to take care of myself. I’ve learned to set reminders throughout the day to take short breaks and eat healthy snacks.”

2. Why do you want to work at Humber College?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your interest in their organization. They want to know what attracted you to the position and why you would be a good fit for their team. Before your interview, research the college’s mission statement and values. Use these as a guide when answering this question.

Example: “I am passionate about education and believe that Humber College is doing great things in the community. I have heard many positive reviews from students who have attended classes here. I think my skills and experience are a good match for this role, and I would love to contribute to the success of this institution.”

3. Describe a time where you had to deal with a difficult student or parent. How did you handle it?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle conflict. They want to know that you can remain calm and professional when faced with a challenging situation. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the issue or diffuse the conflict.

Example: “In my current position as an English teacher, I had a student who was constantly disrupting class. The student would talk out of turn, throw paper airplanes at other students and even leave his desk without permission. After speaking with the student’s parents, we decided it would be best for him to change classes. He ended up in another one of my classes where he could learn independently. This helped both the student and myself.”

4. What is your teaching philosophy?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you plan to support students in their academic pursuits. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific lesson or experience that helped shape your philosophy as a teacher.

Example: “My teaching philosophy is centered on the idea of creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas. I believe that everyone has something unique to contribute to a classroom discussion, so I try to encourage my students to speak up and share their thoughts. In my last position, I had a student who was very shy, but he always raised his hand with insightful answers when called upon. After class one day, he told me that he felt more confident speaking because I made him feel like his opinion mattered.”

5. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with the way something was being taught, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether or not you’re willing to speak up when you disagree with something. Your answer should show that you are able to respectfully voice your opinion, even if it’s different from what others think.

Example: “In my first year of teaching, I had a student who was struggling in math. He would often miss class because he didn’t feel confident enough to stay for extra help after school. One day, I asked him why he wasn’t staying for tutoring, and he told me that his teacher said he wouldn’t need any more help until next semester. I explained to him that he could learn at home by doing some extra practice problems on his own time. After that, I spoke with his teacher about our conversation and she agreed to let him stay for tutoring.”

6. Do you have any experience working in an academic environment?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have experience working in a college setting. Academic environments can be unique, so it’s important to highlight any skills or experiences you have that would make you a good fit for this role.

Example: “I worked as a teaching assistant at my university for two years. I was responsible for grading papers and exams, which helped me develop strong organizational and time management skills. I also had to communicate with students about their grades and answer questions they had about assignments. This experience has given me valuable insight into what students need from faculty members.”

7. What would be your approach to helping students who need extra help?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you might approach your responsibilities as a tutor. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your ability to work with students who need extra support and guidance.

Example: “I believe that every student has the potential to succeed, but sometimes they just need a little bit of extra attention or practice to get there. In my last tutoring position, I worked with several students who needed more one-on-one time to learn concepts in their classes. For these students, I would create individualized lesson plans that focused on specific areas where they were struggling. This helped me build strong relationships with each student while also helping them develop confidence in their abilities.”

8. Are you comfortable dealing with parents?

Humber College is a public institution, so you may have to interact with parents and guardians of students. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in a public setting. In your answer, explain that you enjoy interacting with people from all backgrounds. Explain that you will treat everyone with respect and courtesy.

Example: “I love working with parents because I find it rewarding when they see their child’s growth. When I was an assistant teacher at my previous job, I had the opportunity to work with many different types of parents. Some were very involved while others weren’t as much. Regardless of how involved they were, I always treated them with respect. I would tell them about what their child did during class and show them any new skills they learned.”

9. Have you ever taught a class before? If so, what kind of class?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential future colleagues. If you have experience teaching, the interviewer may want to know what kind of class it was and how you prepared for it. This can help them understand if you’re ready to teach at Humber College.

Example: “I’ve never taught a class before, but I did tutor my younger brother in math when we were growing up. He struggled with fractions, so I would sit down with him after school and explain concepts to him until he understood them. It took us a few months, but eventually he got the hang of it.”

10. What is your experience with research?

Humber College is a research-intensive institution, so the admissions committee may ask this question to learn more about your experience with academic research. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe any previous research projects you’ve worked on and how they helped you develop as a student.

Example: “In my first year of university, I took an introductory psychology course where we had to complete a group project. My team and I decided to do our project on the effects of music on productivity at work. We conducted interviews with several people in different industries to find out what kind of music they listened to while working. Then, we analyzed the data and found that most people listen to classical music when working because it helps them focus.”

11. What steps do you take to ensure that your research is accurate?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your research skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, consider describing a time when you researched information for a project or task and used multiple sources to ensure that it was accurate.

Example: “I always make sure to use multiple sources of information when conducting my own research. I find that using more than one source helps me avoid bias and ensures that I’m getting an accurate representation of the facts. In my last role as a marketing specialist, I had to create a campaign based on some market research we conducted. To ensure our findings were accurate, I looked at several different studies and reports from other companies to compare our data.”

