1. WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES THAT WILL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY IN THIS POSITION?: A title alone tells you nothing. The job description won't reveal much either, except whether or not you're capable of doing what's required functionally on a daily basis. For the same reason that you put your accomplishments on your resume - and not just the job description - here, too, you want to get a sense of the individuality of this job in this company.
Was everything left running smoothly? Is it pretty much picking up and continuing daily functions as normal? Or is there damage control that needs to be done? If so, is there a time line for the repair, and is it an achievable one considering your capabilities? Is it realistic regardless of who holds the position?
If you don't have any information, this will begin to clue you in about both the supervisor and the previous employee. If you have been provided with some detail already, then the answer should track with what you've already learned.
2. HOW LONG WAS THE PREVIOUS PERSON HERE? WHY DID THEY LEAVE? Generally, in answering the first part, the interviewer will answer the second part as well. But if they don't, then ask it. And if that person was there an oddly short time, you also want to know how long the person before that was there.
See where I'm going with this? If the job is in disarray, and the last two people were there a short period of time and were fired, you don't need to ask any of the other questions here. Exit gracefully and then run! Because before long, you, too, will be terminated for not achieving whatever it is they want done - regardless of if the stated time frame sounded realistic or not.
3. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE. HOW DO YOU BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR EMPLOYEES?: Is he a micro manager? Is he an information hound that needs to be kept informed of everything? Does he leave people alone to do what he hired them for and simply keep on top of what's going on? Does he help you if you have trouble? Do any mentoring? Or is he a berating, derogatory, jerk?
Obviously he's not going to come right out and tell you he's a micro manager! Instead he might say, "I like to keep a very close watch on what's going on in my department," or "I visit with each member of my department on a daily basis to make sure they're staying on track," or something similar.
You'll find that the person will be fairly straightforward in sharing their management style with you. What you want to pay attention to is how they word it.
4. WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE TEND TO EXCEL HERE?: Workaholics? Ones who are self-motivated and manage themselves well? People who work well in teams or committees? Employees who keep their supervisor informed of "where they are with things" on a daily basis?
This tells you something about the pervasive culture in the company or department. Generally speaking, companies - or departments - tend to be made up of similar types of people that are in harmony with the company culture and philosophy. An entrepreneurial person won't function well in a committee environment. While sales personalities can vary greatly, the top achievers are goal driven and motivated to achieve, rather than complacent. People who are accustomed to thinking for themselves will find themselves chafing in a company that has a more dictatorial style, while those who perform better when they're told what to do will find themselves adrift in a company that requires its employees to think for themselves.
5. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? WHY DO YOU STAY?: The answer to this question will give you an indication as to the feeling or health of the department or company. The way in which he answers the question will also give you additional insight into your potential boss, his management style, and what type of people excel in the department or company.
These are informational questions, not challenges. Be genuinely interested in the answer, because you're gaining valuable information that has to do with your future. When you leave the interview and process it within yourself, you'll be matching what you learned with what you are looking for.
Pay attention to the interviewer's body language and facial expressions. Is he relaxed? Does he fill in some of the spaces? Does he speak TO you - or AT you? Does he answer the question briefly and then quickly fire off another one? These, too, are valuable cues, and after the interview, you'll need to piece them together with the verbal information you received.
Your perfect job might land in your lap by grace and good fortune. But more likely, you'll need to look for it. It's there - but to recognize it, you'll need to know what it doesn't look like, as well as what it does.
Showing posts with label Interview Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview Tips. Show all posts
Friday, March 21, 2008
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Tips for answering those tricky interview questions
What will I wear to the interview? What questions should I prepare? What research have I done on this organization? Do I know anything about the hiring manager or team? What do the financials of the company look like? Are there any recent articles about their products, people or projects?
Answers to these questions will give you solid information and key insight to landing an offer.
But don't stop there -- know how to answer behavioral-based interview questions, and you will stand out from your competition.
Behavioral Basics
Behavioral-based interview questions are focused on bringing specific past projects, accomplishments and failures to light. Employers look for key past behaviors.
With the notion that past behaviors are a strong indicator of future behaviors, the hiring managers in today's marketplace will probe deep into your business life to see if you match up. The more recent the story about your career, the more relevant it will be in the mind of the interviewer.
