20 The University of Kansas Interview Questions and Answers

The University of Kansas is one of the leading research universities in the United States. With over 27,000 students and 2,600 faculty members, the university is dedicated to providing a world-class education.

If you’re hoping to land a job at the University of Kansas, you can expect the interview process to be competitive. The university receives thousands of applications for each open position, so you’ll need to stand out from the crowd.

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

The University of Kansas Interview Process

The interview process at The University of Kansas can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as a tutor or graphic designer, the interview may be brief and focused primarily on your experience and qualifications. For other positions, such as a research assistant or postdoctoral fellow, the interview process may be more extensive, with multiple interviews with different members of the research team. Overall, the interview process at The University of Kansas is generally fair and efficient, and candidates should expect to receive a decision within a few weeks of their initial interview.

1. What is your favorite part about teaching?

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and personality. They want to know what you enjoy most about the job, so they can see if it aligns with their expectations for the position. When answering this question, think of a specific example that shows your passion for teaching.

Example: “My favorite part about teaching is seeing my students’ faces when they understand something new. I love being able to help them reach their goals and discover new things about themselves. It’s rewarding to be a part of that process. In my last role, I had a student who was struggling in one of her classes. She came to me after class one day and told me she wanted to drop the course. I spent some time talking with her about why she should stay in the class and how we could work together to make sure she understood the material.”

2. Do you have any experience with academic research?

The University of Kansas is a research university, so it’s likely that you’ll be asked about your experience with academic research. This question can help the interviewer determine if you have any relevant experience and how much time you’ve spent doing this type of work. Use examples from your past to show that you’re familiar with academic research and what it entails.

Example: “I worked as an intern at my college’s library for two semesters. I helped students find books and articles on their topics and assisted professors in finding sources for their research papers. I also did some independent research myself, which gave me valuable insight into the process.”

3. Describe a time where you had to work under pressure, how did you handle it?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you handle pressure and deadlines. This can be a great opportunity to showcase your time management skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my current role as an admissions counselor, I have to meet certain enrollment goals each month. One month, we had a large number of students who were on the fence about enrolling in our university. It was important that I reached out to these students quickly so they could make their decision before the deadline. I worked late nights and weekends to reach out to these students and help them decide if KU was right for them.”

4. How do you think that you would make an impact on the students here at KU?

The interviewer is looking for your unique perspective on how you can help students succeed. Showcase your ability to connect with students and provide them with the tools they need to be successful in their academic careers.

Example: “I think that I would make an impact by helping students feel comfortable asking questions, no matter what subject or class it’s about. I believe that if a student feels like they can ask me any question without feeling embarrassed, then they will be more likely to speak up in class and participate in discussions. This leads to better understanding of course material and helps students learn more efficiently.”

5. Have you worked in higher education before?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience in higher education. If you have worked in higher education before, share some of your experiences and what you learned from them. If this is your first time working in higher education, talk about how you would adapt to the role if offered the job.

Example: “I have not worked in higher education before, but I am excited to get started with my career in academia. I think that I can bring a lot of enthusiasm and passion to the position because I love learning new things and helping others do the same. I also understand that there are many challenges that come with being an instructor, so I’m prepared to work hard and put in extra hours when needed.”

6. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with someone and how you handled it.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills. This is because it can be important for you to work with other people in a team setting, such as at the university. When answering this question, try to focus on how you used your communication skills to resolve the disagreement and find common ground.

Example: “When I was working as an admissions counselor, I disagreed with my supervisor’s decision to deny a student admission. My supervisor had denied the student based on their GPA, but I felt that there were extenuating circumstances that should have been taken into account. Instead of just telling my supervisor why I disagreed, I asked her what factors she considered when making decisions like these. She told me that she also took the student’s SAT scores into consideration.

I then explained to her that the student had recently lost both of his parents and was now living with his grandparents. He was doing everything he could to take care of them while still maintaining good grades. After hearing his story, my supervisor agreed to reconsider his application.”

7. How do you deal with conflict?

The university may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills. This is because conflict can arise in any workplace, and it’s important for employees to be able to resolve issues quickly and effectively. When answering this question, try to focus on how you use communication to solve problems.

Example: “I believe that the best way to deal with conflict is by being open and honest. I always make sure to communicate clearly when there are issues so everyone understands what’s going on. In my last position, a coworker was having some personal issues that were affecting their work performance. I talked to them privately about the issue and offered to help however I could. They appreciated my honesty and openness, and we worked together to find a solution.”

8. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to answer honestly. The interviewer wants to know what your strengths are so they can see how you will be an asset to the university, but they also want to learn about any weaknesses so they can help you improve them. When answering this question, try to focus on your strengths first and then mention any areas where you could use improvement.

Example: “I think my greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always willing to collaborate with others and share ideas. My weakness would probably be that sometimes I get too excited when I have an idea or solution to a problem. This has led me to speak before thinking through all of my thoughts, which has caused some issues in the past.”

9. What do you think are the most important qualities for a teacher?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching philosophy. They want to know what you value in a teacher and how it relates to their school’s values. When answering, think of the qualities that are most important to you as a teacher. Try to relate them to the university’s mission statement or goals.

Example: “I believe the most important quality for a teacher is empathy. I feel like teachers need to be able to understand where their students are coming from and have compassion for their situations. For example, if a student has a lot going on at home, I would try to find ways to make up for missed assignments without giving them a zero. I also think patience is an important quality because there will always be challenging students who test our limits.

