20 Washington University in St. Louis Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing at Washington University in St. Louis, you can expect to be asked questions that are specific to the school and its mission. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common questions you may be asked in an interview for a position at Washington University.

As a research-focused institution, Washington University places a high value on discovery and knowledge dissemination. When interviewing for a position at the school, you can expect to be asked questions about your research experience and interests. Additionally, you may be asked about your teaching experience and philosophy.

Of course, no two interviews are exactly alike, and you may be asked other questions as well. However, preparing for these common questions will give you a good foundation on which to build your interview responses.

Washington University in St. Louis Interview Process

The interview process at Washington University in St. Louis can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you may only need to send your resume to the professor and then HR will contact you if you are qualified. However, for other positions, such as a Data Analyst, you may need to go through multiple rounds of interviews, both in person and via Zoom. Overall, the interview process is generally smooth and cordial, although it can be lengthy for some positions.

1. What do you know about Washington University?

Washington University is a highly selective institution, and the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have done your research. To answer this question effectively, make sure you thoroughly read through the university’s website before your interview. You should also look at the Washington University admissions blog for more information about the school.

Example: “I know that Washington University has an excellent reputation in both academics and athletics. I am impressed by the number of students who go on to pursue advanced degrees after graduation, as well as the many student organizations available. I also noticed that Washington University offers several study abroad programs, which is something I would like to do during my college career.”

2. Why do you want to work at Washington University in St. Louis?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their organization. When preparing for this question, make sure you research the university and highlight any aspects that particularly interest you.

Example: “I am very interested in Washington University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. I have been involved with several organizations on campus that promote these values, and I think it would be beneficial to work at an institution that shares my passion for social justice. Another reason I want to work here is because of the school’s reputation as one of the best universities in the country. I know I can continue to grow as a professional and develop my skills if I were hired here.”

3. How would your previous experience help you in this position?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your background and how it can help you succeed in the role. When answering this question, be sure to highlight any skills or knowledge that will benefit you in this position.

Example: “My previous experience as an administrative assistant has given me valuable organizational skills that I know would help me excel in this role. In my last job, I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once, which taught me how to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively. These skills have helped me develop excellent time management and organization skills that I believe are essential for success in this role.”

4. Do you have any questions for us?

This is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research and are interested in Washington University. It also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the school or the position.

Example: “I am very excited about this opportunity, and I would love to work for Washington University. I noticed that there are many opportunities for students to get involved on campus. What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own student organization?”

5. Tell me about a time when you were working on a project and it didn’t go as planned, what did you do?

Washington University in St. Louis is looking for students who can adapt to challenges and learn from them. This question helps the interviewer understand how you react to adversity, and it also gives you an opportunity to talk about a time when you overcame a challenge.

Example: “In my first semester of college, I was taking two classes that required me to use PowerPoint. I had never used PowerPoint before, so I spent hours trying to figure out how to create slides with text boxes and other elements. Eventually, I asked one of my classmates for help, and she showed me how to do everything I needed to complete the assignment.”

6. What are the benefits of learning through research?

Washington University’s mission statement includes the goal of “discovering and disseminating knowledge.” This question is an opportunity to show your understanding of this value by explaining how you have benefited from research in your own life.

Example: “I believe that learning through research has helped me become a more well-rounded person. In my last position, I was able to work with a team of researchers on a project about the effects of certain chemicals on the human body. The process of researching and writing up our findings taught me so much about the way the world works and gave me confidence in my ability to solve problems.”

7. Are you familiar with our faculty’s areas of expertise?

Washington University faculty members are experts in their fields, and the university wants to ensure that you have a good understanding of what they do. This question is your opportunity to show that you’ve done some research on Washington University faculty members and can discuss their work.

Example: “I am familiar with many of Washington University’s faculty members through my own research. I know that Dr. Smith specializes in pediatric medicine, while Dr. Jones has been researching Alzheimer’s disease for years. I also know that Professor Johnson teaches classes about Shakespearean literature.”

8. What is your most recent academic achievement?

Washington University asks this question to learn more about your academic background and achievements. This is a great opportunity to discuss any awards, scholarships or honors you have received in the past.

Example: “In my last semester at Washington State University, I earned an A+ on my final exam for my Marketing 101 class. It was one of the highest grades in the class, and it helped me earn my marketing degree with honors.”

9. Describe your ideal teaching environment.

Washington University in St. Louis is a highly competitive school, and the admissions team wants to make sure you are prepared for the academic rigor of their institution. Your answer should show that you understand what it takes to succeed at Washington University in St. Louis.

Example: “I believe my ideal teaching environment would be one where I can have open communication with my students about any questions they may have regarding coursework or assignments. I also think it’s important to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment. In addition, I want to teach in an environment where there is a lot of collaboration between students and faculty members.”

10. How will you prepare for your first class session?

Washington University’s faculty members are expected to be highly prepared for their classes. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of being well-prepared and organized, and how you will achieve this in your new role.

