Here are some teaching job interview tips to secure a new position. These job search or interview techniques for educators apply to the following titles: Elementary Teacher, Middle School Teacher, High School Teacher, Special Education Teacher, English Teacher, Social Studies Teacher, Math Teacher, or in preparation for an Assistant Principal Job Interview.
These teaching job interview strategies will help your interviewing performance during the interview process. You have many other ways to help you secure a position before and after the interview.
The interview process is still significant in helping you gain a teaching position. Take additional steps outside the teaching job interview to further help you.
Find out about some of these options below.
Research the School
If you do your homework before the interview, you have a decisive advantage over the others; many candidates will fail to do this. If you research the school, you will be prepared for any questions they may ask about why you would like to work for their school community. Doing research before the meeting will reduce anxiety.
Think about it this way: aren’t you impressed when someone is interested in you and knows some of your career highlights? It surprises you, right? Well, this works with interviewers as well.
A school will be impressed at how much information you have taken the initiative to find out about. On the other hand, if you fail to find primary data about the school, this will be perceived very negatively. To appear prepared, you should research to understand the district’s leadership, ranking, extracurricular activities, and statistics about competing communities.
Arranging Interviews Via the Phone
Most interviews are arranged by phone, making a positive impression immediately. Ensure your tone shows you are confident, enthusiastic, and friendly. Gather relevant details to help advance your stage in the hiring process.
Gather specifics about the teaching position, school community, curriculum, and parental involvement. Ask and see what response you receive. Stir up a short conversation by asking some relevant questions about the position. This will show interest in the job and assist you in preparing for the upcoming interview.
The Receptionist is Important
Don’t kid yourself; this person’s opinion is essential and does influence the hiring decision. I have much firsthand experience with this.… When interviewing candidates, the secretary/receptionist always let me know if the interviewer was rude, non-attentive, enthusiastic, etc. If you go out of your way to be polite, kind, or friendly, the receptionist will more than likely go out of their way to help you — but don’t overdo it.
The moral of the story is to pay attention and respect the receptionist. Be friendly and learn more about the school or the interviewer to help you during the interview.
Be prepared for the interview by bringing the right items into the meeting.
Don’t Forget to Follow up.
At the end of the interview, make a positive comment about the interview; indicate your enthusiasm about the position. After this summary, ask a question to generate some feedback, such as:
“Can you tell me if my qualifications, skills, and strengths match your school’s needs, as I believe they do?
“What is the next step to contribute my efforts and enthusiasm to your school community?”
Send a follow-up/thank-you letter to everyone who interviewed you. It is polite and expected and will keep you in the limelight. Sending a letter will keep you one step ahead of your competition.
Are you ready for your extensive interview? If not — don’t worry. Candace has years of experience helping job seekers like you and can help you with everything from resume and cover letter creation to mock interviews. Contact her today!
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