Interview Questions Part II

Describe for me a time when you had to adapt to a difficult situation. What did you do?

Our branch’s motivation was really low due to the financial trouble of the company. The employees hadn’t been paid on time and the future of the company was uncertain. I tried to be a role model for the other instructors by maintaining a positive and helpful attitude and by focusing on the students. While the situation for the company never improved, I believe those around me were able to work a little better.

Tell me about a time when you hired (or fired) the wrong person.

While developing the curriculum at the College of Interactive Arts, we decided to add an “Introduction to Programming” course. Prior to that, all the courses were art-based. Since I was responsible for hiring the instructors, I needed to find someone qualified to teach the course.

I had little knowledge about programming so I did as much research as I could to familiarize myself with the qualifications we would need. When it came down to interviewing I focused a lot on finding the person with the right skills and abilities.

In the end, we hired a very talented programmer. Unfortunately, he did not stay very long. His personality did not fit the school. I learned that finding the right person meant more the skills and abilities. Some of the best teachers we had were not the most talented but their personalities brought out the best in our students.

Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of.

I always try to look at things from a positive side. You know, what can I learn from this? I have found that dwelling on regrets or past mistakes only holds me back.