Use "I" versus "we" when telling your past story. They are interested in your contributions and business behaviors, not someone else's.
Here are five key basics to know when answering behavioral-based questions:
1. Think like you're in your college English course.
Using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering a behavioral-based question is much like writing an English paper.
You need an Introduction (Situation or Task), the Body (Actions) and a Conclusion (Result).
The Situation or Task is the set up for your response, giving the hiring manager details of the story you are about to tell (When? Where? Who was involved?).
The Actions or behaviors that you demonstrated are why this type of question is asked. What did you specifically do? How did you handle this task? If you made a mistake, did you learn from it and avoid repeating it?
The Results must be measurable. Use percentages, dollar amounts, unit numbers, etc., to solidify a specific result.
Remember, these stories are all reference checkable, as they actually occurred sometime in the past, so be certain to check your facts first.
2. Perform a dress rehearsal.
Write down specific behavioral-based questions that you may hear, and role-play with someone who will give you "tough love" in return. This will keep your stories to a minimum, keep you focused on using the STAR format, and give you the necessary confidence to make that all-important positive impression.
3. It's OK to pause before answering.
Preparation works well for behavioral-based questions, however, you may hear a question that you didn't expect. Ask for a moment to collect your thoughts, and then follow the STAR format to response to the question.
4. Avoid tangents.
It's easy to keep talking about your past successes and accomplishments. Be warned, too many times the Interviewee keeps adding on to their story. Once you have provided the specific and measurable Results, stop talking. The interviewer will probe further if more information is required.
5. Do not answer with an opinion, a theory or a vague response.
Behavioral-based questions are targeting your past. Your opinion is simply your view or belief, and offers no detail around what you did on the job. A theoretical response carries no weight, as it is not valid experience. A vague response keeps the hiring manager guessing, and most likely probing further to extract the information that they are after.
Answers to these questions will give you solid information and key insight to landing an offer.
But don't stop there -- know how to answer behavioral-based interview questions, and you will stand out from your competition.
Behavioral Basics
Behavioral-based interview questions are focused on bringing specific past projects, accomplishments and failures to light. Employers look for key past behaviors.
With the notion that past behaviors are a strong indicator of future behaviors, the hiring managers in today's marketplace will probe deep into your business life to see if you match up. The more recent the story about your career, the more relevant it will be in the mind of the interviewer.
Use "I" versus "we" when telling your past story. They are interested in your contributions and business behaviors, not someone else's.
Here are five key basics to know when answering behavioral-based questions:
1. Think like you're in your college English course.
Using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering a behavioral-based question is much like writing an English paper.
You need an Introduction (Situation or Task), the Body (Actions) and a Conclusion (Result).
The Situation or Task is the set up for your response, giving the hiring manager details of the story you are about to tell (When? Where? Who was involved?).
The Actions or behaviors that you demonstrated are why this type of question is asked. What did you specifically do? How did you handle this task? If you made a mistake, did you learn from it and avoid repeating it?
The Results must be measurable. Use percentages, dollar amounts, unit numbers, etc., to solidify a specific result.
Remember, these stories are all reference checkable, as they actually occurred sometime in the past, so be certain to check your facts first.
2. Perform a dress rehearsal.
Write down specific behavioral-based questions that you may hear, and role-play with someone who will give you "tough love" in return. This will keep your stories to a minimum, keep you focused on using the STAR format, and give you the necessary confidence to make that all-important positive impression.
3. It's OK to pause before answering.
Preparation works well for behavioral-based questions, however, you may hear a question that you didn't expect. Ask for a moment to collect your thoughts, and then follow the STAR format to response to the question.
4. Avoid tangents.
It's easy to keep talking about your past successes and accomplishments. Be warned, too many times the Interviewee keeps adding on to their story. Once you have provided the specific and measurable Results, stop talking. The interviewer will probe further if more information is required.
5. Do not answer with an opinion, a theory or a vague response.
Behavioral-based questions are targeting your past. Your opinion is simply your view or belief, and offers no detail around what you did on the job. A theoretical response carries no weight, as it is not valid experience. A vague response keeps the hiring manager guessing, and most likely probing further to extract the information that they are after.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Interview Tips
Get comfortable talking about yourself, your career and your accomplishments. Practice out loud and in front of family and friends.