10. In what ways do you think you could contribute to University of Kansas’ mission statement?

The University of Kansas is a public research university that aims to educate students and advance the state’s economy. The school wants employees who can contribute to these goals, so they ask this question to see how you might fit in with their mission statement. When answering this question, it can be helpful to read through the university’s mission statement and highlight any ways your own personal values align with theirs.

Example: “I think I could really help the University of Kansas achieve its goal of educating students by bringing my experience as an educator myself. In my current position, I have helped many students learn more about the subjects they are passionate about and find new career paths for themselves. I also think I could help the university advance the state’s economy by encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields or other areas where there is a need for qualified professionals.”

11. Are you comfortable working with people who have disabilities?

The University of Kansas is a diverse campus with students from all over the world. The university wants to ensure that you are comfortable working with people who have disabilities, as they may be your colleagues or students. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention how you would help someone with a disability if you were in a position of authority.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with people who have disabilities. I had a friend in high school who was deaf and used sign language. I learned some basic signs so we could communicate better. I also volunteered at my local hospital where I helped patients learn how to use their wheelchairs. It’s important for me to understand what others are going through and provide support when needed.”

12. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your skills and abilities that make you an ideal candidate for the position. You may also want to mention any unique or transferable skills you have that could be beneficial to the university.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my passion for education and commitment to excellence. Throughout my career as a teacher, I’ve consistently received positive feedback from students and parents alike. My dedication to helping others succeed has led me to receive multiple awards for being one of the top teachers in the state.”

13. What are some of your goals as a graduate assistant?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. This is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a clear vision for your future in academia. When preparing for this question, think about what you hope to accomplish as a graduate assistant at The University of Kansas. Consider including some short-term goals and long-term goals.

Example: “I want to be able to work with students one day as a professor. I know that being a graduate assistant is just a stepping stone on my path toward becoming a professor, but I am eager to start working with students and helping them succeed. In my role as a graduate assistant, I would like to help students develop their research skills so they can become successful researchers when they enter the workforce.”

14. What motivates you?

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you might fit in with the university community. They want to know what inspires you, what drives you forward and what makes you passionate about your work. Your answer should include a few examples of what motivates you and why it’s important to you.

Example: “I am motivated by helping others succeed. I love seeing students grow throughout their college experience and achieve their goals. I also find motivation in my colleagues. I believe that collaboration is key to success, so I always try to be helpful and supportive of other people’s ideas and projects.”

15. If hired, how long do you plan on staying at The University of Kansas?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re committed to the job and that it’s a good fit for you. They want to know that you plan on staying with them long enough to get your value out of the investment they’ll be making in hiring you. When answering, try to emphasize how much you enjoy working at The University of Kansas and why you think it’s a great place to work.

Example: “I’m very excited about this opportunity and I would love to stay here as long as possible. I’ve always wanted to work at a university like this one, so I’d love to build my career here. I feel like I could really contribute to the team and help students succeed.”

16. Can you tell us more about your previous research experience?

The university may ask this question to learn more about your background and how it relates to the position. If you have research experience, share what you worked on and why you chose that project. If you don’t have any research experience, you can talk about a time when you used critical thinking skills in another way.

Example: “In my previous role as an assistant professor at Midwestern State University, I researched ways to improve student engagement in online courses. I did this by surveying students and faculty members to find out their opinions on current methods of teaching and learning. This helped me create new strategies for improving student performance.”

17. How would you go about creating a lesson plan?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you plan out lessons. Use examples from past experience in creating lesson plans, or if you haven’t taught before, explain what steps you would take when planning a lesson.

Example: “I start by reading through the course material and making notes on important points I want to cover with my students. Then, I create an outline of the topics I want to discuss during each class period. Finally, I write up the actual lesson plan that includes all of the information I need for each day’s class.”

18. How would you help a student who was struggling academically or socially?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your approach to helping students succeed. Use examples from past experiences where you helped a student overcome challenges and achieve academic or social success.

Example: “I once had a student who was struggling with his grades because he didn’t understand the material. I met with him after class one day, and we talked through some of the concepts that were challenging for him. He told me that he understood what I was saying but just needed help applying it to other situations. We scheduled another meeting later in the week so I could explain the same concept using different methods. By the end of the week, he had raised his grade by two points.”

19. Tell me about a time when you were given feedback from a professor/manager. How did you respond to it?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to accept feedback and use it to improve. Use examples from your past experience that show you can take constructive criticism, analyze the information and apply it to your work or study habits.

Example: “When I was in college, my professor gave me some critical feedback on a paper I wrote for one of my classes. She told me that while I had good ideas, I needed to be more organized with my writing and include more sources. After class, I went back to my dorm room and rewrote the entire paper, making sure to organize my thoughts better and add more research. My grade improved significantly after rewriting the paper.”

20. What do you like most about being a graduate assistant?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you enjoy your job and are passionate about it. You can answer this question by describing a specific aspect of being a graduate assistant that you like most, such as working with students or helping faculty members.

Example: “I love working with students because I find their enthusiasm for learning inspiring. It’s rewarding to help them understand concepts they’re struggling with and see them succeed in my classes. Another thing I really enjoy about being a graduate assistant is collaborating with other graduate assistants on projects. We all have different strengths and perspectives, so we often come up with creative solutions to problems.”