Top 5 Interview Tips—ISTE Exclusive!
Nice job. You’ve made it past the first round, hooking the employer’s attention and landing an interview. The organization is interested, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to slack off. The next step is to prepare. Preparation shows a potential employer that you care about that specific job, not that you spammed everyone in a 50-mile radius with your résumé. It will also increase your confidence. People fear the unknown, which is why most of us are a bundle of nerves during interviews. Preparation steps, such as anticipating questions and practicing your responses will decrease your level of surprise during the interview, so you look like a capable, confident person. Some people interview easily, but others can improve their interviewing performance with a few planning steps.
1. Assemble a portfolio
Have you ever heard an English teacher say, “Show, don’t tell” with regard to writing? This applies to interviews as well. A portfolio enables you to boast about your previous work. You’re not limited to simply talking about your accomplishments; you can show employers material you’ve created.
An electronic portfolio can be a great asset in the digital age. Chances are, potential employers will ask to see a portfolio either before or during an interview. With an electronic portfolio, you can send your work within seconds; no time delays, stamps or envelopes required. Then employers can review it, store it in a database, or search, copy, or forward specific documents easily. Have an electronic copy of your portfolio visible online or scanned into your computer for safe keeping. Plan on bringing your own personal hard copy to your interview, but make sure you leave an electronic version.
Find evidence of your education or technology experience and organize it in a professional binder or portfolio. Evidence may include your résumé, philosophy statement, work examples, projects in which you were a leader or contributor, case studies, letters of recommendation, any credentials or certifications, etc. A table of contents and dividers will come in handy when thumbing through examples during the interview. Feel confident enough to pull out pieces when the conversation relates to something in your portfolio. This will show your preparation and experience! Going through these materials can also help refresh your memory about your work experience and provide concrete examples that you can share during your interview.
2. Research
Even though you’re through with school, you still have to do your homework. Research the position well and know a bit about the organization’s mission and unique needs. If you know what the employer is looking for, you can determine what experience you have in handling those needs, highlighting it during the interview.
An interview isn’t just responding to an employer’s questions; it’s a chance for you to ask them as well. Asking questions shows your interest and helps you determine whether the position is suited for you. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer, reflecting on the research you’ve done on the position and the organization. If you feel comfortable with the interviewer and develop a good rapport, you may want to ask questions throughout, instead of waiting until the end. Only ask questions you cannot get answers to through your research (i.e. how many students are in the district). Sample questions (depending on the position) might include:
- I have experience in developing new programs. Will the district be introducing any new programs this year or require input?
- What size budget would I be maintaining and how much authority would I have over its development?
- How will my performance be evaluated?
- What kind of relationship does the school board have with the local government?
- When do you hope to decide on a candidate to fill the position?
Although it’s important to ask questions, don’t bombard the interviewer. Three or four is usually enough to show you’re interested and that you’ve done your homework.
Another valuable research technique is to familiarize yourself with the state and national standards. Knowing them will impress the potential employer and give you a leg up on those who are unfamiliar with specific standards. Check out ISTE’s recently refreshed National Educational Technology Standards, for administrators, teachers, and students.
3. Predict questions
You can never predict exactly what questions you’ll be asked, but chances are that they’ll ask about why you think you’re a good candidate, your strengths, and your weaknesses. You can also search the Internet for sample interview questions based on the position. Think about what you would ask if you were hiring for the position. If you’re a math teacher, you may be asked why geometry is important for high school students. Plan your answers and consult a close friend or family member for help, especially if they’re in the education field.
4. Practice aloud
When you’re asked a question and fumbling to articulate a good response, you often don’t listen to yourself speak. If you practice beforehand, you’ll have a good idea of what you’ll sound like to the interviewer. Practicing aloud also forces you to answer on the spot, rather than glossing over a question with, “Oh, I know that.” In addition to practicing responses to sample questions, practice explaining why you’re a good match for the position, using simple but engaging terms.
Try watching and listening to yourself as you practice. Looking in the mirror is a great way to watch your facial expressions. Recording your voice enables you to play back your speech and then polish your answers. Recruit a friend to practice in front of and encourage him to toss random questions at you, or ask him to videotape you and then critique your interview.
5. Know the interview structure
When you’re contacted for the interview, gently ask about the format. If you forget or are unable to ask the interviewing representative who contacted you, the organization’s administrative assistant is usually a good source.
Formats vary from organization to organization. Some use team interviews and some do not.
With teacher job interviews, candidates are usually subjected to the same question set. Questions can be:
- Situational, “what would you do if…”
- Observational, “what do you think about…”
- Conceptual/personal, “what is your philosophy of…”
- Behavioral, “tell me about a time when…”
Some districts stringently follow a list of scripted questions, while others only use them for reference.
Administrator interviews are sometimes handled differently. Often, employers will ask hypothetical questions or a team will scrupulously research the candidate’s previous job.
Whatever the format, knowing beforehand will save you from surprise, making you more prepared and letting the interview go more smoothly.
Good luck in your next interview!
Copyright ® 2008, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 1.800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 1.541.302.3777 (Int’l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved.
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