Honesty, integrity, attitude, verbal skills and enthusiasm are the top qualities most employers are looking for in a candidate. Employers will ask questions that require candidates to talk about weaknesses, and take your body language into account as part of the answer.
Enthusiasm can sometimes offset a lack of experience or lack of training in some area.
And watch the "umms," "likes" and "you knows."
Bring with you your Social Security number or card, driver's license, résumé, and the names, job titles, addresses and phone numbers of three references.
Don't make your #1 choice of employment your first interview.
Know exactly why an employer should hire you and articulate this by citing experiences that best demonstrate your capabilities.
Wear comfortable, professional clothing. Do not chew gum or smoke.
Display a competitive edge. Think of leadership positions you have taken on and show how you have succeeded.
Be a great conversationalist. Many interviewers complain that they have a difficult time getting candidates to talk. Think of the interview as a two-way conversation in which you describe your most relevant skills, ask intelligent questions and convey a sense of enthusiasm about the position. Don't wait passively for the interviewer to ask you about your strongest qualities; make sure you work them into the discussion at every opportunity.
Honesty, integrity, attitude, verbal skills and enthusiasm are the top qualities most employers are looking for in a candidate. Employers will ask questions that require candidates to talk about weaknesses, and take your body language into account as part of the answer.
Enthusiasm can sometimes offset a lack of experience or lack of training in some area.
And watch the "umms," "likes" and "you knows."
Bring with you your Social Security number or card, driver's license, résumé, and the names, job titles, addresses and phone numbers of three references.
Don't make your #1 choice of employment your first interview.
Know exactly why an employer should hire you and articulate this by citing experiences that best demonstrate your capabilities.
Wear comfortable, professional clothing. Do not chew gum or smoke.
Display a competitive edge. Think of leadership positions you have taken on and show how you have succeeded.
Be a great conversationalist. Many interviewers complain that they have a difficult time getting candidates to talk. Think of the interview as a two-way conversation in which you describe your most relevant skills, ask intelligent questions and convey a sense of enthusiasm about the position. Don't wait passively for the interviewer to ask you about your strongest qualities; make sure you work them into the discussion at every opportunity.
Mistakes in Interview
1. A Lack of Enthusiasm
Attitude and sense of direction are vital to conveying a real love and interest in what you are pursuing. Make sure you give examples and demonstrate your interest in a particular area, don't just say you are interested.
2. Unprofessional Behavior
Think of all the ways that you present yourself to a potential employer, including via the telephone. Make sure you have an answering machine or voice mail that leaves a professional message. Forewarn roommates and family that you may be receiving calls from employers and instruct them on the type of message you would like to be taken.
It is appropriate to wear conservative business suits to interviews, even if the job is more casual than that. You want to dress better than you would if you were working there, because you are not working there yet.
Arriving late and rescheduling meetings are all too common signs that you aren't ready for the work world. If you commit to an interview time, keep it.
Always send a thank you note after the interview, and follow up with a quick, to-the-point phone call reaffirming your interest.
3. Poor Research Prior to Interviews
Research the field, the profession, and the company before the interview and be prepared with background facts and questions. Read newspapers and trade magazines to keep up with current company issues, such as mergers. Contact people in the company who are doing what you want to do and ask them how they got there.
4. Lying to Employers
Most recruiters will verify dates of employment, academic degrees, references, previous earnings, GPAs, club memberships, and whether candidates have criminal records. If you are found out to have lied after you get the position, you will most likely lose your job since you are usually required to sign a legal document attesting to the truth of your claims.
5. A Lack of Direction
Don't arrive at an interview hoping to be told by the recruiter what position you should be seeking, or expecting him to lay out career goals for you. The most effective candidates know where they are going and why. You should be able to articulate what you learned in your academic career and be able to explain how you plan to apply it. Focus, maturity and sense of self are crucial.
6. Weak Communication Skills
How you behave during an interview can be as impressive as what you say. Recruiters often complain about candidates who talk too much, listen poorly, and fail to ask questions. Make sure you listen for and remember critical information, such as the name of your interviewer. Asking good questions is key because it shows that you've researched and thought about important issues. Use proper English, avoid slang.
7. Failure to Sell Yourself
You need to sell employers on your skills and future value, and the best way to do so is by giving examples. Translate what you have done into skills employers can use. Samples of previous accomplishments, such as papers and projects you've completed, are a great way to demonstrate your skills.
