Preparing For a Teaching Job Interview

The biggest issue that many interviewees forthe better of you.
teaching jobs face is nerves. Most people get- Get there nice and early. As with any interview, it is
nervous before important events, it's a naturalconsidered good practice to arrive at the location at
reaction; however, you have to be able to use theleast 10 minutes before commencement. But if
added tension to your advantage and not allow it toyou've got to travel a fair distance give yourself
consume you. The best way to ensure that youplenty of time to get there and give yourself a few
don't end up becoming a nervous wreck is by doingmoments to compose your thoughts.
thorough preparation for the interview beforehand.Quite often interviewees for teaching jobs at schools
The more knowledge you have, the greater youror colleges will be asked to bring or prepare examples
confidence will be.of work. Whilst this may not be applicable to all
Here are a few things that you might want to do insituations, if you are instructed to do so, make sure
preparation for your teaching job interview:that what you bring showcases your talents to the
- Research the school, its educational record, itsfullest. Don't go overboard, but it's certainly worth
history and even student diversity. Even if you don'tinvesting the time beforehand to give yourself the
use the information, you'll be able to provide a couplebest possible chance.
of statistics here and there and be confident thatWhen in the interview it is important that you focus
you can answer any question.on the positives. If you refer consistently to failings,
- Practice your answers. Whilst you can't predict all ofincluding a lack of experience or issues in the past,
the questions that will come your way, there areyou are likely to leave a negative impression. Of
some that you can anticipate a la, why do you wantcourse, when questioned on your vocational past you
this role? What makes you the ideal candidate? Whatwill need to answer honestly, but always try to do
are your strengths and weaknesses? What are yourso in a way that offers a positive conclusion. This
ambitions?may be something that you want to practice with
- Remember the fundamentals. It sounds simple, butsomeone else who can provide impartial feedback.
remembering the interviewers name and even theBeing underprepared for any interview is the ultimate
school can do wonders; particularly as you will neednightmare. Whilst you may have confidence in your
to reiterate it at the beginning and end of theability to ad-lib, ultimately you will often come unstuck
interview.with basic questions, so make sure you have all your
- Relax. It may sound easier said than done, but ifbases covered and research everything thoroughly.
you turn up to an interview frazzled having had noDon't get yourself in a muddle over inconsequential
sleep and sweating, it won't help you with yourstatistics and don't overburden yourself, just be
answers or in setting a good first impression. Getconfident in your abilities and focused on your desire
plenty of rest beforehand and don't let nerves getto get the perfect teaching job.