Preparing for interviews can give you the confidence you need to highlight your skills and accomplishments during the interviewing process.

To prepare for interview process, follow these steps:

Step 1: Know Yourself

You will be doing most of the talking in the interview, so you must know how to effectively highlight your skills and experience.

• Review your resume and lesson plans or units.
• Make a list of your strengths.
• Consider how you might improve on your weaknesses.
• Think about what you are looking for in this job, school, faculty, etc.

Step 2: Research the School/District

• What is their educational philosophy, enrollment?
• What are they looking for in teachers?
• What methods do they prefer?
• What kind of test scores do their students receive?
• What percentage of their graduates go on to post secondary education?

For additional research resoruces check out the Job Search.

Step 3: Prepare Your Teaching Portfolio

Put together a portfolio to give to the interviewer(s) during or at the conclusion of your interview.

Step 4: Prepare Your Questions

During the interview, you won't have much time to ask questions of your interviewer, so it's important to ask the right ones. Remember your goal in the interview: to ascertain if this teaching position is right for you. You can also use this time to show the employer how much you know about the school/district and what a valuable addition you'd be.

Step 5: Practice!

You should practice answers to questions the interviewer is likely to ask. Take the time to formulate solid answers to the questions listed below. Practice some of the answers aloud. It's helpful to tape record yourself.

Click here for Potential Interview Questions.

Mechanics of Interviews

• Look professional: Women: wear a career dress or suit with the skirt at the knee or below. Choose conservative jewelry, makeup, perfume, and shoes. Men: wear a suit or long sleeved shirt and tie. Wear polished shoes and a conservative haircut.
  
  
• Be on time: Arriving late severely hurts your chances of being hired. Plan to arrive at the interview site at least 15 minutes early. Give yourself a few minutes to find a bathroom so you can check your appearance and settle yourself by doing some deep breathing and relaxation exercises.
  
  
• Make a great first impression: Share a warm and friendly smile, handshake, and eye contact with everyone you meet, including the receptionist or secretary. Make sure your body language conveys professionalism and receptiveness.

After the Interview

Write a thank you letter to each person who interviewed you. These should be typed. Thank them for their time and consideration, and, if you liked the school, reiterate your interest. You can also take the opportunity to tell them anything you forgot during the interview, or improve on any less-than-outstanding answers.

Information and questions taken from:
The Right Fit: An Educator's Career Handbook and Employment Guide. Strother and Marshall