20 University of Toronto Interview Questions and Answers

The University of Toronto is one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With over 90,000 students and 10,000 faculty and staff, the University of Toronto is one of the largest employers in Canada.

The interview process for positions at the University of Toronto can vary depending on the role you’re applying for. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of common University of Toronto interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

University of Toronto Interview Process

The interview process at University of Toronto can vary depending on the position you are applying for. Generally, the process begins with an application review, followed by an interview. For some positions, there may be multiple rounds of interviews. The difficulty of the interviews also varies depending on the position. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, though some candidates have found it to be more difficult than others.

1. What is your research experience?

The University of Toronto is a research-intensive institution, so it’s likely that you will be asked about your experience in this area. Your answer should include the type of research you’ve done and how it relates to the position for which you’re applying.

Example: “I have been conducting my own research since I was an undergraduate student. My first project was on the effects of social media on mental health, and I found that people who use social media more frequently are more prone to depression. This led me to pursue a master’s degree in psychology where I continued my research into the effects of social media on mental health. I am currently working on a study with a professor at the university on the effects of social media on sleep.”

2. How did you become interested in this field of study?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand your motivations for pursuing a degree in this field. It can also give them insight into what inspires you, which can be helpful if they are looking for someone who is passionate about their work. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to share an anecdote or two that highlights why you chose this major and how it has helped you develop as a person.

Example: “I became interested in this field of study when I was taking my first psychology class in high school. The teacher was so engaging and made the material interesting by using real-world examples. I realized then that I wanted to pursue a career where I could help people learn more about themselves and overcome challenges.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with conflict, how did you handle it?

University is a time when students are likely to encounter conflict. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle such situations and if you have any experience with it.

Example: “I had an issue with one of my roommates in college, but I handled it by talking to them about the situation. We both agreed that we were stressed out from schoolwork and decided to put our differences aside for the sake of our friendship. It was difficult at first, but after a few weeks, we became closer than ever.”

4. Why do you want to work at the University of Toronto?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your interest in their organization. They want to know that you have done research on the school and understand what makes it unique. When preparing for this question, read up on the University of Toronto’s mission statement and values. Consider how your own goals align with those of the university.

Example: “I am passionate about education and believe that everyone deserves a chance at a quality education. I saw from your website that the University of Toronto is committed to diversity and inclusion. I would love to work here because I think we can make a real difference in students’ lives by providing them with an inclusive environment where they feel safe to express themselves.”

5. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to answer honestly. When answering this question, you can list two or three strengths and weaknesses that are relevant to the position. It’s also helpful to explain how you overcome your weaknesses.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator, both written and verbal. I have always been able to convey my thoughts clearly, which has helped me succeed in previous positions. My weakness is time management. I often get so involved in my work that I forget to check the clock. However, I’ve learned to use alarms on my phone to remind myself when tasks need to be completed.”

6. Describe an instance where you were able to improve upon the design of a project that was not working correctly.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in the workplace. Use examples from previous work experiences that highlight your ability to analyze a situation, develop solutions and implement those solutions effectively.

Example: “In my last role as an architect, I was working on a project where we had to design a new wing for a hospital. The client wanted us to create a space that would be aesthetically pleasing but also functional. After reviewing the blueprints, I noticed that there were several areas of the building that did not have enough natural light. This could potentially cause issues with patients recovering from surgery or other procedures.

I met with the team to discuss possible solutions. We decided to add skylights to the ceiling of each room so that patients could get plenty of sunlight during their recovery process. The solution worked well, and the hospital was happy with our final product.”

7. What would you say is your greatest strength?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you can think of a strength that relates to the job. When answering this question, try to choose something that shows your ability to perform well as a student or employee.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I’ve always been able to notice small things and remember them later, which has helped me succeed in school and work. In my last position, I noticed an error on a report before anyone else did, and I was able to fix it before our client saw it.”

8. When have you found yourself working well under pressure?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of how you perform in high-pressure situations. This is an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Example: “In my previous role, I was responsible for managing several projects at once. One day, one of our clients called me because they were unhappy with their project. I took a deep breath and asked them what specifically wasn’t working for them. They told me that they weren’t happy with the quality of work we provided. I apologized and explained that we would fix it immediately. I then delegated some tasks to other team members so I could focus on fixing this issue.”

9. Do you feel comfortable teaching students who speak English as a second language?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work with students who have different learning styles and backgrounds. Use examples from past experiences where you’ve helped students learn English as a second language or developed strategies for helping them understand the material.

Example: “I had an ESL student in my high school chemistry class, and I worked with him one-on-one after school to help him understand the concepts of the periodic table. He was able to grasp the information by using visuals and hands-on activities. After working with him, I realized that it’s important to find ways to make lessons more relatable to each individual student.”

10. Have you ever been responsible for organizing a group project? If so, what steps did you take to ensure the success of the project?

University students often work together on group projects, so employers want to know that you have experience with this type of task. Use your answer to highlight your organizational skills and how they helped the project be successful.

Example: “In my first year of college, I was part of a marketing class where we had to create our own company. We were given a list of tasks to complete, including creating a logo, website and social media accounts. I volunteered to be the team leader for our group, which meant I was responsible for organizing meetings and making sure everyone completed their assignments. We ended up winning second place in the competition.”

