Going for the job interview
Preparing for the Interview
Know Yourself - How long has it been since you reflected
on who you are? Make a list of your skills and personal interests.
What are your philosophies on education and its subcategories,
like discipline, behavior and performance in the classroom?
And, above all, ask yourself why you like children and want
to teach them. Write your list as if you were sharing it with
a stranger who doesn't know you; soon enough you'll be faced
with that very scenario.
Experience - Be prepared to
elaborate at the interview about your coursework and work experience,
both paid and volunteer.
Get Your Portfolio in Order -
If you haven't done so lately, familiarize yourself with your
portfolio, making sure it is up-to-date.
Do Your Homework - Check out
the district in any way you can. This would include web research
for the district's website if they have one, and asking questions
on education mailing lists or newsgroups. Also, with the current
bashing education gets from the general public, you can count
on regular articles in the local newspaper. If you are focusing
on one district in particular, you should be up-to-date on what
the local media is saying about the school district.
Prepare Your List of Questions -
Intelligent, confident job candidates will have their own list
of questions for their interviewers.
The Interview
Above all, be yourself. Answer questions honestly, with the
eagerness and enthusiasm you should have naturally. If you have
to fake a love for children, you are in the wrong profession.
Answer questions with examples from your portfolio which you
should be able to go straight to without digging. Ask your own
questions about the job and its benefits, and about the district
in general.
The Followup
The interview may be over, but your work isn't. Send a business-like
letter to your interviewer(s) thanking them for the opportunity
to meet with them. Then keep in touch with a phone call to the
personnel office every week.
