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This position has closed. University of Chicago removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 6, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Temporary External Application Readers

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Jul 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you evaluated people or work using a rubric.

What they are checking: Whether they can apply a shared standard consistently while still using judgment.

What do you think makes someone a good fit for a rigorous, data-driven MBA program like Booth's?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the school's character without reducing fit to test scores alone.

What would you do

How do you stay fair when you read many applications in a short period?

What they are checking: Whether they have habits that guard against fatigue, mood and first-impression bias.

How do you weigh work experience from an industry you know little about?

What they are checking: Whether they evaluate impact and growth instead of favoring familiar companies or titles.

You recognize an applicant's name as someone you know. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they understand conflicts of interest and would disclose and step back.

Application files are confidential. How would you protect them while reading remotely?

What they are checking: Whether they take data privacy seriously when working outside the office.

How would you handle reading deadlines if your other commitments get busy?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about their capacity and communicate early if they fall behind.

About the work

As a temporary reader for Booth MBA applications, how would you approach reading a file from start to finish?

What they are checking: Whether they have a consistent, careful method rather than skimming for impressive names.

What do you look for in an essay that tells you something real about the applicant?

What they are checking: Whether they can tell genuine self-reflection from polished but empty writing.

How do you write a summary comment that is useful to the admissions committee?

What they are checking: Whether they can give clear, evidence-based notes rather than vague impressions.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at University of Chicago from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department Booth Admissions, MBA Programs: Student Recruitment About the Department The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges. Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment. Chicago Booth is proud to claim: -an unmatched faculty. -degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents. -a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni. -strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities. As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment. For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/. Job Information Job Summary: External Application Readers will support the Chicago Booth Admissions team throughout the 2026-27 academic year by evaluating candidates’ application materials and recommending admission decisions based on evaluation criteria. Responsibilities: • Work within the application rounds for the Booth Full-Time MBA program, mid-September to mid-October; early to late January; and early to mid-April. Readers may be asked to read applications for other Booth programs if needed. • Participate in a series of virtual training sessions prior to the start of the application cycle in August-September. • Readers will holistically evaluate applicants to Chicago Booth programs according to our internal evaluation criteria and recommend admission decisions based on documented rationale. Competencies: • Demonstration of exceptional written and verbal communication skills. • Professional demeanor including tact, discretion, and a strong sense of confidentiality and ability to maintain it. • Exceptional attention to detail and critical thinking skills required for reviewing and assessing qualitative information. • A proven record of accomplished time management, organizational skills, and meeting established deadlines, as well as the ability to work independently and possession of a self-motivated disposition. • Demonstrated ability to respect and encourage varied perspectives. Additional Responsibilities Education, Experience, or Certifications: Education: • Bachelor’s degree required. Experience: • A minimum of two years of work experience in a professional environment required. • Background in a field with exposure to pre-MBA or post-MBA roles or experience in higher education or admissions preferred. Technical Knowledge or Skills: • Proficient using Technolutions Slate as an application management system preferred. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: • Work hours are flexible, including evenings and weekends, and all work is performed remotely. • Commitment to work at least 10 hours/week during the time periods listed above. Hourly and weekly reading expectations and deadlines must be met. Required Documents: • Resume/CV • Cover Letter The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Temporary Staff Scheduled Weekly Hours 15 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Frequency Hourly Pay Rate Type Hourly ​ FLSA Status Non-Exempt ​ Pay Range $40.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible This position is not eligible for benefits. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.