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:
Step 2
PrepareIt 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
- Call Career Services at 920-403-3040 to make an appointment for a mock interview
- Rehearse your Elevator Pitch
- Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend
- Practice your handshake with a friend
- Participate in MIRT (Mock Interview Relay for Teachers) in the spring of your senior year
- Practice answering interview and behavioral-based questions.
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
Contact Us
Location
We are located in Todd Wehr Hall Room 215.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Phone: 920-403-3040
Email: careers@snc.edu
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