Because you know, I'm a pro (Ha! Not).
But after 6 interviews, I did learn a lot about interviews, how to answer questions, and be unique. So I thought I'd share what I found to work for me and hope it helps a few of you out there who are frantically searching for a job in our economy.
First and foremost, when you apply for a position, make sure YOU contact the principal who will be interviewing you. Then have someone (an old mentor teacher, CFA, someone you have a connection with in the district or even in the school) call or email the principal referring you for an interview. Whether it be by email or over the phone-get your name out there. Even if you have to take a day to deliver hard copies of your resume, letters of rec, and cover letter, then do it. Take the extra effort. The principal who hired me kept my hard copy of my resume and also printed out my first email to him and kept them with my application because he was so impressed. It makes you stand out.
*Hint- Keep the email or phone call short. 2-3 sentences introducing yourself, what position you've applied for, why they should interview you, etc.
Second, before interviewing, have something you can actually show the interviewers. I created my own management/discipline plan along with lessons for the first two weeks that will allow me to introduce it gradually to my students so they can feel more like a team. This helped me during the interview because when the question about my management came up, I could just pull out my printed plan, hand it to them, and have something for both the interviewers and myself to look at. Then while I explained the basics and allowed them to look over the plan, they could ask any questions that they had.
*Hint-Those who I interviewed with LOVED this! They'd never had someone bring in a hard copy of something for them to look at during the interview. Remember, a lot of teachers are visual learners, so if you give them something to look at, they can see what you are talking about. The extra bonus is that it's something that they keep after your interview and they can refer back to when deciding whether to hire you or not!
Third, go into the interview 15 minutes early. That way, you can visit with the secretary and anyone else who comes in the office while you wait. The secretary at my school actually put in a good word for me after my interview because she liked how I came across. Smile. Introduce yourself. Give a firm handshake.
*Tip- Most importantly, look confident and come across confident, but NOT cocky.
Fourth, during the actual interview, remember the interviewers name. Come up with a quick silly saying so you remember. People like to hear their name.
*Tip- When the principal called me to ask for an interview, I also asked if there would be anyone else helping do the interview. This way, I could go on the school's website, look up the grade level of the teachers who would be helping do the interview, and already know the names before I got there. Then I didn't freak out if I forgot their names. I already knew them.
Fifth, prepare at least one question to ask the interviewers. If you're interested in them and their school, they like it.
*Tip- I always asked the principal what their personal philosophy of being a principal was. I always had a few more questions on hand and played it by ear to see if I wanted to ask more.
Sixth, Be yourself. Or should I say, be your professional self. Don't be afraid to laugh a little and smile. You don't want to be dull. Who wants to hire a dull teacher?
*Tip- Connect with the interviewers, not just the principal. Usually they are the teachers who will be on your future team. They have to know that they could potentially work well with you.
Seventh, Once the interview is over, shake the interviewers hands and repeat their names. Thank them for their time and graciously tell them that you would feel privileged to work with them. Compliment them. Usually they're trying to bust out all of the interviews in one day, so hearing something nice towards them is always a plus.
Lastly, once the interview is over and you've breathed a sigh of relief, send an email to the principal thanking them for their time. Again, keep it short. They don't have a lot of time, but a quick thank you is always nice.
Consider doing something to the effect of this (my actual thank you that got me my job)-
Thank you for your time in considering me for a position at Rock Canyon! I enjoyed getting to know you this morning during our interview and I appreciate the time that you took out of your busy summer to speak with me. I was greatly impressed with you and the faculty that I met and I wish you the best of luck throughout the rest of the interviewing process. I hope you find someone that fits in with your wonderful faculty and students!
*Tip- The principal who hired me printed out my thank you note also. These emails only took me about a minute or two to write and send off, yet they set me apart from the other interviewees.
Good luck in your interviews and best wishes!
But after 6 interviews, I did learn a lot about interviews, how to answer questions, and be unique. So I thought I'd share what I found to work for me and hope it helps a few of you out there who are frantically searching for a job in our economy.
