Educator Job Interviews

Behavioral-based interview questions are a popular way for employers to gain knowledge of your experiences and how you may make decisions or act as a potential employee.  A typical behavioral-based interview question would start out asking for you to "Tell me about a time when..." or "Give an example of..."  The employer is trying to use your past experiences to gauge how you will act in the future.  These questions can often throw interviewees off, as they try to come up with past experiences to meet employers' expectations right on the spot.  Job seekers often incorrectly believe there is no way to prepare for these questions.  After all, how can we anticipate exactly what scenario a school will be interested in hearing about?  Although you cannot always guess what questions an employer will ask, you can prepare for behavioral-based interview questions by knowing how to answer them and by thinking about your related experiences before the interview.  The STARR Technique is commonly spoken of when it comes to behavioral-based questions.  Before an interview, think about significant past experiences (either in your work with students, extracurricular work, or coursework).  Then practice answering questions about those experiences using the STARR method.  If you pick a variety of stories to prepare and think about, you will find many apply to questions asked in an interview.  If you practice the STARR method, the employer will have a good understanding of your experience.  Here is an example of using the STARR technique to answer a behavioral-based question:

Ultimately, that is the fundamental question.  With all of the programs and initiatives that we implement in schools, the greatest factor in the academic achievement of students is the teacher.  There is no amount of interview coaching or resume development that can substitute for a teacher that is qualified to teach and passionate about the success of students.  If your passion for the learning and success of your students does not come through, your interview process will be short.

As a principal it was so clear when a candidate just wanted a job and when he or she was truly interested in working at my school.  We hosted a multi-step interview process that gave potential teachers an opportunity to interact with various members of the staff.  Each stage of the process painted a clearer picture of the candidate under consideration.  Additionally, however, each stage gave the candidate an opportunity to learn a little more about our school, its climate, culture and values.   I typically will ask a simple question, "Based on the questions you have heard, what do we value?"  Ask that question of yourself at the close of an interview.  An interview process gives you and the potential employer an opportunity to see if there is a good fit.  Pay attention.  Listen for themes in the questions asked and scenarios posed.

Often we think a job interview consists of the answers given to a series of questions from a committee or building administrator. There is an interview that happens even before you walk into the conference room or office that too often candidates overlook.  The impressions you make on the students and office staff can impact the decision as to whether or not a candidate is a good fit for a school.  Being personable, approachable and aware of those in the room is an indicator of the presence you will have in the school community. I recall an interviewee at my school that was somewhat standoffish with the office staff, did not speak to the maintenance personnel and barely addressed the principal when he came in dressed casually.  Her demeanor completely changed when she was introduced to him as the principal and one who would be interviewing her.  Unfortunately, her previous interactions with him and his staff spoke volumes and thus cost her the position.  Conversely your willingness to take the time to acknowledge the office staff, remain approachable with students who may be in the office and connect with others are good indicators that you have those "people" skills which will translate into positive interactions with parents, students and other staff members.  Think about the best customer service experience you have had and what made it so.  What did you learn from that experience that you will take into your classroom, into your interactions with parents and into your interactions with other staff members? Remember, ours is a customer service profession.  Let all aspects of the interview experience reflect this.

Interviewing season is upon us...are you prepared? This post is geared toward interviewing preparation with, what I hope you find to be, helpful information! In order to be invited for an interview, you have to first apply to school districts (check back to the first post of January 2014), so make sure that step is complete. But it's what you do after you are invited for an interview that will help you obtain a teaching position...being prepared! Below are some easy steps to keep in mind when preparing for an interview, as well as afterward!

Are you a fresh new teacher heading out to interview and compete for the best teaching job out there? Well, you aren't alone! Be sure to follow these tips to get ahead in this upcoming interview season: 

Hold off on writing a general cover letter. Instead, be sure to have a targeted list of districts and schools and then tailor each letter to the needs of each particular district.

Many, if not most, of the postings to this blog recommend at one time or another the use of the career center at your college or university. That's such an important suggestion that it merits its own post - so here it is!

"It is being hailed as the best-ever Emmy speech, or at least the shortest ever," wrote USA Today's Olivia Barker. She was speaking, of course, about the recent acceptance speech of Merritt Wever, who won for Supporting Actress in Showtime's Nurse Jackie. Neil Patrick Harris, host of the Emmy awards show, issued  similar praise, "Merritt Wever," he chimed, "best speech ever!" All she said was, "Thanks so much. Thank you so much. I gotta go. Bye."

What unique life experiences do you bring to the classroom? More and more school administrators are looking for teachers who bring unique life experiences to their position and more importantly, who can incorporate these experiences into teaching their students in a classroom. Administrators are also seeking teachers who are team orientated and can use their special skills and interests to serve in important roles and functions beyond the classroom. A local school administrator, Mr. Alejo Padilla, has seen this firsthand in his own role as an educator and looks for these characteristics in teacher candidates. Mr. Padilla states:

Since you've landed at the Career Corner blog, chances are good that you are receptive to advice regarding your job search and teaching career. However, actively seeking feedback and suggestions may also lead to an additional set of challenges - dealing with conflicting or confusing advice.

This concludes a 3-part blog series outlining typical interview questions and tips to consider when preparing a response. Remember: While I've listed suggestions for how to formulate your response, ultimately the answer will be uniquely yours. Stay focused, positive, and honest. Try to avoid vague or ambiguous responses. Ideally, you should substantiate your answer with solid examples whenever possible.

Last week, I outlined interview questions and tips related to instruction. This week, we'll look at interview questions related to being an effective professional educator.

As you start to prepare for an important interview, take your time and thoughtfully consider questions that you may be asked.