You have landed that big interview with a school district, but are you fully prepared for what awaits you? Will you truly know what the district or school is looking for? Behavioral interviews are a targeted selection technique that is utilized by recruiters. The vast majority of districts make use of behavioral-based questioning during the interview process. This new and creative technique was designed under the assumption that past behavior qualities are the best predictor of future behavior character.

A potential employer will quickly identify what skills and qualities you possess through behavioral interview questions. These skills and qualities are often referred to as competencies, dimensions, and problem solving abilities and can be discovered by asking detailed questions about your thoughts, feelings and actions in past situations. This approach will assist the district or school in determining whether or not you possess the qualities they are seeking in an educator.

Behavioral interview questions can be described as questions that are searching for past experiences where you encountered potential conflict in an educational environment, how you dealt with the situation, and what the final outcome was. The response and strong answer to these questions are based upon accurate outlining of the context, actions, and derived results of the circumstances. To answer these questions correctly you must remind yourself of experiences that can be drawn upon from your previous full-time and part-time teaching employment, volunteer work, professional encounters, University or academic encounters, extra curricular activities, and life experiences.

Now that you have a full understanding of why behavioral questions are asked, and what your responses and answers are to be based upon, it is time to learn how to become prepared for your interview. In order to effectively plan for the interview you must uncover as much information as possible about the teaching skills and qualities that the district requires. It is important to tap your memory for stories that will precisely illustrate your skills and successes. Think through each situation and remember who was involved and what role you played in the situation. Most importantly, "LISTEN" to the question being asked of you in order to successfully answer the question with detailed and appropriate responses.

There are many attributes and characteristics that a district or school will be seeking from a potential candidate. We have put together a list of typical traits that a district will be seeking:

  • Competency
  • Superior Verbal Communication Skills
  • Research Skills
  • Flexibility and Adaptability
  • Critical Thinking Skills
  • Analytical Ability
  • Appropriate Judgment
  • Problem Solving Techniques
  • Teamwork
  • Quick Learner
  • Enthusiasm/Motivation
  • Initiative
  • Innovation
  • Leadership Ability

All of the above characteristics can be emulated when you have mastered the ability to effectively answer behavioral interview questions.

Remember, be prepared, recall key situations, and the role you played in the situation and listen to the question being asked.

One simple way of recalling keys to the appropriate answers is by being a "STAR".

  • S - Situation
  • T - Task
  • A - Action
  • R - Result

Once you have mastered the art of behavioral interviews, you will successfully acquire your dream job. If you need help preparing for the interview, don't hesitate to contact Candace at A+ Resumes for Teachers by clicking here or call toll-free 1-877-738-8052.We can help you every step of the way.

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 Bach to Education Interview Tips 101

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Candace Davies ACCC, CRW, CIC, CPRW, CEIP, CECC
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