Senior Administrator interview- interview questions.

[WheresLarry]

Trying to preempt interview questions for a role I am hoping to get. The role is in a university and is comparable to a senior administration post. Anyone want to give examples of questions they would expect to get asked in an interview?

You'll probably be asked questions around strategic planning. Is it a small or large department? If it's a small department they'll probably talk about lot about pitching in with everyone else and ask how you feel about that. There will also be a big focus on finance.

Do you know the size of the panel and what the interview structure will be? When I've run interviews for this type of post you have a panel of five and have expected candidates to do a presentation based on real reviews of the department. There were usually only five or six questions which focused on aspects of the role rather than competency questions, but that did link into the selection criteria.

Are you already working for the university? If so I would recommend getting in touch with senior administration in the university to discuss their post which will give you more insight than the JD. If not then it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask for a meeting with the existing postholder in advance of your interview.

Oh and I meant to add that a usual test would be to review the departments budget and make comments. Not to say of course that's what you'll get!

Thanks for the reply.

I am thinking it will be a 3 person panel. I have to do a 10 minute presentation on a specific question. Trying to speak to people in the university that deal with this kind of thing, however a lot of people off for summer so it's a struggle.

If you can you should try; it's very insightful. People are away but will make time for you. Do you know much about research grants? It's a big aspect of any administrators role, so brush up on this area if you don't. Google horizon 2020 and epsrc as a starting point. They may ask you about the importance of research grants and funding and what it means to the department and what would happen with fewer grants. Also look up the jram if you're not familiar.

If you can you should try; it's very insightful. People are away but will make time for you. Do you know much about research grants? It's a big aspect of any administrators role, so brush up on this area if you don't. Google horizon 2020 and epsrc as a starting point. They may ask you about the importance of research grants and funding and what it means to the department and what would happen with fewer grants. Also look up the jram if you're not familiar.

If it is in a university they will almost certainly ask questions to probe your ability to deal with bloody-minded infuriating assholes who think they are being charming and eccentric whereas in fact they are being obstructive and uncooperative. There will be at least 3 head-of-department's who are like this and who can't be disposed of as their research record is indispensable to the university's REF ratings.

The question could be framed in a number of ways but they want to know that you can strike the right balance of respectful good humour and determination to make sure they do what they need to even if they don't want to.

Hi, I have a similar interview coming up - what kind of questions did you get asked in the end?

@WheresLarry

Trying to preempt interview questions for a role I am hoping to get. The role is in a university and is comparable to a senior administration post. Anyone want to give examples of questions they would expect to get asked in an interview?

Hi,

I have a similar interview coming up, what kinds of questions did you get asked in the end?