Interviewing a college professor is a valuable opportunity, whether you are a student journalist, a prospective student, or part of a hiring committee. Crafting thoughtful, effective interview questions helps you gain insights into the professor’s expertise, teaching style, research interests, and personality. Whether your goal is to publish an article, evaluate a candidate for a faculty position, or simply learn more about a potential mentor, having a well-prepared set of interview questions is essential. This guide walks you through the process, from preparation to follow-up, ensuring your interview is productive and professional.
What You’ll Need
- A notebook or digital device for note-taking
- Recording device (if permitted and with consent)
- Background research on the professor
- List of prepared questions
- Contact information and confirmation of the interview time and location
Step-by-Step
- Clarify Your Purpose
Decide why you are interviewing the professor. Is it for a news article, a class project, a hiring decision, or personal guidance? Your objective will shape the tone and content of your questions. - Research the Professor
Visit the college or department website to read the professor’s biography, CV, publications, and courses taught. Look for recent news, interviews, or talks they’ve given. This helps you avoid asking basic questions and shows respect for their time. - Identify Key Topics
List the main areas you want to cover. Common topics include teaching philosophy, research focus, career path, advice for students, challenges in higher education, and current projects. - Draft Open-Ended Questions
Write questions that encourage thoughtful, expansive answers. For example, instead of “Do you like teaching?”, ask “What do you find most rewarding about teaching college students?” - Organize Questions Logically
Arrange your questions in a logical order, starting with background or warm-up questions, moving to core topics, and ending with closing or reflective questions. This helps the conversation flow smoothly. - Review and Revise
Read through your questions to ensure clarity and relevance. Remove duplicates, combine similar questions, and check for any leading or biased phrasing. - Reach Out and Confirm Logistics
Contact the professor to request the interview, explain your purpose, and propose a time and location. Confirm whether you can record the interview or take notes, and respect their preferences. - Prepare Your Materials
Charge recording devices, bring backup pens, and have your questions printed or accessible. Test any technology you plan to use. - Conduct the Interview
Start with a polite introduction and thank the professor for their time. Ask your questions, listen actively, and follow up on interesting points. Take notes or record as agreed. - Wrap Up and Follow Up
End with a thank you and ask if you may reach out with follow-up questions. Send a brief thank-you note or email after the interview.
Common Mistakes
- Asking Yes/No Questions: These tend to shut down conversation. Opt for open-ended questions that invite elaboration.
- Lack of Research: Failing to learn about the professor’s background can result in redundant or irrelevant questions.
- Overloading with Questions: Asking too many questions can overwhelm the interviewee and limit the depth of responses.
- Ignoring Time Constraints: Not respecting the agreed-upon time can leave a poor impression or cut off important discussion.
- Not Listening Actively: Sticking rigidly to your list without following up on interesting answers can miss valuable insights.
- Recording Without Permission: Always ask if you can record the interview, as some professors may not be comfortable with it.
- Being Unclear About Purpose: If the professor doesn’t know why you’re interviewing them, their answers may be less focused or candid.
- Forgetting to Follow Up: Not sending a thank-you note or follow-up can appear unprofessional and may affect future opportunities.
Tips
- Start with Easy Questions: Begin with simple biographical or background questions to help the professor relax before moving into deeper topics.
- Prioritize Your Questions: Start with the most important topics in case time runs short.
- Be Flexible: Allow the conversation to flow naturally; some of the best insights come from unplanned follow-ups.
- Show Respect: Address the professor formally unless they invite otherwise. Be polite and professional throughout.
- Listen for Themes: Pay attention to recurring ideas or values in the professor’s answers, which can lead to more compelling follow-up questions.
- Take Notes Efficiently: Jot down key points or timestamps if recording, so you can easily find important quotes later.
- Close on a Positive Note: End the interview by asking if the professor has any final thoughts or advice for readers or students.
- Ask for Recommendations: Professors can often suggest other experts or resources related to your topic of interest.
Troubleshooting
- The Professor Declines the Interview: If your initial request is declined, politely ask if there’s a better time or another faculty member who could speak on the topic. Be gracious and thank them for their consideration.
- Technical Issues: If your recording device fails, immediately switch to detailed note-taking. Apologize and explain the issue if necessary. After the interview, write up your notes while details are fresh.
- Professor Gives Short Answers: If responses are brief, try follow-up prompts like, “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that experience shape your teaching?”
- Interview Goes Off Topic: Gently steer the conversation back with a transitional phrase, such as, “That’s interesting—could we circle back to your research on…?”
- Running Out of Time: If time is short, prioritize your most important remaining questions and politely ask if you might follow up by email.
- Nervousness or Awkwardness: Professors are people too—if you feel nervous, take a deep breath, and remember they likely want the interview to go well too. A friendly, professional tone helps.
- Language Barriers: If the professor is not a native speaker or has a strong accent, speak clearly, avoid jargon, and don’t hesitate to politely ask for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some good opening questions for a college professor interview?
- Start with questions like “How did you become interested in your field?” or “What brought you to this college?” These help set a comfortable tone.
- How many questions should I prepare?
- Prepare 8-12 core questions, with a few backup options. This allows for in-depth answers and flexibility depending on the flow.
- Is it appropriate to ask about a professor’s personal life?
- Focus on professional topics. Personal questions are only appropriate if they relate to the interview’s purpose and the professor is comfortable discussing them.
- Can I record the interview?
- Yes, if you ask for and receive explicit permission. Some professors may prefer not to be recorded, so always check first.
- What if I don’t understand an answer?
- It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification or examples. Say, “Could you explain that in more detail?” or “Can you provide an example?”
- How should I follow up after the interview?
- Send a thank-you note or email within 24 hours, expressing appreciation for their time and insights. If you promised to share the finished piece, do so promptly.
By following these steps and best practices, you can create insightful, respectful, and effective interview questions for college professors, leading to richer conversations and a more meaningful learning experience.
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Interview Questions for a College Professor: A Complete Guide