S – Situation: Describe the circumstances around this short story. Briefly set the stage by sharing the who, where, and maybe a little of the why. T – Task: Describe the challenge or opportunity that you faced. A – Action: Describe what you did to face this challenge or how you seized the opportunity. R – Result: Conclude your short story with a description of the outcome of your actions and what you learned from the experience. End on a positive note, even if the story was about a failure. This is the chance to talk about what you learned and how you will respond in the future if faced with a similar circumstance. 10. Be Positive An interview is a time to market yourself. Make sure that your head is in the game when you enter the facility. Your body language tells a lot about who you are, and it is being observed the moment you enter the building. Consciously smile and make eye contact with the employees who are working at the front desk and never complain about your current or previous employer. Organizations are looking for candidates who are willing to learn and who have positive attitudes. With a little bit of interview preparation and adherence to these ten tips, you can reduce your pre-interview stress and land a great job. Good luck!
Asking the Right Questions at Your Interview Jill Purdy Director of Graduate Education Department/Associate Professor, Cedar Crest College, Pennsylvania
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repping for an interview can be exciting and a bit nerve-racking. What should you wear? What questions will the interviewers ask? How do I best show that I am a good fit? These are important components of your preparation. However, the questions you ask the potential employer are just as important. Quality questions can demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the organization. With the current need for teachers, there is the likely possibility you will have more than one offer in your future. Keep in mind that you need to take a teaching position that best fits you. The questions you ask can help you determine the appropriate fit.
Preparing for Interviews and Job Fairs
9. Answer the Questions Although it would seem that this piece of advice goes without saying, many candidates speak volumes but say nothing. Interview questions are designed to help the interview team evaluate whether or not you are a good fit for the position. Answering these questions thoroughly, but without a lot of fluff or extraneous information, will demonstrate that you are prepared to handle the job’s key responsibilities. Consider using the STAR format to assist you with answering questions about your past experiences:
One important question is about the mentor program at the school. As a first-year teacher, you will meet many challenges from school policies, classroom management, student success, working with parents, and meeting administrative expectations. A mentor program can help the new teacher wade through this new water. ASK: What does your new teacher mentor program look like? How will I be supported in my first few years of teaching? Another question that is recommended is about the culture of the school and district. One way to tackle this question is to already have explored the school website. Questions about culture show that you have done research on the school and you have a commitment to teaching diverse students. ASK: I noted on your website that there was a cultural activity recently. Is this a reflection of the school's commitment to a diverse community? In my examination of the population, I saw that there is a large LatinX population. How do you meet the needs of these students? Another area of questioning is more specific to the classroom and teaching. This inquiry, again, shows that you have knowledge of instruction. ASK: What is the average class size? What technology is in place to assist my instruction? Do the students have access to technology? What reading series do you use? Further engaging yourself in the school community is important for all future teachers. This may be working with the parent association, coaching a sport, publishing the school newspaper, and promoting community events. What do you do if they do not ask you about this? Ask them. ASK: I am really interested in coaching in the future. Are there opportunities available? OR What types of events can I get involved with at your school? It is important to realize interviewers will expect you to have questions. Prepare your questions in advance. Be sure to demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the school and its community. Asking the right questions is a great way to continue to showcase yourself as well as determine if that is the teaching job for you. Reference 32 Questions To Ask Your Interviewer in a Teacher Interview. (2022, May 24). https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/questions-to-askyour-interviewer-in-a-teacher-interview
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