SUCCEEDING AT INTERVIEW

Objective

This session aims to:• Provide you with advice on preparing

effectively for teaching interviews• Help you structure your responses to

interview questions appropriately• Give you the opportunity to practise your

interview technique

Death by interview or chance to shine?

Discussion: What are your biggest concerns or fears about the interview?

• What can you do to overcome these?

• Prepare and practise

Preparing for interview

Three Steps:1. Your preparation• Research and rehearse

2. Your presentation• Appear professional and confident

3. Your performance• Articulate yourself clearly

• 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

The interview format

The interview structure

• Arrive – pre-task?• Greet and small talk– Follow their lead, use their names

• Ice-breaker question• 3 – 5 selection questions• ‘Is there anything you want to ask us?’• Close and farewell– Thank them for their time; end on a +ve

School and role research

• 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 your future colleagues? Your department?

• What issues are topical in education?• What do you know about the interview panel?

Question themes

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

Preparing yourself

• 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

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: Do I look ok?

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! (to the extent that is possible…!)

What do they want to see?

The panel wants you to:• Know your subject/profession – both theory

and practice• Demonstrate a passion for teaching• Display charisma and confidence, be energetic

and enthusiastic• Be able to relate to others, esp. students• Show good self-awareness

Question types

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? • About you, general– 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 continued 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 all possible 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 …

About you questions

• Think of the way in which politicians answer questions: Their responses are structured and focus on a key message.

• About you questions are a chance to demonstrate and elaborate on your USP (your brand).

• Try to make three points per answer.

Interview practice

• Complete your interview preparation on the first page of the sheet provided

• Find a partner and exchange sheets• Conduct a 5 - 10 minute interview for each

person• Provide meaningful, constructive and honest

feedback on your partner’s presentation and response to questions.

And finally…

• An interview is merely a conversation with a consequence.

• Practice makes perfect• ‘The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The

meaning of life is to give your gift away.’ – David Viscott, US Psychiatrist (1938 – 96)

I wish you luck in finding a school to help you give your gift away.

To download this presentation and other resources register at

www.schooljobs.com.au

For more information about Steve Whittington see

www.oxfordeducation.com.au