El Camino College Interview Questions
& Process

They didn't give much info with less than a week's notice, which was a red flag for professionalism issues. An email mentioned a 10-minute presentation on a selection of topics. I got a parking pass and filled it out myself and signed for the department, which was odd but I got a ticket. Less than a week to prep a 10-minute presentation was tight, especially with a lot going on, so 2 weeks would have been better. I also had to take time off work. The whole process lacked detail and courtesy. The waiting area was in the library, and candidates were walked by others to the room, which wasn't classy. They didn't mention the 45-minute questioning, which I thought might happen but didn't expect given the short notice and presentation request. I did prepare just in case, and I'm glad I did. The questions were typical and not hard, but there's no review time before they start. I really advise candidates to ask about the process and not assume anything. The presentation itself was okay; you have to manage your own time and leave room for their questions within your allotted time. The experience felt unwelcoming.

You'll need to show how you'd teach a concept to a student, and the interviewer will pick the subject (like algebra, calculus, or C++ data structures). You'll pretend the interviewer is a student who needs help with a problem they give you. Your job is to explain how to solve it like they know nothing. They might ask a couple of questions to check if you really know your stuff, so be prepared. It's alright if you don't have the exact answer, just focus on walking through the steps and explaining everything clearly. They're really looking at how kind, informative, helpful, and enthusiastic you are – basically, not boring.

I got there 20 minutes early and parked where they told me to since they gave me a map and permit. I found the building easily using the map even though I didn't know the campus. I checked in and waited outside the office because I was a little nervous and wanted to walk around. They called me in right on time for the interview. I sat at the head of a table and six people introduced themselves. There was a copy of the questions they'd ask right in front of me, and also a bottle of water. Each person asked one question and waited for me to answer. I think there were about 12 questions in total.

First, you need to apply to Julius, the Math center head. He's really friendly and personable. Then, he'll send you to the head of the Mathematics department for a casual interview. You'll have to do about 5-6 math problems, covering Algebra, Trig, and Pre-Calculus. You'll need to explain your thought process and why you take each step.