City Year Team Leader Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 15 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at City Year.
City Year
Team Leader
Lead Difficult Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Panel Background check
Interview formats
Behavioral Group
After winter break, an email goes out about Team Leader positions for the following year, marketing it as a great opportunity. Many apply, often out of fear of not getting a job offer after CY ends. In February, you apply online with a standard application (including 5 CY-specific short answers) and a resume, plus two letters of recommendation – one from your PM (your current TL can't recommend you) and usually a classroom teacher. Almost everyone gets an interview, scheduled on a workday. Upon arrival, I saw one of my teammates leaving, so keeping the applicant pool secret isn't really feasible. They respond quickly. I was rejected and put on the waitlist. Many candidates receive grad school or other job acceptances by this point, so if you're waitlisted, don't worry too much; you might still get a chance to serve.
Confirmed questions1 question
- My interview was after a 9-hour workday, which wasn't really a question but a condition. If you're serious about becoming a TL, consider taking a half-day off to relax before your panel interview.
City Year
Team Leader
Mid Average Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I applied for a Senior Corps Team Leader position. The application process was relatively short and included questions about my strengths, weaknesses, a successful project I led, and my communication and leadership style. I then had an interview with the Director of Impact and School Partnerships. They asked a lot of questions about handling various corps member scenarios, so be ready to think quickly.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- To what extent are you emotionally stable and skilled enough to manage the pressures from corps members, students, and administrators?
- How strongly do you identify with and support the mission and values of City Year?
- Can you demonstrate that you are an effective leader who represents the organization well to community and school partners?
City Year
Team Leader
Lead Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral
It was similar to the interview for a Corps member. They asked about your previous year and your motivation for becoming a Team Leader. My interview was conducted virtually with an Impact Director I already knew. It was generally an easy interview, but it's important to have a few examples from your corps year ready to showcase.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you share an instance where you made an error during your corps year, and describe how you addressed it?
City Year Team Leader Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from City Year interview reports.
“What is your favorite PITW?”
Read reports →“What makes you want to join City Year?”
Read reports →“What would your current teammates say about you?”
Read reports →“How strongly do you identify with and support the mission and values of City Year?”
Read reports →“Can you share an instance where you made an error during your corps year, and describe how you addressed it?”
Read report →“How do you manage stressful situations?”
Read report →“What are your strategies for motivating your team members?”
Read report →“What's your plan for a project that's due in two days with minimal prep?”
Read report →“How would you manage a challenging team member?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 15 City Year interview reports.