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Contact Candace Davies -
Email
780-513-0010
Toll-free 877-738-8052
Fax 775-593-3556
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A Winning Interview – The Importance of Enthusiasm & Preparedness
Your hard work
and long hours of re-working your resume and cover letter have
finally paid off. Tomorrow is the “Big Interview,” but now you're a
bundle of nerves. No need to worry—I'm here to ease your interview
jitters.
The interview
process is a simple, straight-forward discussion between you and a
potential school district. A little preparation, some practice, and
a whole lot of enthusiasm will increase your chances of winning the
interview game.
Each employer
is different in how they choose to conduct their interview. Some
districts base their hiring decisions on just one interview, while
others may conduct a pre-screening selection process and then follow
through with a second or series of interviews.
I have put
together this sequence of important points to remember when entering
the interview arena.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
-
Take the time
to research the organization and the specific job. Study the job
description to identify how your skills and abilities fill the
requirements of the position. You should also learn as much as you
can about the school district. Check out not only the school
districts' website, but also recent news or magazine stories about
the district and anything else you can get your hands on.
-
Make a list
of the traits and skills you have that match the job
qualifications. Prepare to give examples of work experiences where
you employed those skills.
-
Develop a
list of questions that you may be asked during the interview, and
prepare your answers. If possible, practice your answers by
conducting a mock interview with a friend or family member and get
their feedback on how you did. We coach clients on interview
preparation, and can learn more about the process by
clicking here.
-
Organize a
list of questions that you will want to ask the interviewer.
Remember that an interview is a two-way conversation, and you will
be provided with an opportunity to ask the interview panel your
own questions. Asking your own questions serves two purposes.
First, it shows them that you truly are interested in their
district and the job because you've done enough research to be
able to ask intelligent, well-thought-out, and relevant questions.
Second, their answers will help you decide whether or not you will
accept the position if it is offered to you. Note: this is
not the time to ask about benefits and vacation; these questions
are better left until you are offered the position.
INTERVIEW DAY
-
Dressing for
a successful interview isn't difficult. Wear clothing that is a
little dressier than you would wear to work every day. A sequined
suit would be way overboard; likewise, a shirt and jeans would be
way too casual. Use your common sense.
-
Don't be left
without your essentials. You will need an extra copy of your
resume, a typed list of your references, a pen, and your portfolio
with examples of your work (if applicable).
-
Arrive early.
Allow yourself enough time to find the interview site and find a
parking spot. Having to explain that you are late because you
couldn't find a parking spot will start your interview off on the
wrong foot. Ensure that you arrive in the building, at the place
where the interview will occur, at least 5 minutes before your
scheduled interview time.
-
Offer your
greetings with a firm handshake and a smile. Address the
interviewer formally (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) unless you have been
invited to use the person's first name.
-
Illustrate
your energy and enthusiasm for the position by maintaining eye
contact and providing non-verbal feedback. So much can be said
through your body language, so pay strict attention to how you
move and articulate.
-
Emphasize
your assets and talents. Show the interviewer(s) that you can
perform the job and that you will fit well in the organization.
Always speak positively about yourself, others, and previous
positions. Do not speak negatively about any person you have
worked with or company you have worked for.
-
The
interviewer(s) will guide you through a series of questions, and
then it will be your turn to make a few enquiries. Here is where
your question planning will payoff. Once your questions are
answered, your interview is generally over. Most interviews take
between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.
-
Before the
interview is over, take a few minutes to reiterate your interest
in the position and exhibit your excitement and enthusiasm about
the company and your confidence in meeting the expectations of the
position.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
-
Within 24
hours of having completed your interview, send a thank you letter
to the interviewer and/or committee. This provides you with an
additional opportunity to reiterate your continued interest in the
company and illustrate a few key points that make you the perfect
candidate for this position. Sending a thank you letter may not
guarantee you the job, but it could very well be the thing that
sets you off from all the other candidates.
-
It could take
anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks before you hear back
about the results of the interview.
If you want to
enlist our interview coaching service or need help creating a
powerful resume that gets results,
click here to get started.
For further
help with your resume,
contact A+
Resumes for Teachers.
Success Stories
"Candace:
“Your writing is absolutely
fantastic! I was in total awe as I read through the “Thank you”
letter; then on to the Resume. I sat in total silence for 30 minutes
looking at this document (my mouth nearly hit the floor). I read it
over and over----it was totally amazing!
My favorite is the “Philosophy of
Education” statement. I never dreamed that my personal philosophy
could sound so good on paper and it's all due to you. I shared my
Resume with a colleague and he will certainly be one of your next
clients. I have received so many compliments it's unbelievable!
Thank you, Candace, for one of the best job search services on the
internet! I'll let you know how many offers I receive!”
Thank you (X 10,000),"
N. H.
"The documents are everything I
wanted... you have exceeded my expectations, and for that I thank
you. I am so very impressed, and so was my mentor. I will pass your
name on to many of my colleagues and friends."
T. G.
"Wonderful service Candace. I
loved the coaching you provided me with. I felt so confident walking
into the interview room and the interviewer commented how great I
did.
Thanks to you."
Y. P.
"AWESOME, the resume and letters
are fabulous. I can't thank you enough; they really do reflect me
and my personality."
T. P.
"Candace, I did get an interview
for the job I wanted, thanks to the resume and letter your team
prepared. Now I need help with interview preparation. "
L. M.
Contact
Information
Below is our
contact information, please don't hesitate to call or
email if you have questions or require assistance. We are here to
help you!
U.S./Canada -
Toll-Free: (877) 738-8052
International/Local: (780) 513-0010
Fax: (775) 593-3556
Email:
candoco@telus.net
"Go confidently
in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."
- Henry David
Thoreau
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