The first minute of your teaching job interview will often determine the result of the entire interviewing process. Make an excellent impression at the beginning of the meeting with these tips, and you’ll find the rest of your interview will go smoother.
Before the Interview
When you arrive at the interview place and waiting in a lobby, you’re giving non-verbal feedback to those around you. The minute you land at the interviewing location, it’s essential to be mindful of how you’re perceived.
When you arrive (and hopefully you will have arrived between 15-30 minutes early), greet whoever sits near the front door. The opinions of receptionists, administrators, or anyone you meet before or after the interview are significant, and word gets around!
Let them know your first and last name and that you are here for an interview. The receptionist will usually tell you to take a seat while letting the interviewer know you have arrived. While you’re waiting, use the time to get your portfolio from your briefcase and remove your coat. Turn your phone off before you enter the building and never take it out during the interview.
Take this time to clear your head. If you prepared for the interview, all that’s left to do is eliminate some leftover nerves. Confidence counts in the interview, it will show competence, and you are in control.
A Greeting and a Smile
Even though this sounds simple and straightforward, greeting the interviewer is something many overly-nervous people forget to do, and it can go a long way.
Typically, a greeting will include a salutation (“hello”) and asking the interviewer how they’re doing today. Don’t forget to smile. A smile can go a long way and set both you and your interviewer at ease. Even if you are nervous, smiling can help quiet your nerves and be inviting to the interviewer.
Unless your interviewer greets you by name, don’t forget to introduce yourself using your first and last name. Some interviewers will screen many job seekers; they may not know who you are. Introduce yourself and give them a firm handshake.
Ideally, you will have researched the school and who you’ll be interviewing with and will know your interviewer’s name. The greeting is a good time to use their names as well.
First Minute At the Interview
Remain standing until the interviewer asks you to take a seat. And when you sit down, relax, but be careful not to slump or lean on the interviewer’s desk. At the beginning of your interview, be prepared to both make small talk and talk about yourself. Most job interviews will begin with questions centered on you as a person.
When speaking to your interviewer, make eye contact in a way you would with a friend during a casual conversation. Making eye contact is critical to the entire interview, not just the first minute. When speaking, remember to talk in a firm, bright, confident tone. It won’t matter how great your answers are to the interviewer’s questions if they can’t hear or understand them.
While these are the first five minutes of your interview, they are crucial and set the stage for your entire meeting. Browse the rest of our site for tips for having an uplifting conversation during the meeting.
If this article was helpful, please comment below! And, if you need assistance with any aspect of your job search, reach out to Candace to learn more!
