Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for English Professor Roles – 2025

As an English professor, you will be responsible for shaping the minds of future writers and literary enthusiasts. This list of interview questions and answers will help you showcase your passion for the English language, teaching experience, and expertise in literature and writing.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your teaching experience as an English professor.

A. I have been a professor of English for the past 10 years, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. During this time, I have designed and taught courses on a wide range of topics, including modern and contemporary literature, creative writing, and literary theory.



• 2. How do you prioritize and manage your workload as an English professor?

A. As an English professor, I believe in setting clear deadlines and expectations for my students, while also maintaining a strict schedule for completing my own tasks. I also make use of efficient time management techniques, such as creating to-do lists and breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.



• 3. How do you incorporate technology and digital tools in your classes?

A. I believe in utilizing technology to enhance the learning experience for my students. In my classes, I have used tools like online discussion forums, video conferencing, and virtual simulations to engage students and facilitate deeper learning.



• 4. How do you handle difficult or disruptive students?

A. When faced with difficult or disruptive students, I use a combination of empathy and firmness. I try to understand the root cause of their behavior and offer support, while also setting clear boundaries and consequences for their actions.



• 5. How do you foster a positive and inclusive learning environment in your classroom?

A. I believe in creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all my students. I encourage open communication and mutual respect, and I am always mindful of diverse perspectives and backgrounds in my teaching materials and discussions.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you successfully motivated a struggling student to improve their writing skills.

A. In one of my classes, I had a student who was really struggling with their writing assignments. After discussing their concerns and offering individualized support, I saw a significant improvement in their writing skills and confidence. This experience showed me the importance of personalized instruction and the impact it can have on a student's learning.



• 7. Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt your teaching style to accommodate different learning styles?

A. In one of my classes, I had a mix of visual and auditory learners. To ensure that all my students were engaged and understood the material, I incorporated visual aids and interactive activities alongside traditional lectures. This experience taught me the value of adapting my teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.



• 8. Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult or sensitive subject matter in your class.

A. While teaching a course on marginalized voices in literature, I had to navigate difficult and potentially triggering topics. To create a safe and respectful space for my students, I emphasized the importance of open and respectful discussions, provided resources for further support, and offered alternative assignments for those who needed it. This experience taught me the importance of sensitivity and inclusivity in the classroom.



• 9. How do you approach giving feedback on students' writing assignments?

A. I believe in providing constructive and actionable feedback to help students improve their writing skills. In addition to pointing out areas for improvement, I also make sure to acknowledge their strengths and offer specific suggestions for improvement.



• 10. Tell us about a time when you had to resolve a conflict between students in your class.

A. In one of my classes, there was a disagreement between two students during a group discussion. I facilitated a conversation between them, allowing each student to share their perspective and actively listening to both sides. Together, we were able to come to a resolution and restore a positive learning environment for all students involved.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a student who is consistently missing deadlines or not completing assignments?

A. If a student is consistently missing deadlines or not completing assignments, I would reach out to them to understand the root cause of their behavior and offer support and resources. I would also communicate the consequences of not meeting course requirements and work with the student to create a plan for catching up on missed work.



• 12. If a student approaches you for help with a personal issue, how would you handle it?

A. As a professor, I understand that personal issues can impact a student's ability to succeed academically. I would listen to the student with empathy and offer resources and support, while also maintaining boundaries and ensuring that the student's academic progress is not compromised.



• 13. How would you handle a student who consistently challenges your authority or teaching methods?

A. I believe in open communication and mutual respect between students and professors. If a student consistently challenges my authority or teaching methods, I would have a private conversation with them to understand their perspective and try to find common ground. If necessary, I would also involve the student's academic advisor or other support resources.



• 14. What would you do if you notice a student cheating on a test or assignment?

A. As an English professor, academic integrity is of utmost importance to me. If I notice a student cheating on a test or assignment, I would follow the necessary protocol outlined in the school's academic honesty policy, while also providing resources for the student to improve their understanding of the material.



• 15. How would you handle a student who is struggling with understanding a specific literary concept?

A. As a professor, my responsibility is to ensure that my students understand the material. If a student is struggling with a specific literary concept, I would offer one-on-one support and resources, use a variety of teaching methods and examples, and encourage the student to ask questions and seek clarification as needed.

Technical Questions

• 16. What do you believe are the essential components of a well-written essay?

A. In my opinion, a well-written essay should have a clear and concise thesis statement, well-supported arguments, and proper grammar and sentence structure. It should also demonstrate critical thinking skills and an understanding of the assigned material.



• 17. Can you explain the difference between MLA, APA, and Chicago style formatting?

A. MLA, APA, and Chicago style formatting are commonly used in academic writing for citing sources and formatting papers. They differ in terms of formatting guidelines, citation styles, and manuscript organization. MLA is commonly used for humanities, APA for social sciences, and Chicago for history and other fields.



• 18. How familiar are you with using digital tools and resources for teaching and research?

A. As a modern-day professor, I am well-versed in using digital tools and resources for both teaching and research purposes. I have experience using online databases, digital archives, and virtual libraries for conducting research and staying up-to-date on the latest developments in my field.



• 19. Can you discuss a literary theory or concept that you are passionate about and how you incorporate it into your teaching?

A. I am particularly interested in the concept of postcolonialism and how it applies to literature. I incorporate this theory into my teaching by including diverse voices and perspectives in the literary works I choose for my courses, and by encouraging my students to critically analyze the representation of different cultures and histories in literature.



• 20. How do you ensure that your students are developing their writing skills throughout the semester?

A. As an English professor, I regularly assign writing assignments and provide feedback on each student's progress. I also use in-class writing exercises and peer review workshops to help students actively work on improving their writing skills. Additionally, I encourage students to visit me during office hours to discuss their writing and receive personalized feedback and guidance.