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?

Q. What can you do to overcome these?

A. Prepare and practise

• 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 positive

Preparing for interview

The 3 Ps of interview perfection:1. Your preparation• Research and rehearse

2. Your presentation• Appear professional and confident

3. Your performance• Articulate yourself clearly

Preparation: School and role research• What do you know about the school?– School and MySchool websites– Prospectus, annual report etc.– Colleagues, network, parents and students?

• Do you have a position description?• What do you know about your future

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

Preparation: Question themes

Questions will seek to evaluate your:• Knowledge of teaching and learning theory• Subject content knowledge• Classroom management capabilities• Interpersonal and communication skills• Ability to work collaboratively in a team• Potential contribution to the school• Future plans (PD, career)

Presentation

• Dress not distract– Appropriate attire, nothing distracting e.g. loud

ties, fancy jewellery, high SFR (skin:fabric ratio)• Stress less– Be punctual, prepared and well-presented

• Positive body language– Hand shake, eye contact, posture and position

Presentation: 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

Presentation: 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…!)

Performance

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

and practice – and know about their school• Demonstrate a passion for teaching• Display charisma and confidence, be energetic

and enthusiastic• Be able to relate to others and show good self-

awareness

Performance: 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 Behavioural 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 …

How to answer About You questions

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

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

• Try to make 2 – 3 points per answer.

About you example“Tell us a little about yourself.”Most importantly, I am an enthusiastic and highly-qualified graduate primary teacher with a special interest in gifted and talented education.My mentors at Lauriston and Camberwell Girls’ Grammar gave me excellent feedback about my organisation and use of ICT in the classroom, as well as my engaging and caring approach towards students.Finally, I am really excited about the opportunity to get fully involved and incorporate some of my passions such as music and gymnastics.

Interview practice

Watch the video (http://youtu.be/1uezUuxtsaQ)• How would you respond to each of the

questions?• What other questions might you expect to

face?

Interview practice cont.

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

• Exchange sheets with your partner• Conduct a 5 - 10 minute interview for each

person• Provide meaningful, constructive and honest

feedback on your partner’s presentation and performance.

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)

To download this presentation and other resources register at

www.schooljobs.com.au

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn or visit www.oxfordeducation.com.au