Interviewing Tips

Interviewing Tips For Teachers

This past Friday morning, a friend of mine at Johns Hopkins University, invited me to serve on a panel with other educational leaders responsible for interviewing teacher candidates. He asked the members of the panel to share interviewing tips with his graduate students who will entering the job market in the near future. Serving on the panel with me were two hiring specialists from Howard County, Maryland and an elementary school administrator from the same district. After hearing the practical and valuable advice each member of the panel gave, I thought it would be worthwhile to share it with you.

Do your homework!
Review online student performance data sources about the school system and the particular school where you will interview. Visit the school’s website to gain information about the school’s mission and programs. Gather printed materials at the district office. Inquire about the school system’s major goals, programs, demographics and student achievement data.

Prepare a portfolio!
Most administrators appreciate seeing examples of lesson plans, student products, notes from parents/students, letters from mentor teachers and colleagues, pictures of you in the classroom, and digital resources you have created. During the interview, use the portfolio as a tool to illustrate answers to the questions you will be asked about instruction and classroom management.

Dress for the success!
Dress professionally. Your choice of clothing tells a lot about you, and as they say, you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Be on time!
Make a trial run to the district office/school the day before your interview and organize any documents you may have been asked to bring along, including extra copies of your resume and application.

Accentuate the positive - the interview!
Most districts have a multi-level interview process. Typically, the first interview serves as a screening to eliminate those candidates that don’t meet minimal requirements. Once you make it past the first interview, you meet with a curriculum specialist. The final interview is with a school administrator and possibly other members of the school’s staff.

Treat the interview as a classroom situation; project your sincere enthusiasm for teaching and pleasure in communicating with others. Answer questions specifically, using examples from your own teaching experience and using artifacts from your portfolio.
Be prepared to talk about your classroom management skills. School administrators want teachers that are highly competent and know how to handle kids with minimal support. In addition, you should have at least one or two questions for the principal.

Exit strategy
At the end of the interview, thank the person or committee members before you leave, and write a follow-up letter or email expressing your continued interest in the position.

5 Deadly Interview Mistakes

1. Criticizing your previous school or other work experiences.
2. Name-dropping
3. Dressing inappropriately
4. Not mentioning your passion for teaching and helping kids learn
5. Coming empty handed

Thanks to Dr. Bill Sowders, Kim Mahle, Rob Bruno and Amy Green
for providing such great insight.