Independence University Interview Questions
& Process

I got past the HR screen and the first group interview. It was a Zoom call with a bunch of employees (4+) and other interviewees (10+), and it was hard to tell who was who. They asked questions in a round-robin way, letting a few of us answer. It was tough to think fast and not say the same thing as someone else. Most were situational questions, but there was one weird one: “if you were a car, what would you be and why?” I thought I did well and was a good fit, but I didn't get the job and they didn't give me any feedback.

The same day I applied a recruiter called me to have an initial chat, and find out if the group interview date/time would work for me. I was also required to do a home internet speed test (since this is fully remote) and submit references & an essay about why I would make a good Career Advisor. The first interview was on Zoom with 4 interviewers & 5 other candidates. They call on you for each question, so you're not in competition to get your answer in. This interview was fairly easy- just a get to know you kind of thing. The second interview was also on Zoom with the Director and 5 other interviewers (all Assistant Directors), and I was the only candidate. They first ask you questions, then you do a role play with one of the interviewers (the role play is you calling an advisee, introducing yourself and doing a needs assessment). In setting up/preparing me for the 2nd interview, the recruiter basically told me all of the things I needed to say in the role play, which I did, but it was a bit awkward. The interview ended with the Director asking a few questions. All parts of interview were via Zoom.

So, the whole interview process has about 4 steps. First, there's a quick Phone Interview with a Recruiter. After that, you'll do a group interview. It's pretty packed with about 7 Directors, and Assistant Directors, and a similar number of candidates. These first two steps are the easy ones. If they like you after the group interview, they'll send you a link for an online evaluation or exam. Honestly, this part was tougher than I expected. While you're doing that, they also want you to write a short 'essay' (max 100 words) about why you'd be a good fit for Admissions. You also need to give 3 Professional and 3 Personal references. The final step is an interview with your potential Manager / Assistant Director and their Director / Boss. They'll give you a scenario you might face on an outbound call, like talking to someone interested in an Accounting degree, and you'll role-play to overcome their objections and answer questions. They'll then ask you to reflect on what you did well and what you could've done better.

The interview process starts with a 'phone interview' which is more of a hype session about the role. The first actual interview is a group session. Honestly, the candidate pool was disappointing, felt like they were just trying to fill spots. Some candidates were legit, others had zero sales experience. The questions weren't structured at all, it was chaotic with people talking over each other, even interrupting. Some didn't get to answer. The loudest candidates basically won, so you gotta be loud! Kissing up helps too. The interviewers seemed unenthusiastic, like half of them didn't want to be there. Some seemed genuinely passionate about growing the company, while others were just there for a paycheck, maybe even intimidated by the qualified people. Reading other reviews explains it – managers apparently fear losing their jobs to skilled reps. If you make it to the second interview, you have to write an essay and then give a 'sales presentation' based on a scenario about a student struggling to decide. That whole presentation was a joke. I really regretted showing up sometimes. This company seriously lacks structure, you feel it right away. The pay is good, but there's no job security or guarantee of a meaningful career.