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Teacher Education Interviewing

Congratulations!  You got the interview! Now what? Use the information below to learn about the entire interview process. To schedule a mock interview, please contact Career & Professional Development

Education Interviewing Guide (PDF)

Step 1

Research

How well you have researched the organization/district demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm, and is a critical factor in the interview process. 

What to research:

  • Recent news articles
  • History and potential growth of district
  • Educational trends 
  • Student demographics
  • Statistics of pupil achievements
  • Organizational structure and key names
  • Location and community resources
  • Use of technology
  • School board minutes
  • District and school mission/vision
  • Instructional program and learning objectives

Where to research:

  • District/organization website
  • Internet search engines
  • Professors
  • Your network
  • Local newspaper articles
  • Education journals
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Visit the school

Step 2

Prepare

It is essential to understand and articulate what skills and qualifications you have to offer, as they relate to the position and district/organization. Below are things to think about and prepare prior to your interview.
  • Know your skills and talents.
  • Understand areas of improvement.
  • Know your résumé and the job description inside and out.
  • Create a list of 5-10 “selling points” related to the position and the district/organization.
  • Understand and practice using the Problem Action Result (PAR) technique
  • Dress for success by planning your interviewing attire
  • Map out your interview destination and know where you’re going, and know how long it will take to get there.
  • Items to bring to an interview: directions to the interview site, padfolio, name(s) and title(s) of interviewer(s), extra copies of your résumé, references, portfolio (not required), a writing utensil, copy of position description and a bottle of water.
  • Prepare questions to ask the administrator/interviewer to show your interest in the position or district/organization.

Step 3

Practice

Step 4

The Interview
  • Arrive 10 minutes early.
  • Give a firm handshake.
  • Show enthusiasm and confidence, and smile.
  • Keep a positive attitude about former cooperating teachers, employers, supervisors and co-workers.
  • Be aware of your body language.
  • Avoid slang, profanity, lying, and filler words such as “um,” “like,” “ah” and “you know.”
  • Do not inquire about salary, bonuses or benefits in your first interview.
  • Remember to ask questions to show your interest.
  • Ask the interviewer when you can expect to hear back from them.
  • Express your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for their time.
  • Ask for a business card from each interviewer to ensure you have their name and address so you can send a thank-you note.

Step 5

After the Interview
  • Send a thank-you note or email within two business days; send a separate, individualized note to each person who interviewed you.
  • Evaluate your performance to address areas for improvement.
  • If one to two weeks has elapsed since the date the interviewer said they would make contact, it is appropriate to make a follow-up call to express your interest in the position.
  • View a sample thank-you letter
      
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