Interview+Tips

Sooooo you have managed to stand out in the pile of CV’s and applications CONGRATULATIONS! Now for the fun (and scary, nerve racking) interview.

My top tips are:
 * Smile and be yourself.
 * Know that you’ll be nervous and the interview team will expect this. They should work to help you relax. Breathe, smile and try to relax your body
 * Rather than try to think of all of the possible questions and answers you will get/give focus on the important information you want to share with the panel. Write these down as key words and when you are answering questions try to include them
 * Use examples of teaching and situations that have happened this year
 * Dress up – men shirt and tie, ladies no short skirts or low tops.

All the very best! Andrea

Here are some current tips and advice from local principals and teachers. Check out the **interview questions at the end of the page too…**

I found that in the mock interviews students didn’t give examples of all of the ‘extra’ things that they had been involved in eg coaching a miniball team while on posting, helping with the props for ‘Stars on Stage,’ helping with the gymnastics lunchtime club, etc. As a principal, it’s good to know that an applicant is willing to get involved in the life of the school. Applicants really have to make the most of their strengths. Eye contact, smiling, appropriate dress, etc. If they’re not sure about a question it’s a good idea to ask for the question to be repeated – gives time to gather thoughts. “Why should we employ you?” is a good interview question. Finding out something about the school before the interview is a good idea.

Arrive at a 'suitable' time... 10 mins before is plenty. This ensures interviewees are not in the uncomfortable position of meeting other candidates. - dress smartly - this does not mean power dressing - but jandals, jeans and tea- shirts would not make a good impression from my point of view. - Smile on entry. Greet each person individually - a warm handshake is appropriate. - Take time to think before answering a question - like the way we used to answer comprehension question -- One challenge I have overcome in teaching so far is... Also do seek clarification if not sure... Do you mean a challenge I have needed to work through within the classroom or outside?

We would generally start with a 'relaxing' question. I have asked in the past for people to bring something which tells something about them as a teacher - have had a passport, a pot plant, a teapot, a pack of cards and a surf board.

We tend to ask open questions...Naturally there would be questions about literacy and numeracy - own skills and examples of what a good literacy programme would look like (professional knowledge). Would ask about being a team member/ strengths (self reflective)/ areas they hope to develop in first? (Prioritising) Would ask what would a child in your class say about you (awareness of perception of others)

Walk into the interview and if it feels like this place is home - go for it- believe you have the job and just confirm to the panel that you are what they NEED! Listen carefully to the questions and take your time - always ask for clarification if you are not sure - don't be afraid to say you don't know but would like to find out more... Remember - you are not supposed to know everything - but make sure you let them know you are able to find out what you need to know! Make sure you are ready to accept and act on advice - this is the beginning of a very exciting journey! If you don't get the job - it wasn't the right one for you... It may take time - but the right place is waiting for you...  Develop you online presence and talk about it in your interview...  GOOD luck

Knowing about the school you are applying to.Try to find out as much as possible about what the panel are looking for (culture, curriculum, special programmes ect.)

Be able to summarise, clearly your teaching philosophy and literacy / numeracy programmes – based on best practice obviously Prepare for tricky questions – What are your weaknesses? Behaviour management? Crowded curriculum? Tricky parents? National Standards? Why you over others? Don’t pretend you know everything – you aren’t expected to. Be clear about where you would go for support.

A sense of humour often helps – Be yourself.

Be honest!!! If you have areas that you know you aren’t strong in and questions come up about them – tell the interview panel that it isn’t a strength but you are happy to be supported and guided by the people who do.

Smile and show your true self – don’t try to be someone you aren’t!

Share your areas of interest (in and out of school) – something you might enjoy doing or be good at might be something that we don’t offer at our school, but could be something for us to explore and could end up giving you an advantage over another applicant.