Attitude and sense of direction are vital to conveying a real love and interest in what you are pursuing. Make sure you give examples and demonstrate your interest in a particular area, don't just say you are interested.
2. Unprofessional Behavior
Think of all the ways that you present yourself to a potential employer, including via the telephone. Make sure you have an answering machine or voice mail that leaves a professional message. Forewarn roommates and family that you may be receiving calls from employers and instruct them on the type of message you would like to be taken.
It is appropriate to wear conservative business suits to interviews, even if the job is more casual than that. You want to dress better than you would if you were working there, because you are not working there yet.
Arriving late and rescheduling meetings are all too common signs that you aren't ready for the work world. If you commit to an interview time, keep it.
Always send a thank you note after the interview, and follow up with a quick, to-the-point phone call reaffirming your interest.
3. Poor Research Prior to Interviews
Research the field, the profession, and the company before the interview and be prepared with background facts and questions. Read newspapers and trade magazines to keep up with current company issues, such as mergers. Contact people in the company who are doing what you want to do and ask them how they got there.
4. Lying to Employers
Most recruiters will verify dates of employment, academic degrees, references, previous earnings, GPAs, club memberships, and whether candidates have criminal records. If you are found out to have lied after you get the position, you will most likely lose your job since you are usually required to sign a legal document attesting to the truth of your claims.
5. A Lack of Direction
Don't arrive at an interview hoping to be told by the recruiter what position you should be seeking, or expecting him to lay out career goals for you. The most effective candidates know where they are going and why. You should be able to articulate what you learned in your academic career and be able to explain how you plan to apply it. Focus, maturity and sense of self are crucial.
6. Weak Communication Skills
How you behave during an interview can be as impressive as what you say. Recruiters often complain about candidates who talk too much, listen poorly, and fail to ask questions. Make sure you listen for and remember critical information, such as the name of your interviewer. Asking good questions is key because it shows that you've researched and thought about important issues. Use proper English, avoid slang.
7. Failure to Sell Yourself
You need to sell employers on your skills and future value, and the best way to do so is by giving examples. Translate what you have done into skills employers can use. Samples of previous accomplishments, such as papers and projects you've completed, are a great way to demonstrate your skills.
THE SECOND INTERVIEW
The second interview is often the point at which you may receive a job offer from the employer. At the same time, it is an opportunity for you to consider the company environment and work style to see if it is a fit for you. Would you want to spend the majority of your day in this organization? By observing the environment and asking questions, you will be able to assess the culture.
Things to observe:
Dress Code
Numbers of men and women
Age groups
Condition of facility (old or new)
Presence of technology
Interactions between staff
Environment (formal or relaxed)
Tips:
Make sure you understand the arrangements in advance.
Location
Travel Arrangements
Expenses (Prepaid or will you be reimbursed?)
Contacts (With whom will you be meeting?)
Be prepared for a full day of interviewing.
A typical interview day can be up to eight hours long, and during this time you might participate in up to12 interviews. You may be presented with the following situations as well:
Case Interview: In this type of interview, the interviewer takes the candidate through a series of steps and evaluates how (s)he tackles the various levels. The steps can range from identifying a critical issue, to breaking a problem into component parts, to finally identifying one or more solutions.
Step 1: Big Picture Thinking: The interviewer lays out the facts and asks the candidate to articulate the critical issues facing the business. This requires an ability to focus on key issues, not every issue. The interviewer will then ask why the candidate chose the answer s(he) did.
Step 2: Problem Solving Logic: The interviewer asks the candidate to lay out all the elements of the problem: What factors should be considered?
Step 3: Focusing on Value: The interviewer then lets the candidate choose which avenues to pursue, leaving the discussion open-ended. The interviewer determines if the candidate is instinctive about which path to choose and asks why the candidate selected this path.
Step 4: Depth and Breadth - Business Intuition: The interviewer asks the candidate some probing questions about how (s)he would analyze a key area.
Step 5: Results Orientation: The interviewer asks the candidate how (s)he would implement his/her solution. The interviewer could pose a tricky or hostile client situation to see how candidate would get results in a difficult environment.