11. Are you familiar with any statistical software packages? Which ones?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the software they use at U of T. If you are, share your knowledge and explain how it can be beneficial for their department. If you aren’t familiar with any statistical software packages, let them know that you’re willing to learn new programs.

Example: “I am very familiar with SPSS, which is a program I used in my last position as an analyst. It’s a great tool for data analysis because it allows me to sort through large amounts of information quickly and efficiently. I also understand SAS, although I haven’t had much experience using it.”

12. Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with a decision made by your supervisor or instructor, how did you handle it?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. Use examples from your past experience where you disagreed with a decision, but were able to resolve the issue in a positive way.

Example: “In my first year of college, I had an instructor who was very strict when it came to handing in assignments. If we missed one deadline, we would automatically fail the entire course. I disagreed with this policy because I felt that students should be given second chances if they are unable to meet deadlines due to extenuating circumstances. However, instead of voicing my concerns during class, I contacted the professor after class hours to discuss my concerns. The professor agreed to change the policy for future classes.”

13. We value teamwork here at the University of Toronto. Give an example of a time when you worked effectively as part of a team.

The University of Toronto wants to know that you can work well with others. This question is your chance to show them how you function as part of a team and what makes you a valuable member.

Example: “I was working on a project for my marketing class last semester, and we had to create an advertising campaign for a product. My group members were all very creative people who brought different perspectives to the table. We decided to make a video about our product, which required us to film it outside. It was cold out, but everyone worked together to get the job done.”

14. What would be your approach to teaching a particular subject if you knew many of your students struggled with the material?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you adapt your teaching style and methods to meet the needs of students. Use examples from past experience or research about the subject to explain what you would do differently in a classroom with struggling students.

Example: “I have had several experiences where I taught material that many of my students struggled with, but I always found ways to make it more accessible for them. For example, when I was teaching pre-calculus, I noticed that many of my students were having trouble understanding functions. So, I created an extra credit assignment where they could create their own function and use it to solve a problem. This helped many of my students understand the concept better.”

15. As a graduate student, you will be expected to manage your own workload while also contributing to larger projects. What strategies do you use to prioritize tasks?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your time management skills and how you plan out your day. Use examples from previous experiences to show the interviewer that you can effectively manage your time while also contributing to group projects.

Example: “I use a planner to keep track of my daily tasks, including when I need to complete assignments or turn in work. In addition to using my planner, I also rely on digital tools like task managers and calendars to help me stay organized. These tools allow me to set reminders for upcoming deadlines so I don’t forget important dates.”

16. How do you plan on balancing school and work commitments?

University of Toronto is a large school with many degree programs. The interviewer wants to know how you plan on balancing your academic and professional commitments. Use examples from past experiences where you’ve successfully managed multiple responsibilities.

Example: “I have worked full-time while attending college for the last two years, so I’m used to managing my time effectively. In addition to working 40 hours per week, I also take 18 credits each semester. To balance these commitments, I use an online planner to schedule out my day and prioritize tasks that need to be done first. This helps me stay organized and ensures I get everything done in a timely manner.”

17. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of innovation and how it can be used in the workplace. When answering this question, you should focus on what makes an idea innovative and why that’s important.

Example: “Innovation is one of the most important things to remember when trying to create something new. It’s important to think outside the box and try different approaches to problems. I believe that if you’re not innovating, then you’re falling behind. Innovation helps businesses grow and stay competitive.”

18. What qualities should you look for in a good research assistant?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your understanding of the role and responsibilities of a research assistant. They want to know that you understand what it takes to be successful in this position, so they can determine if you have these qualities yourself. In your answer, explain which skills are most important for a good research assistant and how you possess them.

Example: “A good research assistant should be organized, detail-oriented and able to work independently. I am all three of those things because I’ve worked as a research assistant at my current job for two years now. I also think it’s important to have excellent communication skills since we’re working with professors and other students on projects. I’m always willing to help others when they need assistance.”

19. Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know that you’re willing to go the extra mile for their students and faculty members. In your answer, share a specific example of when you went above and beyond for a customer or client. Explain what motivated you to do so.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a very busy season where we were receiving many orders from customers. One day, I noticed one of our shipments was missing an item. I immediately called the company to see if they could send us another shipment with all of the items. The company said it would take two weeks to get the shipment here. I told them I couldn’t wait that long because we needed the product right away. So, I offered to pay for overnight shipping on the order. It ended up costing me $500, but I didn’t mind because I knew it was important for our business.”

20. In your opinion, what is the best way to assess whether students understand a topic?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your teaching style and how you assess student learning. In your answer, explain the methods you use to evaluate whether students understand a topic or concept. Explain what steps you take before, during and after class to ensure that students are understanding the material.

Example: “I think one of the best ways to assess whether students understand a topic is through quizzes and tests. I give multiple-choice questions throughout my lectures so students can begin testing their knowledge as they learn it. After each lecture, I also provide students with an outline of important information from the previous class so they can review key concepts. Finally, I administer final exams at the end of each course.”