Interview Tips

If you have every had an interview before you probably know a few interview tips. Do you have an interview? Are you wondering what can I do to prepare for it? Don’t worry, I have what you need to feel confident and prepared whether you are a first-year teacher or a veteran. If you do not have an interview YET, I would reach out to any principals and see if they can meet with you. STAND OUT and be assertive. Every interview I have had I have gotten; it was not by accident I worked hard for it! Here are my top 5 tips for interviews.

Tip #1- Research the School/Company

As soon as you know you have an interview it is time to snoop around. Go on their website, look at photos, past events, videos, and the school’s mission, and see if it aligns with your philosophy. Reach out to the principal and thank them for offering an interview and let them know you are excited about the opportunity.

In every interview I have had, I was able to bring up something I learned about the school from its website. I have heard that it was impressive and showed that I cared. In the last interview I had, they were talking about how one of the resource teachers does the announcements and I had watched one of them and was able to share how I thought it was so funny how the kids were acting like cowboys for the rodeo. They looked shocked that I had watched one! It set me apart from the other applicants.

Tip #2- Practice Makes Permanent

I have a list of interview questions that I have compiled over the years along with ones that I googled. EVERY time I have had an interview I go back and type up my answers. Each time you go to an interview, when you get to your car write down as many as you can remember. Here is a website that has some good ones: 50 Teacher Interview Questions (With Sample Answers) | Indeed.com

I spend a lot of time and put in more than I think I need in each question. If you are already teaching or know a teacher, ask them about some of them and get their input. Sometimes when you are asked a question on the spot you just say generic answers and then after you wish you would have said more. That is why you do this part, so you don’t have to wish you would have already thought about it.

After I answer the questions, I read them every night OUT LOUD. Reading them out loud is important. When you do that it’s harder and helps you when you are nervous not to stumble over your words. When I am driving to work, I say my answers out loud and that helps too. If you can do that then even when you are nervous you will be able to feel confident because you have practiced.

Tip #3- Dress To Impress

Do not roll up in leggings and a teacher shirt. I DO NOT CARE if you never dress up or if it feels weird. DRESS UP!!! I am not talking about a blazer, but a nice top and black pants will take you a long way. Look nice because you will be representing their school. Even if you are nervous remember to smile.

A lot of people that I have talked to bring in a lot of things like their resume, lessons, scores, and a note pad. I have NEVER needed anything, but if it makes you feel better than I would take it!

Tip #4-  Let Your Personality Shine

I have sat in a lot of interviews, and I do not look for the smartest or most qualified, I look for the person I want to work with! What would your past coworkers say is the best about you? LET THAT SHINE THROUGH. I am outgoing and like to make jokes. My interview was across the country, so I was at the Zoom. It isn’t always easy to let your personality out on camera, but I had a fun background and tried to have an upbeat attitude.

If you practiced, practiced, practiced hopefully once you start talking you will not feel as nervous. Try to look at different people during the interview, be bubbly, and smile. When they ask you a question, pause for a moment to think of how you want to say it.

Tip #5- End On The Right Note

At the end of every interview, I have been asked if I have any questions. UMMM… I have a million from the school, salary, teachers, grade level, and did I get the job? I wish we could ask these without looking crazy!

Here are the few questions I ask. The first question is why do teachers like working at this school? The last question is when should I hear back about this position? These are 2 questions I genuinely want to know.

Lastly thank them for their time and the most important thing is it is a good fit for the school. Make sure you say that you want the best fit for their school and hopefully, it is you, but if not, you understand. You can also ask to leave your sub number at the front.

Hopefully, these tips will help land you the job of your dreams. I know interviews can be very stressful and every time I have had one, I have been sweating and almost had a full-on panic attack right before, but it has always turned out great because I did my homework, practiced, and let my personality shine.