It’s all about landing a job offer for the perfect teaching job. A resume should get a teaching job interview, but how you perform during the teacher interview will determine if you will secure a teaching job offer.
A teacher job interview is a crucial step in your job search. This meeting is your opportunity to shine and verbalize to the school district interview panel why they should hire you. If you don’t take advantage of your chance, then you could let a great teaching position slip through your fingers. Understanding the secret to interview success is vital.
Land a Teaching Job Offer with These Strategies
1. Qualifications Got the Interview, Passion and Success Stories May Get the Job
The resume you design and write will sell your credentials and skills, but it’s the conversation during the interview that will reveal who you indeed are as a person and as an educator. Even though you will be discussing your academic background and career experience, the interviewer will be grading you on your confidence and demeanor. That is why you must act like yourself and let your personality, ambition, and commitment shine.
2. Interviewer Needs to Know Your Interested
The only way you will seal the deal is by stating, “I want this job.” If the school principal does not think you are too interested, they will not hire you or ask you for a follow-up interview. Showing enthusiasm and interest in the job will undoubtedly raise you above the competition.
There is nothing wrong with being blunt and straightforward about what you want. Don’t think you are begging for the job if you let the interviewer know you are eager to acquire the position, and it seems like the perfect fit.
3. Be Honest About Other Interviews and Offers
Even if this is the only interview you currently have lined up, do not let your interviewer know that. If they think other school districts are competing to hire you, your value as an educator or administrator goes up.
There is a fine line when it comes to portraying your availability. Don’t devalue the opportunity to work for this particular district. Let the interviewer know that although you have a few other offers, this school district is your first choice, and you are ready and willing to go to work.
4. Prepare for a Follow-up Interview.
Some schools may go through a second or third round of interviews as they whittle down the list of potential candidates.
Always prepare for another interview. If you started with a behavioral interview, a “regular” in-person interview is sure to follow.
Even if you did not go through a behavioral interview but instead sat down with the superintendent and discussed your qualifications and capabilities, you could potentially have a follow-up interview of the same nature. When you receive that call asking to come back, make sure you are ready for it. Increase the chances of getting a job offer by learning techniques to close an interview.
5. Send a Thank You Letter After the Interview
A thank you letter is the correct and courteous way to show your appreciation for being asked to attend an interview. It’s a fabulous opportunity to highlight your outstanding credentials and experience and help the interviewer remember precisely who you are and what you can bring to the table. Refer to the specifics mentioned in the interview. After you have written your letter, send it immediately, as this will convey your enthusiasm, interest, and professionalism.
If you aren’t getting interviews for a teaching job opening, consider reviewing our teacher resume samples to see if your resume is written with the correct keywords and catchphrases.
It’s the resume and cover letter you submit that will get you an interview. Without the meeting, you won’t get a teaching job offer.
