Thoughts on Preparing Students for That First Job Interview Using AI

[Steve Linthicum]

I thought it worthwhile, since one of our goals as instructors is to help students get the employment they seek, to provide the following information relating to an approach for job interview preparation utilizing AI.

While "volunteer" teaching yesterday, a classroom discussion centered on how to prepare for a job interview. One suggestion was using ChatGPT as a resource. Turning the clock back to 1999 when I was hired as a full-time faculty member, I figured a method of testing this idea was with the following prompt:

"Anticipated Sierra College hiring committee questions for faculty."

I'm amazed at the accuracy of this response in comparison to what I remember:

Got it

— you’re preparing for a faculty hiring committee interview at Sierra College (or a similar California community college). These interviews often mix teaching philosophy, student success, diversity/equity, disciplinary expertise, and collegiality questions.
Here’s a breakdown of anticipated questions you may face:

Common Sierra College Faculty Hiring Committee Questions​

Teaching & Instruction​

1. • Describe your teaching philosophy. How does it align with the mission of a community college?
   • What teaching strategies do you use to engage students with diverse learning styles?
   • Give an example of how you assess student learning beyond traditional exams.
   • How do you integrate technology into your teaching?
   • How do you handle a classroom where some students are unprepared or disengaged?

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (DEI)​

1. • How have you incorporated equity and inclusion into your teaching practices?
   • Give a specific example of how you supported a student from an underrepresented or disadvantaged background.
   • What does “equity-minded teaching” mean to you, and how have you applied it?
   • Sierra College serves a diverse student body. How would you ensure your course materials reflect that diversity?

Discipline & Curriculum​

1. • How do you stay current in your field?
   • If hired, what curriculum improvements or new courses might you propose?
   • Describe how you balance theory and practical application in your teaching.
   • What professional certifications, industry connections, or applied experience do you bring that would benefit students?

Student-Centered Approach​

1. • How do you support students who are struggling academically?
   • How would you encourage students to pursue further education or careers in your discipline?
   • Share an example of how you fostered student engagement outside of class (office hours, advising, mentoring, clubs).

Collaboration & Collegiality​

1. • Community colleges emphasize teamwork. How have you worked with colleagues on curriculum or program development?
   • How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague on teaching approaches or grading standards?
   • What role should faculty play in shared governance at a community college?

Scenario-Based​

1. • A student challenges your grading as unfair. How do you respond?
   • You notice plagiarism in an assignment — how would you handle it?
   • Enrollment in your course is low — what strategies would you use to improve student interest and retention?
   • How would you adapt if asked to teach in a modality new to you (e.g., fully online, hybrid, accelerated)?

Commitment to Mission & Students​

1. • Why do you want to teach at Sierra College specifically?
   • How does your teaching contribute to Sierra College’s goals of access, equity, and student success?

These align with what California community college hiring committees typically emphasize: teaching ability, student success, DEI awareness, and collegiality.
Would you like me to also draft sample strong responses tailored to Sierra College’s mission statement and values (so you’d have model answers ready to adapt)?

 

[Gregory Childers]

Generative AI tools are great for research and preparation, provided you use comprehensive prompts and are mindful of potential hallucinations.

The problem that we've discovered is candidates who actively use AI DURING THE INTERVIEW.

If you can't answer basic interview questions without assistance, the answer is a definitive NO.