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

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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:

9. ‘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)

10. 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

11. 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?

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

13. 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