Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing Your Way to a Job! Jill Martin Curriculum Supervisor K-5 Literacy Instruction/Title I Augusta County Public Schools jmartin@augusta.k12.va.us

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Discuss what your interests are related to the job and why your background makes you a great candidate. Originally Following Additionally Finally

From the time my Great Aunt signed me up for a “Books by Mail” subscription, I knew I wanted to be a reading teacher. Following my high school graduation I attended Longwood University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement. Additionally, I received my Master of Education Degree from The University of Virginia in Administration and Supervision. Currently, I am a Reading Specialist in grades K-2. I am hoping to acquire a position in your division as a Curriculum Supervisor for K-5 Literacy Instruction and Title I.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Show that you’ve done some self-assessment and career planning Show that you’ve done some self-assessment and career planning. Let the interviewer know that you hope to develop professionally and take on additional responsibilities at that particular school. Short Term Plan Eventually Goal Long Term Plan

My short term plan is to acquire a job where my contributions and interests will benefit my employer and satisfy my professional goals. Eventually, I would like to take on the responsibilities of a Curriculum Supervisor in order to affect literacy instruction across the school division. My goal is to promote best practices in literacy instruction and facilitate a love of reading for all students. As a Curriculum Supervisor, my long term goal is to set high student achievement goals for all students and to provide support to teachers and administrators as we work through local, state and federal requirements.

Why Are They Asking These Questions If you could be a Superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be? If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be and why? Describe a situation that you feel you could have handled differently.

Interviewers use unusual job interview questions to assess how well the candidate responds to an unexpected question or scenario. There is no way to prepare for these off-the-wall job interview questions so the interviewer is able to observe how the candidate responds and composes his or her thoughts. These kinds of questions provide the candidate with the opportunity to demonstrate quick thinking, poise, creativity and a sense of humor.

No matter what you are doing in a school building, you are being viewed as a possible employee. Make sure you have read one professional book related to the job you are applying for and refer to it during the interview. It also helps to have the title of your favorite book in mind. Send a written thank you note to the interviewer or interview team.