Over the summer I have had the opportunity to interview almost 30 people for various positions. There aspects of interviewing that I thought everyone knew. However, this summer has definitely proven my theory to be incorrect. The interview is usually to see if you will fit in the organization. The interviewer has read your resume and has researched you online ( I hope). What interviewers are really looking for is to see if you are who you proclaim to be on paper.
Dress the Part
It hasn't happened often, but there were times when I have interviewed applicants who were not dressed for the part. When you go for a job interview you have to dress for the part. We have all heard the saying,"Don't dress for the job that you have. Dress for the job that you want." Yes, we are teachers, and our days can be filled with messy experiments, art projects, and whatever else your profession throws our way. However, when interviewing we have to present ourselves as professionals. Whenever, you are going to an interview you have to sell yourself. We should always strive to be role models for our students in our dress, speech, and conduct; even at our interview. In short dress up. You are being assessed on not only your competence but also on your appearance.
It hasn't happened often, but there were times when I have interviewed applicants who were not dressed for the part. When you go for a job interview you have to dress for the part. We have all heard the saying,"Don't dress for the job that you have. Dress for the job that you want." Yes, we are teachers, and our days can be filled with messy experiments, art projects, and whatever else your profession throws our way. However, when interviewing we have to present ourselves as professionals. Whenever, you are going to an interview you have to sell yourself. We should always strive to be role models for our students in our dress, speech, and conduct; even at our interview. In short dress up. You are being assessed on not only your competence but also on your appearance.
Avoid Strong Odors
Answer the Questions
When you get in the interview it's ok to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. Take your time and answer the question. Stay on topic. Don't try to provide more information than what was asked. If you don't know the answer to a question be honest. Don't try to guess the answer to a question. If you guess wrong it could be disastrous. Research the organization before you go on the interview. Be able to share that you understand some (not all) of the components of the organization.
If you say that you wrote, created, or invented something it better be the truth. You should be able to explain your dissertation, the program that you created, or the product you invented. Don't inflate your previous roles. Google has a way of helping interviewers find the truth with or without you.
When you get in the interview it's ok to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. Take your time and answer the question. Stay on topic. Don't try to provide more information than what was asked. If you don't know the answer to a question be honest. Don't try to guess the answer to a question. If you guess wrong it could be disastrous. Research the organization before you go on the interview. Be able to share that you understand some (not all) of the components of the organization.
If you say that you wrote, created, or invented something it better be the truth. You should be able to explain your dissertation, the program that you created, or the product you invented. Don't inflate your previous roles. Google has a way of helping interviewers find the truth with or without you.
Be Enthusiastic
If you love teaching it should shine through during your interview. You should be enthusiastic during
Name Dropping
Name dropping is not necessary! If you want others to know that you have a relationship with someone who is doing amazing things in education, then have them write a letter of recommendation. Name dropping is a gamble. The world is small, and even smaller now that we have the internet. When you name drop, you don't know how well the interviewer knows the person to whom you are referring. They may be best friends or enemies. Don't name drop. Get the job based on your own merit. You know your content area, you have worked really hard to get to this point, so go get your job.
Name dropping is not necessary! If you want others to know that you have a relationship with someone who is doing amazing things in education, then have them write a letter of recommendation. Name dropping is a gamble. The world is small, and even smaller now that we have the internet. When you name drop, you don't know how well the interviewer knows the person to whom you are referring. They may be best friends or enemies. Don't name drop. Get the job based on your own merit. You know your content area, you have worked really hard to get to this point, so go get your job.
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