Applying: Assume your application was great and got you to interview. Well done! The school has seen something in you that they want to get to know more. You have already beaten probably a tonne of other candidates and are now in the last 4 or 5. When in positions similar, panels I have been on never went to interview more than 5 people. So be thrilled!
When they call: You will be speaking to an admin person most likely, but they are going to either be the HR person, or with a direct line to the principal. So be super polite. Also write everything down, and ask who is on the panel. This can give you an indication of the type of questions you are likely to get. Also it means that you can try to Google stalk them 😉 and also learn their names so you can address them by name in the interview.
Research: Find out everything you can about the school. Their website is a treasure trove, but also is their social media (don’t forget Linkedin). Look for things that stick out and get to know the school philosophy really well. That will fill you with some confidence and give you some key talking points.
Prepare some questions: At the end of the interview they will ask if you have any questions. So have some ready. My favourite, is why do you love working here? The panel usually give great responses and gives you a feel for the school. Others you can ask is about what type of teaching load you are expecting to have, whether a contract has the possibility of permanency etc. You could also ask if you were to talk to the staff what they say about the school working environment, for example the relationship between admin/ teaching staff. This might give you and idea of how the school manages staff wellbeing. You could potentially ask if they have a mentoring programme for new teachers.
On the day: Professional dress and get there at least 10 mins early. Now you will be in a waiting room somewhere, and if like me, freaking out! A lot of schools have the yearly magazine there and it’s a great idea to have a flick through it. It may give you some ideas of things to say or activities you may be interested in. It also gives you a good feel for the school. There is a very good chance the waiting area will be the main school foyer, therefore, anyone who enters make eye contact with and smile, you never know who they are or how they are connected to the panel.
Once in the room: Remember that they want to know all about you. They have read your application and liked it, you are already on the front foot. Most panels I’ve been on are really interested in you and wanting you to do well. They are in your corner. If you can keep that in mind, that may somewhat relax you.
Questions: You will get asked two questions every time. Tell me about yourself, and why this school? Have those answers ready. From there, questions can range from scenarios about students, parents, behaviour management. Also you will likely get asked about what your classroom looks like if someone was to come in. You may get asked about what else you can offer (particularly a private school).
Other questions might include for a beginning teacher;
1) How would you handle a difficult student/ parent?
2) How do motivate students?
3) If I were to ask your friends your biggest weakness what would it be? (similar question may also be asked about strengths)
4) What does a typical lesson look like for you?
5) Why do you want to be a teacher?
6) What other skills and attributes can you bring to this job?
For me, the candidates that always stood out when interviewing were the ones who made it about the students. I remember employing an early career teacher over a more experienced one, because in the interview he made it abundantly clear that he loved working with kids and shaping futures. Even though his knowledge and experience was no-where near that of the other teacher, we gave him the job because he put kids first. That mattered!
Be Confident: As I said the panel have no intention of tripping you up. The want you to do well and want you to sell yourself. Try to smile, crack a joke if appropriate, and just be you.
At the End: Make sure you thank the interviewers for their time. If they haven’t outlined the selection process make sure you get clarification on what is the process from here and when you are likely to be informed. Ask if you will be called either way. I have found over the last few years, employers even at interview stage will email if you are unsuccessful. I don’t like this practice but it is what it is. Make sure you leave confident that you know what is next and when you will find out. When you walk out keep your composure to the car, you never know where the windows are. Once you get out of the driveway, pull over, breathe and just have a minute to get yourself together. At this point, a million things you wish you should have said will pop into your head. Don’t worry about that, you did your best! And now, get ready for the insufferable waiting game.
Although this isn’t comprehensive I hope it gives you a start.
For further discussion on job interviews and all things teaching, join our Facebook group; Australian Early Career Teachers Association
Australian Early Career Teachers Association 