Sample Interview Questions for Philosophy

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Students are encouraged to book an advising appointment for a mock interview to prepare for interviews, but you can also use these questions for self-study. You can book your advising appointment on campusBRIDGE.

You can also partner with a friend and they can ask you a sample question while you answer to practice interviewing.

  1. Tell us why you are interested in this position.
  2. How will this position help you further your career goals?
  3. Tell us what you know about our organization.
  4. This position is new in our organization. How will you let your colleagues know about this position and your role?
  5. After reviewing the job posting, what was one aspect of the job that did not appeal to you?
  6. What aspect of this position do you feel you are especially suited for?
  7. Have you ever had experience with our client group in the past? [client group: children, elderly, etc.]
  8. Tell us about a time when your initial analysis of a problem was incorrect. How did you correct your initial analysis?
  9. Tell us about a time when you had to analyze a large amount of data. What tools did you use to complete this analysis? 
  10. Have you ever had a conflict with a co-worker? Tell us about the situation and how you dealt with it.
  11. Give me an example of a time when you tried your best to work with someone, but the problems still remained. What did you learn from that situation?
  12. Tell us about a time when you presented to the public. Did it go well? How do you know they understood you?
  13. Tell us about a time when you used a new method to solve a problem. Why did you decide to use this method? What was the outcome?
  14. Tell us about your experience with teaching according to learning outcomes. Have you ever prepared learning outcomes?
  15. Excluding lecture and readings, what methods have you used to teach philosophical concepts?
  16. What methods or software do you use to organize your notes and research? Could your method be more effective? Have you ever lost an important document or citation and what was the outcome?
  17. What methods do you use to organize your time and schedule? Have you ever missed a meeting?
  18. Have you ever asked for an extension on a project? What were the circumstances? Was this an exception or do you often need to extend deadlines?
  19. What software have you used? We have an exercise for you to complete to demonstrate your proficiency in this software.
  20. Do you have any questions for us?
Updated December 2025