12. How do you keep up with new developments in your field?

Employers ask this question to see if you are passionate about your career and how much effort you put into staying up-to-date on new developments. They want to know that you will be able to contribute fresh ideas and strategies to their team. When answering, show the interviewer that you have a passion for learning and researching. Explain what methods you use to stay current in your field.

Example: “I am passionate about my career and always looking for ways to improve myself as a professional. I read several industry publications every week and subscribe to newsletters from experts in my field. I also take online courses and attend seminars hosted by professionals in the industry.”

13. What type of support do you think professors need from their managers?

This question can help interviewers understand your management style and how you would support the faculty at Humber College. Use examples from your experience to explain what type of support you think is important for professors to have in their work environment.

Example: “I believe that managers should be available to provide guidance and feedback when needed, especially if a professor needs assistance with managing their time or workload. I also think it’s important for managers to create an open-door policy so that professors feel comfortable coming to them with questions or concerns. In my last role as a manager, I made sure to hold weekly meetings with my team members to discuss any challenges they were having and offer advice on how to overcome those issues.”

14. How does your past experience make you a good fit for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. Before your interview, make a list of all your relevant skills and experiences that match what the employer is looking for in an applicant. Use these examples to answer this question by explaining how your past experience makes you qualified for the position.

Example: “I have three years of experience working as a receptionist at a local hospital. In this role, I learned how to work with many different people from various backgrounds. This skill has helped me become more patient and empathetic when interacting with others. It also helps me understand the needs of students and faculty members while performing my duties.”

15. What do you know about Humber College’s programs?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of their institution and its offerings. It’s important that you do some research on Humber College before your interview, so you can confidently answer this question with facts about the school.

Example: “I know that Humber College offers many different programs in business, technology, health care and more. I also know that it has an excellent reputation as one of Canada’s top colleges. In fact, it was ranked number two in Ontario by Macleans Magazine last year.”

16. What do you think makes a successful professor?

Humber College wants to know what you think makes a successful professor. They want to make sure that their students are getting the best education possible, and they need professors who can help them achieve this goal. When answering this question, it’s important to show your understanding of what it takes to be an effective educator. You should also mention some specific skills or traits that you have that would help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I think one of the most important things for a professor is to be passionate about their subject matter. If I’m not excited about teaching a class, then my students won’t be either. Another thing that makes a good professor is being able to communicate clearly with students. It’s important to be able to explain concepts in different ways so that everyone understands. Finally, I think it’s essential to be organized and prepared for every class.”

17. What do you think makes a successful peer tutor?

Peer tutors are an important part of the Humber College community. The interviewer wants to know what you think makes a good peer tutor and how your skills match up with this role. Use examples from past experiences where you helped others learn new concepts or overcome challenges.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities in a peer tutor is patience. I’ve had many professors who were great at explaining things, but they didn’t have much patience for students who struggled to understand. As a result, some students never felt confident enough to ask questions or seek help. In my experience as a peer tutor, I’ve learned that it’s okay if someone doesn’t understand something right away. It takes time to build confidence and develop new skills.”

18. What do you think makes a successful student ambassador?

Humber College is looking for students who can represent the school well. They want ambassadors who are friendly, outgoing and passionate about their work. When you answer this question, think about what makes a great ambassador in your experience. Consider qualities like confidence, enthusiasm and communication skills.

Example: “I think a successful student ambassador needs to be someone who’s confident and comfortable talking with others. I’ve found that people respond best when they feel like you’re genuinely interested in them. It also helps if you have some basic knowledge of the program or event you’re representing. This shows that you’re committed to learning more about it and helping others learn as well.”

19. What do you think makes a successful instructor?

Humber College wants to know what you think makes a successful instructor. They want instructors who can help students learn and grow, as well as those who are passionate about their subject matter. When answering this question, try to explain your thoughts on what makes an effective teacher.

Example: “I believe that the most important quality of a good instructor is passion for the subject they teach. If I’m not excited about teaching a topic, it’s hard to convey my enthusiasm to my students. Another important quality is patience. Students often ask questions or need extra help, so I should be able to provide support while also encouraging them to find answers themselves. Finally, I think it’s essential to have a sense of humor. It helps keep everyone in class engaged and having fun.”

20. How well do you work under pressure?

Employers ask this question to see if you can handle stress and still perform your job well. They want to know that you are able to work under pressure, but also how you react to it. This is a great time to talk about a specific situation where you had to work under pressure and how you handled it.

Example: “I have worked in customer service for the past five years, so I am used to working under pressure. However, there was one instance when I received an influx of calls from customers who were having issues with their accounts. It was my first day on the job, and I was nervous about handling the situation. I took a deep breath and focused on helping each person as best as I could. By the end of the day, I had helped all of the customers and learned more about the company.”