Interview Tips

*Practice interviewing. Get a list of possible questions and ask a friend or colleague to interview you. Tape it and analyze your responses for both content and delivery. Listen for hesitation words and sounds like “you know,” “mmmm,” “ahh,” and “well.” Try to eliminate these from your answers. Make sure that you sound “professional,” using correct terminology and proper grammar.

*Confirm the date and time of your interview the day before your appointment. This shows that you are an organized professional who values the time of those conducting the interview. It also helps to foster communication and helps to prevent problems with last minute changes in scheduling.

*Take time to get organized even before you leave for the interview. Make sure you have all materials organized in your briefcase. In addition to your résumé and portfolio, make sure you have a notebook or tablet, a pen, business cards, and anything else you might need.

* Your attire should be conservative and something in which you feel comfortable. Women should be aware of the length of their skirt; men should wear a dress shirt and tie. Cover any tattoos, body piercing, etc.

* Arrive on time. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Allow enough time to find a parking space, locate the room, and find the bathroom (check your appearance and take a deep breath).

* When you arrive, greet the secretary/receptionist and any other personnel in a professional manner with a smile and a handshake. When you enter the interview room, introduce yourself and shake everyone’s hand, making sure to maintain eye contact.

* Know your résumé and portfolio. Review both before your interview, so that you will be thoroughly prepared to answer questions, discuss your experiences, and integrate your philosophy into your statements.

* Be confident and poised, not arrogant!! (take pride in your experiences, but don't make it sound like you have nothing else to learn, or that your way of doing things is better than someone else's). Be sincere and listen to others involved in the interview.

* Assess yourself before the interview: Know your strengths and weaknesses, and be prepared to explain both to the interviewer. Practice explaining out loud in simple terms why you are the right person for this position. Consider your education, work experience, career goals, and personal qualities.

*When discussing your weaknesses, try to phrase them as positives. For example, “I have a difficult time delegating tasks because I like to make sure things are done correctly.” Or, “I may be too flexible, as I can change a lesson plan or class schedule at the drop of a hat.”

*Build and organize your portfolio to show the depth and breadth of your teaching abilities and goals. Include a table of contents to enable you to quickly locate information during the interview.

* Be positive!!

*Smile and shake hands firmly with those you are interviewing as you enter the room and as you leave.

* Make note of those with whom you are interviewing and send each a thank you letter (often makes or breaks the chance on landing the job).

* Make eye contact with everyone and speak clearly and articulately (this is especially important if you are nervous -- if your voice softens too much, interviewers may wonder if you will be able to handle a class). Use good diction and grammar throughout the interview. Articulate your thoughts clearly without interjecting irritating overused phrases, such as “you know,” “ok,” and “uh.”

* Get informed about the school/system with which you are interviewing (check the school's web site, talk to others you know who have children in the school, get a hold of resources -- newsletters, policies, philosophies, etc.)

*Know the district’s mission and philosophy, current issues, programs, and student population. If possible integrate this information into your answers and statements.

* Bring extra copies of you resume and references to hand out as you begin your interview (it is quite possible all the people on the interview committee haven't seen your resume).

* Come to the interview prepared with some questions to ask!!!!!! (you may even have a short typed list to read from – so you don't forget anything). You may want to ask about opportunities for leadership/committees to join; professional development opportunities. Don't talk salary yet!!! Do end by asking when/how you will be informed of a hiring decision.

*Non-verbal communication - Watch what you're doing while you're talking. Make sure your body language conveys your professional attitude. Look the interviewer in the eye when you talk to him/her. Good posture will convey your poise and confidence throughout the interview. Nervous hands and feet can distract the interviewer's attention.

* Give specific examples, whenever possible, to support your statements.

* Take your time! After a question is asked, rephrase it into a statement and spend a few seconds, formulating an answer.

Don't rush. Be sure that you don't blurt out answers without thinking first.

* Be firm in your answers, don't try and answer questions the way you think they want you to. Be honest!

* Most of all, relax. Be yourself and remember it won't last forever.

*At the end of the interview be sure to restate your interest in the position and ask the interviewer if he/she needs you to submit additional documentation.

* Keep an interview journal. After the interview write a brief summary of what happened. Review and analyze your dress, conduct, and answers to questions. Note any follow-up action you should take and put it in your calendar.

* If you are offered a teaching position, be cautious in accepting it immediately. Thank the person who contacted you and ask him/her for some time to consider your options. Once you sign the contract, a school district can legally keep you until you have fulfilled the responsibilities delineated in that contract (sometimes a 3-month notice is necessary). If you have multiple offers within a short period of time, carefully weigh your options. Consider the district philosophy, school/classroom conditions, location, support, resources and provisions for professional development, as well as salary.