Succeeding at interview

1. Succeeding at interview

2. Objective This session aims to: • Provide you with advice on preparing effectively for teaching interviews • Help you structure your responses to interview questions appropriately • Give you the opportunity to practise your interview technique

3. Death by interview or chance to shine? Discussion: What are your biggest concerns or fears about the interview? • What can you do to overcome these? • Prepare and practise

4. Preparing for interview Three Steps: • Your preparation • Research and rehearse • Your presentation • Appear professional and confident • Your performance • Articulate yourself clearly

5. The interview format • 30 – 60 minutes’ duration • Panel of 2 – 4 people • 5 – 8 questions, 5 minutes for each • Format can include: • Verbal questions • Written question sheet/task provided prior • Presentation on pre-determined topic • An ‘interview lesson’ • Psych testing

6. The interview structure • Arrive – pre-task? • Greet and small talk • Follow their lead, use their names • Ice-breaker question • 3 – 5 selection questions • ‘Is there anything you want to ask us?’ • Close and farewell • Thank them for their time; end on a +ve

7. School and role research • What do you know about the school? • School and MySchool websites • Prospectus, annual report etc. • Colleagues, network • Parents and students? • What do you know about your future colleagues? Your department? • What issues are topical in education? • What do you know about the interview panel?

8. Question themes Questions will seek to evaluate your: • Knowledge of teaching and learning theory • Behaviour management capabilities • Future plans (PD, career) • Potential contribution to the school • Ability to deal with conflict • Ability to work in a team

9. Preparing yourself • Stress less • Be punctual, prepared and well-presented • Dress not distract • Appropriate attire, nothing distracting (loud ties, fancy jewellery, too much bare skin) • Positive body language • Hand shake, eye contact, posture and position

10. Tips to stress less • Plan your day well in advance • Allow double the travel time • Aim to arrive 15 minutes early • Bring any prompts and other material • Find a quiet corner (in the car?)and breathe deeply with your eyes closed • Accept a glass of water if offered

11. What should I wear? • Dress professionally for success! • Find out the dress code of the school • Save your Mickey Mouse tie/socks for another occasion! • No dangly earrings or plunging necklines • Polish your shoes, cover tattoos and piercings • Forget the heavy scent and make-up • Ask someone’s opinion: Do I look ok?

12. Projecting positive body language • Make good, confident eye contact often • Extend your hand; offer a firm handshake • Smile • Sit upright, face the interviewer • Listen carefully; paraphrase to demonstrate understanding • Try to project confidence: important for classroom management • Be yourself! (to the extent that is possible…!)

13. What do they want to see? The panel wants you to: • Know your subject/profession – both theory and practice • Demonstrate a passion for teaching • Display charisma and confidence, be energetic and enthusiastic • Be able to relate to others, esp. students • Show good self-awareness

14. Question types Three types of question: • Behavioural • E.g. Tell us about a difficult student you have had to teach and how you turned them around • Hypothetical • E.g. What would you do if a parent abused you after class? • About you, general • E.g. Tell us why you are a good fit for this school

15. How to answer Behaviour questions “Tell us about a difficult student you have had to teach and how you turned them around.” • Outline the situation • Two years ago I taught yr 9 History and had a student with Asperger’s Syndrome… • Explain what action you took • I consulted the Special Ed. Dept. about his learning style and the best way to engage him… • Describe the outcome • He responded really well, was far less disruptive than in other subjects and continued History in Year 10

16. How to answer Hypothetical questions “What would you do if a parent abused you after class?” • Identify the issues • Clearly the issues here are of security, safety and due process… • Outline all possible strategies • I am aware that at this school Heads of Houses are primarily responsible for dealing with parents in the first instance… • Determine a course of action • On balance, I would suggest that the parent and I discuss the matter with …

17. About you questions • Think of the way in which politicians answer questions: Their responses are structured and focus on a key message. • About you questions are a chance to demonstrate and elaborate on your USP (your brand). • Try to make three points per answer.

18. Interview practice • Complete your interview preparation on the first page of the sheet provided • Find a partner and exchange sheets • Conduct a 5 - 10 minute interview for each person • Provide meaningful, constructive and honest feedback on your partner’s presentation and response to questions.

19. And finally… • An interview is merely a conversation with a consequence. • Practice makes perfect • ‘The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.’ – David Viscott, US Psychiatrist (1938 – 96) I wish you luck in finding a school to help you give your gift away.

20. To download this presentation and other resources register at www.schooljobs.com.auFor more information about Steve Whittington see www.oxfordeducation.com.au