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Beginning Teachers

Interviews

LOOKING FOR A JOB

Let people know you are looking for work.
Keep an eye on the newspapers, gazettes, online employment lists.
Network with schools, principals and teachers.
Keep an ear and eye out for any vacancies.
Impress schools during relief teaching or part time teaching.

BEFORE AND DURING THE INTERVIEW

There are plenty of valuable websites on the internet about job hunting. Look at education department websites for other states as well as they often give interview tips.

When you get to the interview stage, dress professionally and arrive before time. If possibly, call ahead to ask the number of interviewers, their names and possile questions beforehand. Be exceptionally well mannered.

Take with you: notepad and pen; a copy of your resume for each interviewer; your teaching portfolio (multiple copies if you have them) including work samples; business card or contact details.

You may be given an idea prior to the interview about the questions you will be asked. If so, MAKE NOTES and take them with you. Do not be afraid to take notes during your interview of what you say - to clear your mind whilst speaking and to reflect on later.

Use interviewers names. Look the interviewer in the eyes when they ask you a question.

Do not be afraid to take time to think about your answer first. You will impress much more if you stop to think about your answer, than if you blurt out the first thing that came to your mind and then tried to change your mind mid sentence.

EXAMPLE QUESTIONS

The following are some questions that I have been asked during interviews…

You'll be coming into a classroom mid year if you were successful. You know that parents are not as likely to be in the classroom because most children catch the buses. What would you do to make the parents feel comfortable with a new teacher for their children?
You will not only be working with the children obviously - there will need to be a lot of interaction between other staff. What qualities can you bring to our group?
How would you allow for a child in your class with a much lower ability level than the other students?
Tell us what your literacy program would look like in your classroom.
What are your curriculum strengths?
Why do you want to work at this school?
What do you know about our school or our area?
What did you find most rewarding from your degree?
We would like to hear a little about your honours degree. How did you research your topic and what were some of the more important things you discovered? How does it relate to your teaching do you think?
Tell us a about some of your most rewarding teaching experiences so far.
What does your numeracy program include and how do you implement it into your classroom?
What experience have you had teaching students with disabilities or special needs?

Write down notes for how you would answer these questions. You are very likely to get similar questions and you only have one chance to answer them - and answer them well.

(Also visit: Interview Success: Tips from Experienced Interviewers)

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

- Make notes on how you think you went, what questions you were asked; things you forgot to mention.
- Write a letter to the interviewers - thank them for their time and the interview and use a brief
paragraph to let them know anything important you may have forgotten to mention during the interview.

*** If you are not successful:
BE BRAVE! Call the interviewers and ask for feedback on your interview. They will be very pleasant and honest about how you went. They may be able to tell you what you need to work on for the next interview.

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