teachers' interview skills guide

Preparing for teaching interviews

How to give yourself the best chance

Objectives• To provide you with advice, skills and resources

for advancing your career in (or out of) education• This session will enable you to prepare effectively

for interview

The job application process

• Personal strengths and attributes; print media and online; networking

Career planning and sourcing jobs

• Cover letter, CV, selection criteria

Applying for suitable jobs

• 1st and 2nd Interview, try-out, testing

Securing the right job

Applying for suitable jobsPurpose: To get short-listed for interview

What Objective Perspective

Cover letter Demonstrate you can write, spell, research the school, structure a coherent and compelling argument

Personal voice, sense of self

CV (resume) Detail your relevant skills, knowledge and experience. Meet the job requirements

Legal document, objective and verifiable

Key selection criteria Express your role-specific views clearly, provide discussion points for interview

Theory and philosophy, backed up with evidence of past behaviour

Career planning

• Consider these factors:– What am I good at?– What do I enjoy most?– What feedback do I get from others?– What has my career progression been so far?– Where do I want to be in 5 – 10 years’ time?– What do I need (to do/have/be) to get there?– What environment will support the above factors?

Knowing your brandLifestyle

Imagination

Liberty regained Innovation

Simplicity

Hopes, dreams and aspirations

Passion

What are you known for?

SECURING THE RIGHT JOB

• 30 – 60 minutes’ duration• Panel of 2 – 4 people• 5 – 8 questions, 5 minutes for each• Format can include:– Verbal questions– Written question sheet/task provided prior– Presentation on pre-determined topic– An ‘interview lesson’– Psych testing

Securing the right job: The interview

Interview questions - Type

Three types of question:• Behavioural– E.g. Tell us about a difficult student you have had

to teach and how you turned them around• Hypothetical– E.g. What would you do if a parent abused you

after class? • Open-ended– E.g. Tell us why you are a good fit for this school

How to answer Behaviour questions“Tell us about a difficult student you have had to teach and how you turned them around.”

• Outline the situation– Two years ago I taught yr 9 History and had a student

with Asperger’s Syndrome…• Explain what action you took– I consulted the Special Ed. Dept. about his learning style

and the best way to engage him…• Describe the outcome– He responded really well, was far less disruptive than in

other subjects and chose to continue History in Year 10

How to answer Hypothetical questions“What would you do if a parent abused you after class?”

• Identify the issues– Clearly the issues here are of security, safety and due

process…• Outline alternative strategies– I am aware that at this school Heads of Houses are

primarily responsible for dealing with parents in the first instance…

• Determine a course of action– On balance, I would suggest that the parent and I

discuss the matter with …

How to answer open-ended questions“Tell us why you are a good fit for this school.”

The Ripple effect answer

Impact on the community

Impact on the school

Impact on the students

Your KAVES

“Tell us why you are a good fit for this school.”• I am a very organised and dedicated leading teacher who

always strives to improve my classroom practice.• I set high standards and have clear expectations or my

students, who respond positively in class and tell me how much they enjoy Chemistry.

• I have been told that I have helped the school lift its science results, and in particular to encourage more girls to choose science after year 9.

• As a consequence, the school is gaining a better reputation within the local community…

How to answer questions about you

Interview questions - Teacher

Questions will seek to evaluate your:• Knowledge of teaching and learning theory• Behaviour management capabilities• Future plans (PD, career)• Potential contribution to the school• Ability to deal with conflict• Ability to work in a team

Interview questions - ESS

Questions will seek to evaluate your:• Expertise and experience• Capacity to work independently• Work style: quiet, gregarious, efficient etc.• Reliability, punctuality and other attributes• Ability to work in a team• Future plans (PD, career)

Securing the right job: The interview

• Preparation– Research and rehearse

• Stress less– Be punctual, prepared and well-presented

• Dress not distract– Appropriate attire, nothing distracting (loud ties,

fancy jewellery, too much bare skin)• Positive body language– Hand shake, eye contact, posture and position

Interview preparation

• What do you know about the school?– School and MySchool websites– Prospectus, annual report etc.– Colleagues, network– Parents and students?

• What do you know about the interview panel?• What issues are topical?• What 4 key points about you do you want to

convey?

Tips to stress less

• Plan your day well in advance• Allow double the travel time• Aim to arrive 15 minutes early• Bring any prompts and other material• Find a quiet corner (in the car?)and breathe

deeply with your eyes closed• Accept a glass of water if offered

What should I wear?

• Dress professionally for success!• Find out the dress code of the school• Save your Mickey Mouse tie/socks for another

occasion!• No dangly earrings or plunging necklines• Polish your shoes, cover tattoos and piercings• Forget the heavy scent and make-up• Ask someone’s opinion

Projecting positive body language

• Make good, confident eye contact often• Extend your hand; offer a firm handshake• Smile• Sit upright, face the interviewer• Listen carefully; paraphrase to demonstrate

understanding• Try to project confidence: important for

classroom management• Be yourself!

Conclusions• Practice makes perfect• Applying for jobs is an exercise in selling– Know what you are selling– Ensure it is what people want

• Interviews are merely conversations with a consequence

• If in doubt, ask someone for help

To download this presentation register at www.schooljobs.com.au

For more information about Steve Whittington see

www.oxfordeducation.com.au