Five worthy tips for an interview:
We are at the Christmas point of the teaching season where teaching jobs becoming available for the January period. Whether it is full-time, part-time, maternity… if you want that job it is yours!!
Have Confidence!
Don’t be shy, but also don’t be overpowering. Give eye contact… without being scary. Energetic and controlled enthusiasm works well, and if you are passionate about your subject, as cheesy as it sounds, but it works, just be yourself!
Show Subject Knowledge!
The whole reason that you are going for the interview is because you know what you are talking about. There is no point in going for a job, especially in teaching, if you are unsure of what it is that you are teaching. You will be tested in an interview as to the extent of your knowledge… simply to see if you can handle the role. You most probably will be challenged by students on subject knowledge too, especially the further up the years that you teach. Relating to confidence, it would look much better on your behalf if you could answer a question directly rather than umming and erring.
Smart Appearance!
Smart is key, and 1st impressions are everything, so make the most of it! I have already written a blog on the best things to wear, or not wear (blog 13 ‘A Teachers guide to appropriate work clothing’)… when going for an interview. Teaching is a professional occupation, so I believe that looking like a professional is important. In other words… Save the jeans for the pub!
Be Prepared!
It should come naturally that you would want to be prepared for an interview, and yet there are still candidates that forget things, or are unsure of things, or are simply not ready for the interview. Most teaching posts on interview will ALWAYS ask you for your CRB check, so have that at the ready! Most teaching posts will also get you as an interviewee to do a micro teach (between 15 mins – 1 hr lesson), to see how you are with the children, to check out how good you are as a teacher and your persona as a teacher, and to give you a general once over! MAKE SURE you lesson is top notch… it has to be suitable for the age group, it has to be appropriate, and like all lessons should be, it has to be fun and informational. Knowing the reward system of the school, and using it, will ironically reward you back and will work in your favour! When I do interviews, I make sure that everything is ready the week before, and then double check it two nights before… over cautious?? Almost definitely!!… But I really want that job!!!
Personality!
Always be friendly. You are meeting new people for the first time, and just like with appearance, first impressions are important. Don’t be over familiar with new heads or staff, you have not known them for ages or use the same local together! A decent handshake and ‘hello’ is more than appropriate and without interrogating, ask questions when the situation arises. They are looking for a teacher who can nurture the learning of the children, as well as offering a pastoral role that also comes with every teaching position. So be caring and thoughtful too!
I have only brushed up on a few ideas for this week’s post.
What can you add to my suggestions to make you ‘stand out’ and ‘ace’ an interview?
Andy T