Join a Mailring at the
Teacher Mailring Center
http://www.teachers.net/mailrings/
Dear Reader,Following is advice received by a teacher who was interviewed by a panel of 5 people for a teaching position but was not hired. She initiated a post-interview discussion with one of the interviewers. When Lauri asked what she might have done better during the interview, the interviewer (an assistant principal) offered the tips included in the message copied below. We thank Lauri for sharing this helpful information!
Kathleen
First of all, [apparently] the main reason I wasn't hired was the fact that I verbalized that I was VERY nervous ... she told me, "NEVER verbalize your nervousness, that's expected, especially in front of a panel of five! ...and we understand that people are nervous." Apparently, that shows them a lack of self-confidence....Secondly, "Because you were nervous, your voice softened too much, and it gave us the impression that you had a quiet disposition. We were under the impression that you would be like that in the classroom, and might have been 'eaten alive' by the kids." She stated, in my next interview, to be MORE assertive and to use a strong voice ... as if I were in front of a class ... nice and strong. The bottom line here was the fact that she could tell that I was very eager to teach and that I truly cared about the outcome of my future students!
Thirdly, since I was nervous, I never mentioned anything about parent communication, getting parents involved with their children and my class, nor how I would present student expectations ... and conveying this to their parents.
Other than that, she told me that I did great, my references were awesome, and they liked me as a person!!!
Now, about those questions that I really didn't know how to answer, and what to say. I told her that I don't want to sound like I'm just B.S.'ing my way through, but wanted to sound intelligent. She stated that I should stop, think about the question, ask for it to be rephrased, and begin to answer it the best I can ... things will hit you as you begin to speak. NEVER state you can't answer the question!
Have you ever been told to go into an interview and "sell yourself"???? I have, and my question was, "How does a newly graduated teacher, who's only experience has been student teaching, sell herself????" She laughed, and told me, "You don't [do it] verbally. You do that with body language, showing self-confidence, how you answer your questions, what questions you ask at the end of the interview, your knowledge of their school, the fact you come in and shake everyone's hand (instead of just sitting right down), and the fact that you use your 'teacher voice'!!!
Other advice she offered: Do some research on the school that I'll be interviewing at. Go into the school and ask for a copy of their school report card, and what their professional growth plan is for the up coming year. Do some research on site based management. ....and bring these things up in the interview.
As for questions to ask after the interview: What types of committees does the school have for teachers to participate on? (This shows an interest in the school, and not the fact that all you want to do is teach.) What is the percentage of student success? How many achieve the honor roll, and principal's list? What opportunities are there for parent involvement? What programs does the school have to teach kids about drugs, alcohol, etc..? ... how does the school get the kids and parents involved? Try to focus on family issues. ...Basically, ask questions to get them to sell the school to you! Also, remember to phrase your questions in a positive manner, and convey the fact that you're a team player.
Last of all, ask about benefits, hours, etc. only AFTER you've been offered the position, and don't take more than a couple days to decide whether you want the position. Remember, you want to know how your interview went as soon as possible, and they want the same courtesy back.
