INTERVIEWING

Interviewing  A two-way process  A professional conversation

Four questions in the interviewer’s mind...  How will this candidate: relate with the students in this school? work with other faculty? cooperate with the administration? fit into the community?

Four questions for you…  How will I: relate with the students in this school? work with the faculty in this school? cooperate with the administration? fit into this community?

Types of interviews  Screening interviews include campus interviews and Education Interview Day interviews  Selection interviews often for a specific teaching position provides an opportunity to make more specific preparations for the interview

Types of interviews (cont’d)  Phone interviews Urban Teacher Perceiver often done by phone Challenges Recommended strategies  Group/panel interviews More common for site interviews

Types of interviews (cont’d)  Structured interviews Each person is asked the same questions The interviewer will often be taking notes; interviews may be recorded Looking for specific types of responses Urban Teacher Perceiver is one example

Types of interviews (cont’d)  Unstructured interviews The interviewer may appear to be asking questions at random “Good ol’ boy” interview; conversation Determine what you want the employer to know about you

Types of interviews (cont’d)  Behavioral-based interviews Based on the premise that past behavior or performance predicts future behavior or performance Questions often begin with “Tell me about a time when...” or “Give me an example of...”

Types of interviews (cont’d)  Behavioral-based interviews STAR response  Situation/Task  Action  Result Important to select specific example(s)

Prepare for the interview  Research prior to the interview: the school district the community your qualifications

Research the school district  What does the public relations literature say about the district?  What is the funding base?  Who makes the decisions in the district?  How large are the classes?  What are the facilities like?  Who is on the school board?  How involved are the parents?

Research the community  What is the community like?  Who are the community leaders?  What does the community think of the school district?  What kind of financial and volunteer support does the community give the school?

Research your qualifications  Why did you choose teaching?  What special qualities do you bring to the classroom?  What are your strengths/weaknesses?  What are your goals?  What is your philosophy of education?  What are your accomplishments?

All in all, what do they look for?  Appearance  Voice – pitch, speed, volume  Enthusiasm  Emotional stability  Common sense  Integrity  Personality

All in all, what do they look for? (cont’d)  Use of the English language  Knowledge of the teaching field  Attitude toward students  Ability to express ideas  Classroom management  Cooperation/team player

The interview  Dress appropriately/professionally  Bring extra copies of your resume  Turn off your cell phone  Arrive ten minutes early  Maintain eye contact  Understand the question before answering  Don’t bring up salary

Always ask questions  Bring a list of questions to the interview  If the questions have been answered during the interview, you can ask for clarification  Show the interviewer you have done your homework

Some questions to ask  Ask for a copy of the school’s progress report  What are the district goals?  What are the school’s goals?  What level of support will I receive as a new teacher?  What kind of technical knowledge is necessary to teach in your district?

Some questions to ask  Why would I want to work in your district?  What are you looking for in the teacher you hire for this position?  When will I hear back from you?  When may I contact you about your decision?  Is there any other information you need from me to help you in your hiring decision?

Illegal questions  Questions to do with: ethnic/cultural background marital status number of children religion health

Three ways to handle illegal questions  Get mad and storm out of the room  Tell the interviewer he/she just asked you an illegal question and then go on with the interview  Answer the question...or the intent

Final thoughts  Keep a record of what occurred in the interview  Critique yourself after the interview  Always send a thank-you letter