(Taken from "How to Ace the Case Interview," Bain & Company)
Writing Samples: The interviewer will ask you to produce a writing sample on the spot. They may want you to defend or argue a particular issue, or summarize data to support a philosophy or viewpoint.
Problem Solving Questions: You may be asked to solve a particular problem, either off the top of your head or with a paper and pencil, during the interview. Some examples of this are probability and quantitative problems.
Group Interviews: In this type of interview, you will meet with several interviewers simultaneously. They may be from different departments around the company or all from the department for which you are interviewing to obtain a position. It is important to be aware of who is in your interview, so that you can address issues in your answers and questions that pertain to those positions and departments. You should remember to address the whole group when answering a question.
Answer each question with the same enthusiasm as you did the first time you were asked. You will be meeting with a number of people who will have no idea what you discussed previous to their interview.
Be concise. Confine your responses to what the interviewer has asked you to explain.
Provide logical back-up for your answers. Be sure to explain what case facts led you to a conclusion, and how you reasoned from those facts to your conclusion.
Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions. If you don't understand the facts, it will be difficult to answer correctly.
Do additional research.
Know the employer thoroughly and have an in-depth understanding of the career field that you are interested in entering.
Follow up with a thank you letter.
It is not necessary to send a thank you letter to every person with whom you interviewed. It is usually sufficient to send one to the person who coordinated the visit
Things to observe:
Dress Code
Numbers of men and women
Age groups
Condition of facility (old or new)
Presence of technology
Interactions between staff
Environment (formal or relaxed)
Tips:
Make sure you understand the arrangements in advance.
Location
Travel Arrangements
Expenses (Prepaid or will you be reimbursed?)
Contacts (With whom will you be meeting?)
Be prepared for a full day of interviewing.
A typical interview day can be up to eight hours long, and during this time you might participate in up to12 interviews. You may be presented with the following situations as well:
Case Interview: In this type of interview, the interviewer takes the candidate through a series of steps and evaluates how (s)he tackles the various levels. The steps can range from identifying a critical issue, to breaking a problem into component parts, to finally identifying one or more solutions.
Step 1: Big Picture Thinking: The interviewer lays out the facts and asks the candidate to articulate the critical issues facing the business. This requires an ability to focus on key issues, not every issue. The interviewer will then ask why the candidate chose the answer s(he) did.
Step 2: Problem Solving Logic: The interviewer asks the candidate to lay out all the elements of the problem: What factors should be considered?
Step 3: Focusing on Value: The interviewer then lets the candidate choose which avenues to pursue, leaving the discussion open-ended. The interviewer determines if the candidate is instinctive about which path to choose and asks why the candidate selected this path.
Step 4: Depth and Breadth - Business Intuition: The interviewer asks the candidate some probing questions about how (s)he would analyze a key area.
Step 5: Results Orientation: The interviewer asks the candidate how (s)he would implement his/her solution. The interviewer could pose a tricky or hostile client situation to see how candidate would get results in a difficult environment.
(Taken from "How to Ace the Case Interview," Bain & Company)
Writing Samples: The interviewer will ask you to produce a writing sample on the spot. They may want you to defend or argue a particular issue, or summarize data to support a philosophy or viewpoint.
Problem Solving Questions: You may be asked to solve a particular problem, either off the top of your head or with a paper and pencil, during the interview. Some examples of this are probability and quantitative problems.
Group Interviews: In this type of interview, you will meet with several interviewers simultaneously. They may be from different departments around the company or all from the department for which you are interviewing to obtain a position. It is important to be aware of who is in your interview, so that you can address issues in your answers and questions that pertain to those positions and departments. You should remember to address the whole group when answering a question.
Answer each question with the same enthusiasm as you did the first time you were asked. You will be meeting with a number of people who will have no idea what you discussed previous to their interview.
Be concise. Confine your responses to what the interviewer has asked you to explain.
Provide logical back-up for your answers. Be sure to explain what case facts led you to a conclusion, and how you reasoned from those facts to your conclusion.
Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions. If you don't understand the facts, it will be difficult to answer correctly.
Do additional research.
Know the employer thoroughly and have an in-depth understanding of the career field that you are interested in entering.
Follow up with a thank you letter.
It is not necessary to send a thank you letter to every person with whom you interviewed. It is usually sufficient to send one to the person who coordinated the visit
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
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.
*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.
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