Interviewing Skills For ETFO Occasional Teachers In preparation for LTO List Interviews Sheryl Elliott, Administrator Human Resources Services

How to prepare for the LTO list interview: Goal: Convince the interview team of your ability to work effectively as a Long Term occasional teacher with BWDSB

Typical Interview format Introductions Discussion of interview format The Formal Interview Opportunity to ask questions/add relevant information The Close

Preparation and Practice lead to better interview performance! Knowledge Skills/Abilities Confidence Stress Anxiety Uncertainty Increase Decrease

Most employers are looking for: Core competencies Most employers are looking for: Decision making and problem solving Leadership /Motivation Communication Proactivity - Planning and Organization Team building Interpersonal skills – ability to perceive/manage emotions Systems Thinking – understand the complex and reciprocal connections among different elements of the organization Resilience – persisting in the face of initial failure Optimism/growth mindset

Before the interview: Preparation! Know Your Product (YOU) : – Strengths, qualities, relevant qualifications, work experiences, and special skills & competencies – Don’t assume the interviewers know your resume – restate all relevant points in the interview Know how your qualifications and qualities match the position – be prepared to articulate specific examples of how you “have done” or “would do” something Prepare your attire: Professional Anticipate the interview questions and plan answers Plan to arrive early– at least 10 min and bring a copy of your resume and other applicable information

First Impressions are lasting impressions! Research indicates that most decisions are within the first few minutes! You must demonstrate Attire Handshake eye contact body language smile

Activity 1: Anticipate the topics If you were in charge of hiring teachers, what knowledge, skills and attributes would you want them to demonstrate in the interview? Brainstorm a list of five to ten topics:

‘Typical‘ Interview Questions Tell me about yourself… – what relevant qualities, skills, experience do you have? (Resume screening) Why are interested in this position? (motivation/ dedication) Tell me about a time when you…? (behavioural interviewing) What would you do if…? (case/simulation) Where do you see yourself in five, ten years? (future plans)

Activity 2: Anticipate the questions Choose one of your topics Write the topic in the form of a question. If time, list some “look fors” on another sheet of paper

Activity 3: How to flesh out an answer Using the topic provided, brainstorm as many possible points you could /should use in your answer “look fors” What is your source of information for your answer?

Find a friend or colleague to practice interview skills with you!

During the interview: Perform Be alert, friendly, and courteous Maintain good eye contact Beware of body language Be positive about yourself (no self-deprecating remarks) Be confident, but not cocky Act natural and be yourself Demonstrate interest in the position Expand our answers - Use specific examples or stories to illustrate your skills Be honest Send the right behavioral signals Communicate carefully Be enthusiastic Sell yourself and your strengths (not at the expense of criticizing others’ practice) Demonstrate a growth mindset