Example: “I always arrive early to class so I can set up my materials and ensure everything is ready to go before students arrive. I also like to take a few minutes at the beginning of each class period to review any important information from the previous day or week. This helps me stay on track with the lesson plan and ensures that I am answering questions thoroughly and accurately.”

11. Which area of psychology are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your passion for psychology. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area of psychology that you are passionate about and why.

Example: “I am most interested in child psychology because I have always been fascinated by how children learn and develop. In my previous role as a teacher’s aide at a local elementary school, I was able to observe many different types of learning styles and behaviors. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in psychology so that I could help other children succeed in their education.”

12. Have you ever worked with a team that wasn’t performing well? How did you handle it?

Washington University in St. Louis wants to know that you can work with a team and help them perform well. This question is an opportunity for you to show your leadership skills by describing how you helped the team improve their performance.

Example: “I once worked on a project where my team members weren’t communicating effectively. We were all working hard, but we weren’t sharing our progress or asking for help when we needed it. I scheduled a meeting with each of my teammates to discuss what they were working on and how I could support them. After this meeting, we started collaborating more and shared our progress regularly. As a result, we finished the project ahead of schedule.”

13. Can you describe an example of an original idea that you had and how you implemented it into your practice?

Washington University in St. Louis is looking for candidates who are innovative and creative thinkers, so they ask this question to see if you have any examples of how your ideas helped the practice or patients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe an idea that was successful and led to positive outcomes.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that many of our patients were coming in with similar symptoms. After some research, I found out that there was a new virus going around that we hadn’t heard about yet. We started testing all of our patients for the virus and treating them before their conditions worsened. This saved us time and money because we didn’t have to treat as many patients for the same illness.”

14. What skills do you think are important for someone who wants to teach at the university level?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have experience teaching at the university level. If you don’t, it’s an opportunity to talk about what skills you think are important for someone who wants to teach at this level.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important skills for someone who wants to teach at the university level is being able to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. I also think it’s important to be organized and prepared for class so students can learn as much as possible from each lecture.”

15. Tell me about a time where you had to stand up for something you believe in.

Washington University is a private research university that values academic freedom and free speech. This question helps the interviewer understand how you would handle situations where your opinions might conflict with those of others or the school itself.

Example: “I believe in equal rights for all people, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or religion. I once had to stand up for this belief when my friend was being bullied by another student because she was gay. I told the bully that what they were doing was wrong and that if they continued to harass her, I would report them to the administration. The bullying stopped after that.”

16. If hired, what kind of projects would you be assigned to?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company’s work and how you would fit in. If you have researched Washington University, you should be able to name at least one project they are working on.

Example: “I understand that Washington University has been researching ways to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. I am passionate about helping those who need it most, so this research excites me. I believe my background in psychology and education make me an excellent candidate for this type of research.”

17. How do you feel your past experience has prepared you for this role?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. When answering this question, it can be helpful to refer to the job description or other research you have done on the company to make sure that you are highlighting the most important aspects of the role.

Example: “I feel my past experience has prepared me for this role because I am a highly organized individual who thrives in fast-paced environments. In my previous position as a marketing manager at XYZ Company, I was responsible for managing multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines were met. This experience has given me the confidence to take on more challenging roles and responsibilities.”

18. We strive to build an inclusive community at WashU. What does diversity mean to you?

Washington University is committed to diversity and inclusion, so it’s important that you understand the school’s values. In your answer, explain what diversity means to you and how you would contribute to a diverse campus community.

Example: “Diversity is an essential part of higher education because it allows us to learn from one another. I believe that we all have something unique to offer, and by learning about each other, we can better understand ourselves. At my previous university, I was involved in several diversity initiatives, including the LGBTQ+ student group. I also volunteered at a local elementary school where I taught students about different cultures through art projects.”

19. Do you consider yourself creative? Give an example of when you used your creativity in your practice.

Washington University in St. Louis is a highly competitive school, and the admissions committee wants to make sure you have the creativity necessary to succeed there. This question allows them to assess your ability to think outside of the box and come up with unique solutions to problems.

Example: “I consider myself creative because I am always looking for new ways to solve problems. For example, when I was working as an intern at my current practice, we had a client who wanted us to create a logo that incorporated their favorite sports team. We were able to use our creativity to find a solution by creating a design that used elements from both the team’s colors and mascot. The client loved it, and we got the job.”

20. After reading some of the papers published by our faculty, which paper or topic stood out to you and why?

Washington University faculty members publish a variety of papers, including research and opinion pieces. This question helps the interviewer get an idea of your interests and how you might fit in with their community.

Example: “I was reading through Washington University’s latest publications when I came across one of Dr. Smith’s articles on the effects of climate change on polar bears. As someone who loves animals, this topic really stood out to me because it is something that affects our planet but also has implications for humans. I think we need to do more to protect these creatures and other wildlife from extinction.”