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Interview Strategies that Work: How to Get the Job You Want

Interview Strategies that Work: How to Get the Job You Want. Jill M. Sullivan, Ph.D. Arizona State University January 13, 2007 Arizona Music Educators 71st In-service Conference Mesa. Introductions.

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Interview Strategies that Work: How to Get the Job You Want

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  1. Interview Strategies that Work: How to Get the Job You Want Jill M. Sullivan, Ph.D. Arizona State University January 13, 2007 Arizona Music Educators 71st In-service Conference Mesa

  2. Introductions • University of Toledo study reported that most job interviewees have 30 seconds to make their impression on their interviewer.

  3. What to Do to Make a Good First Impression Nonverbal communication is key • Firm handshake • Toothy smile • Eye contact • Breaking eye contact is fine, but don’t look down. Make eye contact with all members of the interview committee. • Sitting - lean slightly forward • Personal grooming

  4. Quotes from Music Interviewees • “I would say the number one thing that hires new teachers is personality! How you come across during your first impression is critical.” • “Your transcripts, portfolio, and references are very important, but if an interviewer does not like what they see at first glance, you won’t have a chance! Be energetic!

  5. What to Wear • According to a survey by American Career Executives given to recruiters, fatal mistakes in an interview include someone poorly dressed or someone with bad hygiene. • Dress more formal than your typical work day. • A suit is a winner! • Men: tie and jacket with nice pressed slacks and polished shoes are fine • Women: jacket with slacks, skirt, dress, pantyhose, polished shoes, closed-toe

  6. Quote from Music Interviewee “Even though you may want an elementary position, dress as though you are interviewing to be CEO of a large company. Every time I wore my power suit, I was called back for a second interview.”

  7. First Impressions on Paper • Applications • Letters (inquiry,cover, follow-up) • Résumé • Clear, clean format • No mistakes • Laser printed • Cotton or linen paper with matching envelopes

  8. First Impressions with People • Peers • Faculty Members • Field-Experience/Observation Mentors • Student-Teaching Mentors

  9. Interview Portfolio • Résumé • Letters of recommendation • List of references • Sample lesson plans with video • Recital CD • Video clip with you conducting at a concert • Classroom rules • Instructional strategies • Programs (recital, concerts, student teaching) • Photographs (professional and personal) • Philosophy statement • Student work • Example of tests • Rubrics • Handbook • Special skills (bi-lingual, Orff certification, computer skills) • Judges comments from large-group festival • Awards

  10. Electronic Portfolio • Burn a CD or give a web address • Leave CD with the interviewer • Demonstrates you have technology skills

  11. What to Say • According to a survey given to recruiters by an executive search firm, another common mistake in interviews was people being unprepared. • Prepare answers to common interview questions. • Write answers down. • Practice answering questions out loud. • Be positive and pleasant. • Ask questions.

  12. Questions Asked Most Frequently in Music Teacher Interviews • Classroom Management/Discipline • Teaching and Learning • Philosophy

  13. Think in Fives • 5 intelligent questions to ask • 5 key points about your background • 5 interesting points about the school and/or job

  14. Things to Avoid Saying • Wait to mention money until the job has been offered. • Avoid negativity toward previous employers or any negativity at all. • Keep your answers short and cogent. • According to the survey given to the recruiters, too much talk was the biggest mistake in interviews.

  15. Types of Interviews • Screening Interview • Committees • One-on-One

  16. How to Handle Your Nerves • Be prepared. • Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. • Take your time giving a response. • Act confident regardless of how you feel inside. • Practice interviewing. • Try to avoid nervous ticks. • Getting an interview should be a confidence builder. Remember: the school called you for an interview!

  17. Mock Interviews • Ask your mentor teacher and/or a principal to give you a mock interview. • Ask your college supervisor to set this up in your student-teaching seminar. Give them the questions from my handout. • Have your local CMENC chapter invite in an administrator or local supervisor of music and have a panel discussion about interviewing strategies.

  18. Turning Down a Job Tactfully • Respond in 48 hours. • Express your appreciation. • Praise the school district. • Position didn’t match your career goals. • Indicate how difficult this decision was.

  19. Top 10 Things Never to Do in an Interview See interview handout

  20. Contact Me! • Jill.Sullivan@asu.edu • www.public.asu.edu/~jmsulli/courses.htm • Ask me follow-up questions or concerns about interviewing. • Share with me questions you were asked that weren’t on my handout. • Share with me your interview experiences. • Let me know what part of this workshop was most useful to you.

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