Sample Cultural Competency Interview Questions
This is a comprehensive list of sample interview questions related to cultural competency that are
currently being used in various institutions of higher learning. Search committees are not required to
use a question directly from this list. If so desired, search committees can utilize these sample
questions as a means for developing interview questions related to cultural competence for use in
formal or informal interviews.
1. How do you/would you work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds?
2. Give us your background on teaching and mentoring experiences with students from diverse
cultural backgrounds?
3. Please comment on how you will contribute to our mission regarding the educational benefits
of and commitment to cultural diversity.
4. Besides teaching and research can you give us an example of how you may contribute to
student diversity and mentoring?
5. Is there an example of how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity in a prior
situation?
6. What kinds of experiences have you had in relating with people whose backgrounds are
different than your own?
7. Describe a specific situation in which you worked with a diverse group of people or person
over a period of time. What did you learn from this experience?
8. How will you contribute to the institution's effort to enhancing diversity in a meaningful way?
9. Tell us how you will contribute to student mentoring and diversity.
10. What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity? How have you demonstrated
that commitment, and how would you see yourself demonstrating it at MCC?
11. Tell us how you work with people to create or foster diversity in the workplace.
12. What do you see as the most challenging aspects of an increasingly diverse academic
community, and what steps have you taken or plan to take to meet such challenges?
13. Please comment on the benefits of racial, ethnic and gender diversity in the student body and
the faculty?
14. Tell me about a time when you contributed to diversity and inclusion. Perhaps you were
working with others in your department or on a committee. We’d like to hear about a situation
like that. What were the circumstances at the time? What specific actions or steps did you take
to handle the situation? With whom did you interact? Share with us the outcome of that
situation.