Tips for Interview Prep

With 2022 quickly approaching, this means that interview season is too! This time of the year brings so many emotions; You may be feeling excited, stressed, overwhelmed, nervous, hopeful, etc. Because of this, I wanted to write some tips to help you prepare for your interview(s) and feel confident in landing your dream job.

The first step is applying. If you’re finishing up your degree, universities often host guest speakers or job fairs for you to attend. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about different school divisions, their policies, and how their interview process works. If/when attending job fairs, dress professionally. Remember, first impressions really do matter. Research school divisions in areas you are willing to work in/move to. Get to know their beliefs, vision and mission statements, and strategic goals. Not only may you be asked about these things if you get an interview, but it is also important to see if your teaching philosophy aligns with the division’s goals too.

At the beginning of the year, school divisions often have postings for subbing positions and then later in the spring they post short term positions (temporary/replacement contracts). Often, people sub for a while and begin taking short term contracts, and eventually working towards permanent (or continuing) contracts. I was determined to get into my own classroom, so I was open to moving to a smaller community and away from home in order to get my foot in the door. This is something you may want to consider.

When you apply, they will ask for the documentation required. Usually, your application requires a cover letter. Keep it no longer than 1 page (3 paragraphs). In your cover letter, talk about yourself and connect it to the division (ex: what draws you to the division). Include a short teaching philosophy statement and end with your work experience, teaching, and volunteer work. In your resume, include 3-5 references. Appropriate references would be your cooperating teacher, intern facilitator, principal, superintendent, previous employer, etc. It is extremely important that you ask your references if you could use them as a reference prior to applying. After you apply, it doesn’t hurt to send an E-mail to HR prompting them to look at your application. This may set you apart from the others.

After you apply, you may get a call for an interview. When you’re called, make sure you are flexible on the time to be interviewed. Be prepared that you may need to take time off work or other obligations for your interview. Only accept an interview if you’re planning on accepting a possible job offer with the division. Make sure you ask how to prepare for your interview (ex: Are there any documents needed?)

Okay, so you got an interview. Now what? Start preparing. Get to know certain programs that the division/school you are applying for uses. For example, if the school is technology-based, make sure you can speak to that. If Guided Reading is important, make sure you understand how the program is ran. If you know someone in the division or school you’ve applied to, ask them for any tips or inside knowledge. Make sure you set some time aside for a practice interview with a friend or family member. If you want (although not mandatory), create a teaching portfolio. These can be time consuming, but I feel like they help you stand out from others. You can also use that portfolio to continually build your PGP throughout your career. If you choose to bring a teaching portfolio to your interview, choose 1 or 2 items you may want to share if there is extra time (ex: a lesson you loved teaching). You can also ask if they would like to keep it and look through it at another time.

In your teaching portfolio, you may wish to include:

· Lesson and unit plan exemplars

· PGPs

· Cover letter and resume

· Teaching philosophy statement

· Teaching experience

· Pictures

· Share your passions- environment, outdoor education, student engagements, inclusion, extra curricular and community involvement, assessment, etc.

· Evaluations and walkthroughs

· PD certificates

· Reference letters, etc.

When it comes to outfits, people always say dress for the job you want. When I was preparing for my first teaching interview, I was told by colleagues that I NEEDED to wear a blazer to look professional for my interview and that it would get me hired. I was stressed out and went to buy a blazer. There was not one I liked. That’s because I have never worn a blazer before, and never wanted to. It just wasn’t my style. If it isn’t you, and you won’t feel comfortable or confident in it, don’t wear it. I would also never wear a blazer to work. As teachers, we are up and moving around and working on the floor all day with our students. I understand that an interview is different than actually teaching in the classroom. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying wear jeans or leggings to your interview, but you don’t need to wear a blazer to get hired, haha. Some outfits I have worn (and got hired in) was black pants with a blouse and structured patterned cardigan, a blouse that tied at the neck and a black leather jacket, or a black floral shift dress and denim jacket with brown heeled booties. Please know that I am not saying not to wear a blazer to your interview, I am just saying if it’s not you or you don’t feel comfortable in it, don’t wear it!

On the day of your interview make sure to arrive15 minutes (or so) early. Leave early in case you run into problems such as traffic on your way to your interview. Depending on what you are being interviewed for, interviews will likely be 20-45 minutes. When it is for a subbing position, they are often doing back-to-back speed interviews which are shorter. When interviewing for a specific position, interviews may be longer. I have had interview with a panel (ex: superintendent, principal, and board member), 2 principals, and a principal and superintendent. Be prepared. Be confident. Be authentic and genuine. It is SO important to be yourself. People usually catch on quickly when you aren’t.

Some questions you may be asked at your interview/questions to practice:

· Why did you choose this division?

· How do you make learning outcomes known to your students?

· What are your assessment practices/views on assessment?

· What would you be willing to do when it comes to extra-curricular activities?

· How do you use curricular outcomes to plan units?

· How do you incorporate FNMI content into your lessons?

· How does formal assessment affect your instructional strategies?

· When did you know a student reached a learning outcome?

· Name a lesson where you had a lot of student engagement.

· Name a time you had a problem in the classroom and explain how you solved it.

· What does the 1stday of school look like in your classroom?

· How do you ensure your classroom is inclusive?

· What kind of instructional strategies do you use?

· Tell us about yourself in terms of education.

· What is the #1 factor that contributes to student learning?

· Think of a time you taught a lesson with differentiated instruction.

· “Kids can’t learn from teachers they don’t like.” Do you agree or disagree?

· If your previous principal described you in 3 words, what would they be?

· How do you include parents in your classroom/family engagement?

· What would an ELA or Math lesson look like?

· How do you teach students how to read?

· How can you incorporate faith into all subject areas? (Note: for religious school divisions)

· Talk about your faith journey. (Note: for religious school divisions)

· How do you incorporate technology into your classroom?

· What are your strengths and weaknesses?

· How do you work with a difficult or struggling student? What about an angry parent?

· Why should we hire you?

At the end of your interview, you may be asked if you have any questions. Never say “no.” You may ask questions such as- Are there any concerns about my suitability for this position? What are the next steps in the hiring process? What is the most challenging part about this position? Make sure to thank them again for their time and follow up thanking them again with an E-mail later that day. Again, this will help you stand apart from the others.

After your interview, you will likely be told when to expect to hear back from them. This may be later that day or in 1-2 days (with my first teaching position, I was called back and hired an hour after my interview). If you get hired, go celebrate! If not, don’t get discouraged. Having an interview is great on its own. You gain experience and more confidence for your next interview. You can also get feedback on how your interview was and what you can do to improve next time.

I hope you found this helpful and good luck this interview season!

XOXO,

Elle