Interviewing for a teaching position can be difficult due to the vast numbers of applicants for any given position and the limited amount of funds available to schools to hire new teachers. In order to have the best chance at a teaching position, it is important to find a way to stand out during your interview.
Before an Interview, Do Your Research
Really, you should have done your research before you even apply to an open position. Your cover letter should be specific to the school or school district you are applying for; optimally it should be specific for the grade or specific job opening you want to interview for. In your research, pick out some specific things that might set this school or district apart from others and match them to your experience or expertise.
Knowing as much as possible about the position, area and team is helpful during the interview as well, as you can show the interviewer how you will fit into this community. So for example, if the school happens to have a budding math club and you love math, this is something that you can show excitement for and a passion for volunteering to help grow and expand the club. This type of research will show the principal that you are familiar with the school, eager to jump in with both feet and interested in the programs that the school promotes.
Answer Questions with Both Broad and Specific Examples
Advice that job seekers often receive is to use stories and examples to answer interview questions. This is great advice because it shows the interviewer specific examples in which you dealt with that particular situation. On the other hand, this has the potential to construe the meaning behind the question too narrowly, leaving the candidate something still to be desired.
Instead of choosing between a hypothetical broad answer and a specific example, weave both into an answer. This can be difficult to do without rambling or going on too long about one question, so it is important to grab a friend or family member to practice answering with brevity. Here is an example:
Question: How would you handle a discipline problem in your classroom during instructional time?
Notice this question does not give a specific situation or any information on how a child is acting out. This is when specific examples must meet broad answers. So discuss several steps that you might take including redirecting the student to task, reminding the class of the expectations and finding out if the student is struggling to understand the lesson. At this point, you can tell a brief story about how you were able to provide additional support for a student struggling to grasp a new concept, for example.
Stand Out from the Crowd During an Interview
Some basic interview tips are common practice and well known by both job seekers and interviewers. You must be passionate, love working with children, eager to raise student test scores, able to use technology, able to think outside of the box and so on. So find a niche that can set you apart from the rest of the applicants in other ways.
For example, at the end an interview, every interviewer will ask if the candidate has any questions. It is always good to have a question and often the standard question is to ask what type of candidate the interviewer is looking for. Avoid this question because if you are interviewing for the position, then obviously you think that you are the type of candidate the interview should be looking for – don’t let the interview think that you might not fit the bill.
Instead, ask whether there is freedom for teachers to set up free tutoring after school for struggling students, or if it is possible to get a book club started with interested students during the lunch period. This shows innovative thinking and will leave the interviewer remembering you more than if you just ask about opportunities for advancement or tuition reimbursement.
Learn other important tips for getting a teaching position:
Resume Writing Help – Tips for writing the best resume for a position.
Interview Questions for Teachers – Learn what types of questions you will be asked and how to answer them.
Developing the Professional Portfolio – Learn what to put in the portfolio and how to use it during an interview.
Getting a Job as a Teacher – From certification basics to accepting a job offer and tips on everything in between.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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