First and foremost, when you apply for a position, make sure YOU contact the principal who will be interviewing you. Then have someone (an old mentor teacher, CFA, someone you have a connection with in the district or even in the school) call or email the principal referring you for an interview. Whether it be by email or over the phone-get your name out there. Even if you have to take a day to deliver hard copies of your resume, letters of rec, and cover letter, then do it. Take the extra effort. The principal who hired me kept my hard copy of my resume and also printed out my first email to him and kept them with my application because he was so impressed. It makes you stand out.
*Hint- Keep the email or phone call short. 2-3 sentences introducing yourself, what position you've applied for, why they should interview you, etc.
Second, before interviewing, have something you can actually show the interviewers. I created my own management/discipline plan along with lessons for the first two weeks that will allow me to introduce it gradually to my students so they can feel more like a team. This helped me during the interview because when the question about my management came up, I could just pull out my printed plan, hand it to them, and have something for both the interviewers and myself to look at. Then while I explained the basics and allowed them to look over the plan, they could ask any questions that they had.
*Hint-Those who I interviewed with LOVED this! They'd never had someone bring in a hard copy of something for them to look at during the interview. Remember, a lot of teachers are visual learners, so if you give them something to look at, they can see what you are talking about. The extra bonus is that it's something that they keep after your interview and they can refer back to when deciding whether to hire you or not!
Third, go into the interview 15 minutes early. That way, you can visit with the secretary and anyone else who comes in the office while you wait. The secretary at my school actually put in a good word for me after my interview because she liked how I came across. Smile. Introduce yourself. Give a firm handshake.
*Tip- Most importantly, look confident and come across confident, but NOT cocky.
Fourth, during the actual interview, remember the interviewers name. Come up with a quick silly saying so you remember. People like to hear their name.
*Tip- When the principal called me to ask for an interview, I also asked if there would be anyone else helping do the interview. This way, I could go on the school's website, look up the grade level of the teachers who would be helping do the interview, and already know the names before I got there. Then I didn't freak out if I forgot their names. I already knew them.
Fifth, prepare at least one question to ask the interviewers. If you're interested in them and their school, they like it.
*Tip- I always asked the principal what their personal philosophy of being a principal was. I always had a few more questions on hand and played it by ear to see if I wanted to ask more.
Sixth, Be yourself. Or should I say, be your professional self. Don't be afraid to laugh a little and smile. You don't want to be dull. Who wants to hire a dull teacher?
*Tip- Connect with the interviewers, not just the principal. Usually they are the teachers who will be on your future team. They have to know that they could potentially work well with you.
Seventh, Once the interview is over, shake the interviewers hands and repeat their names. Thank them for their time and graciously tell them that you would feel privileged to work with them. Compliment them. Usually they're trying to bust out all of the interviews in one day, so hearing something nice towards them is always a plus.
Lastly, once the interview is over and you've breathed a sigh of relief, send an email to the principal thanking them for their time. Again, keep it short. They don't have a lot of time, but a quick thank you is always nice.
Consider doing something to the effect of this (my actual thank you that got me my job)-
Thank you for your time in considering me for a position at Rock Canyon! I enjoyed getting to know you this morning during our interview and I appreciate the time that you took out of your busy summer to speak with me. I was greatly impressed with you and the faculty that I met and I wish you the best of luck throughout the rest of the interviewing process. I hope you find someone that fits in with your wonderful faculty and students!
*Tip- The principal who hired me printed out my thank you note also. These emails only took me about a minute or two to write and send off, yet they set me apart from the other interviewees.
Good luck in your interviews and best wishes!
This is wonderful Jamie! I'll definitely pass this along to some people I know are looking for jobs. It's nice to have it in simple terms. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteGood ideas -- Just a thought though as a person who used to hire many people -- not only send in a hard copy of the resume -- send a real thank you note - not an email one. Emails are easy to send - however a hand written note shows effort.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to anyone looking for a job.
This is very helpful for me! Thank you! If only I could get an interview! I will definitely refer back to this!
ReplyDelete