Princeton University Director Interview Questions
& Process

It was a tough process. I had to do an on-the-spot role-play where I responded to a senior instructor who was skeptical of active learning. I also had to do an on-site sample workshop. I feel like I learned how to provide better closure by the end of it. I really respected the hiring dean, Susan Georgia Nugent, and continued to follow her work when she became President of Kenyon College.

The interview process was a multi-stage one, kicking off with a phone screen and then moving into a series of one-on-one interviews. The whole thing, from the initial contact to getting the offer, took about three months. This might have been due to a few things, on Princeton's end and with the applicant pool, but I've heard other people say their hiring timelines were even longer. It's a bummer because some candidates might put in a lot of time over a long stretch and still not get the job. My advice to candidates is to not put your life on hold for an interview, but if you're serious about the role, try to make the time to fit the process in. The Princeton team (HR and the hiring department) was really understanding and flexible with personal situations. I interviewed with about 10 people, and they were all good experiences. I got to meet folks from different backgrounds and roles that I'd be working with. Even if I hadn't gotten the job, I would have been happy to have had the experience (though I was exhausted!). They were pretty open about what was happening during the process, and HR was proactive and responsive enough that I didn't really need to chase anyone for info. My only complaint is the overall length of the process, which I think might cause Princeton to miss out on some great candidates.

The interview process can be long and draining. Princeton University is a bureaucratic place, so hiring requires buy-in from many people. Use this as an opportunity to ask questions to ensure it's the right fit.