CMEA Mock Interviews, Spring 2021 by Anne Fennell, CMEA President-Elect
In May, CMEA offered free, online mock interviews for aspiring music educators across the state of California. Many thanks to the following individuals who volunteered their time to provide the interviews and review the students’ cover letters and résumés. Read on to learn a few tips, gather insights, and why practicing for a job interview is a valuable opportunity.
Reflections From Our Interviewees
Why was the mock interview valuable to you? The mock interview was a great preparation for a future job interview. I was asked several questions pertaining to my current experience and what I could bring to a music program. It was a great experience to be able to prepare for this and see how I did on the spot. - Natalie Mendez
Emmerick Doan, CSU Long Beach ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Instrumental Music Educator
Carly Fox, CSU Northridge ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Choral Music Educator
This mock interview helped me to better understand the types of topics I should prepare myself for, as I start my career as an educator. It was a very valuable experience that allowed me to feel more confident about finding a job. - Spencer Hart The mock interview showed me what my strong suits and weak points are, when being interviewed. The interviewer was so helpful in guiding me in the right direction to put me on the most direct path to success! - Carly Fox
Cruz Gonzalez, University Of the Pacific ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Music Educator
Jamie Trinajstich, CSU, Fullerton ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Instrumental Music Educator
Spencer Hart, UCLA ‘21 Aspiring Secondary Instrumental Music Educator
Natalie Mendez, CSU Northridge ‘21 Aspiring Elementary Music Educator
I was able to answer questions that were tailored to music specialists and received feedback immediately. It was constructive to reflect on my responses with the interviewer, and then I was given a chance to rephrase and reinforce with the advice I had received, just like a rehearsal! - Cruz Gonzalez The mock interview was valuable to me because it allowed me to get a feel of what an actual interview will be like. As in music, practicing for an interview is also important, so the more you answer questions aloud to someone, the better you’ll get at understanding how you react, your response time, and how to better prepare for next time. - Emmerick Doan There is always room for more practice when it comes to interviewing. The more practice you receive, the better and more concise your answers become. More importantly, having extra practice improves your comfort and how naturally you answer the question, which will only help in an interview. - Jamie Trinajstich
Summer Issue 2021
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