Before you attend your next education job interview, don’t forget about preparing properly. If you put in the time and effort to rehearsing responses to potential questions out loud, your performance will substantially improve.
Practicing before an interview can increase confidence which will reduce anxiety and nervousness. Certain questions are often asked during an interview, which usually ‘trip up’ interviewees. Preparing for these questions ahead of time is essential to make the mark on your next interview.
1. Prepare and Properly Reply:
“Tell Me About Yourself”
This is not the time or place to recite your autobiography. Highlight key points that make you “you.” Discuss your post-secondary educational background and credentials, previous related jobs, transferable skills, and hopes and ambitions for your teaching or administration career. When talking about your skills and qualifications, you are really trying to sell why you are the best candidate for the job – and that is exactly what that question is trying to discern. Keep your answer under five minutes, so the interviewer does not become bored or overwhelmed.
2. Be Ready to Answer:
“Why Should I Hire You?”
The principal or superintendent wants to know specifically why he or she should hire you over anyone else – and this is exactly what you need to sell. Do not take the negative route and discredit your competition, instead focus on your positive attributes and credentials, and explain why you think you are uniquely qualified for the position. Like any other aspect of the interview, you must practice your answer…practice, practice, practice!
3. Practice Answering:
“How would you evaluate yourself as a teacher or administrator?”
Even if you are not asked this question, you should have a realistic idea concerning the extent of your teaching or leadership skills. Self-evaluation is always a good thing and should be practiced regularly, thus helping you assess the areas that might need improvement. When answering this question, you do not want to come across as like you think you are perfect. Let the interviewer know that you are always looking to enhance instructional and disciplinary skills and continue your own education to grow professionally. As well, discuss how you are willing to collaborate with colleagues to accomplish this.
There are reasons it important to evaluate yourself as a teacher.
4. Prepare to Answer:
“How would you help children who are failing/performing below grade level?”
Let the interviewer know you will not let any child fall behind. You must demonstrate how dedicated you are to helping each child reach his or her full potential. Furthermore, you need to be able to express how you are going to accomplish this. Talk about your willingness to provide one-on-one and extracurricular tutoring, locate additional resources, meet with parents and academic professionals, and any other means necessary.
5. Develop a Reply For:
“How would you challenge gifted and talented students?”
Helping gifted and talented children reach their full potential is just as important as achieving the same for below- and on-grade-level performers. You may wish to talk about creating independent projects, planning vertical enrichment activities, locating a mentor, utilizing Bloom’s Taxonomy, and incorporating other effective strategies. Besides, this is another topic you will want to discuss with parents, gain their input, and help them appropriately challenge their child at home.
