topic Re: Got 'interview tips'??? in Among Friends

Got 'interview tips'???

sarahpanda — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:59:00 GMT

My friend has recently graduated from the local university in the public teaching field. She has several interviews coming up and is a bit nervous, to say the least. Can you give me any tips that I might share with her to ease her mind - or tips that you feel/felt were a real winner during your interview? Also, if there are any 'employers', what was it that you were looking for in a prospective employee during their interview? Thanks in advance.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

Drythe — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 20:28:10 GMT

Read up about the potential employer. Google them

What is special about them

What is their mission

Have they won any awards, recognitions

* Work this into the conversation

Be prepared to SAY why YOU should be hired

What is special about you

What do you bring

Be prepared to answer the ? 'what do you see yourself doing in 5 years.

Ask what is on their plate for the next 2 - 3 years

Ask what challenges they are currently facing

Ask what they are most proud of

Ask what they bring to their customers, students, clients that sets them apart.

Best wishes to your friend.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

Peaches McPhee — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 20:30:31 GMT

Ask questions (good ones). She is also interviewing the organization.
Dress well.
Research the organization ahead of time. Be able to answer why she wants to work there.
Don't be late. Make a trip the day before if you have to, to figure out where to park.
If she's got any breaks in her resume, time-wise, think up a good answer about why it's there.
Ask about next steps in the process before you leave. You'll want to know if they are conducting follow up interviews or not.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

Love my grandkids — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 21:00:13 GMT

Scope the place out a day or two ahead of time so she knows exactly where to go. (I wish I had done this once, I got lost and almost missed the appointment)!

Be about 10 minutes early and be very pleasant to the receptionist or the person who greets you. I saw someone fail to get hired solely because he was rude to the intake clerk.

Best of luck to her!

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

Lisa Y — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 21:42:47 GMT

@sarahpanda wrote:
My friend has recently graduated from the local university in the public teaching field. She has several interviews coming up and is a bit nervous, to say the least. Can you give me any tips that I might share with her to ease her mind - or tips that you feel/felt were a real winner during your interview? Also, if there are any 'employers', what was it that you were looking for in a prospective employee during their interview? Thanks in advance.

@sarahpanda Great question! Along with all the other replies, which offer fantastic advice, make sure to smile at the receptionist and the interviewer. Look them in the eye and offer the interviewer a firm handshake (not too hard!). I was given this advice 32 years ago and got the job.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

blackhole99 — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 22:00:55 GMT

I'm assuming she is interviewing for a teaching position, I asked my retired teacher husband about interviewing tips for a new teacher. Make sure you know all about the school district you are interviewing in. You never know what they are going to ask you so smile and be authentic, try not to let your nerves get the best of you, firm hand shake and thank them for the interview.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

ECBG — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 22:09:52 GMT

If it's teaching, she needs to consider how she feels about before/after school activities and sponsoring clubs.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

Mz iMac — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 22:10:24 GMT

Not sure if this is still relevent in this techno age.......

After the interview, SNAIL MAIL a HAND WRITTEN "Thank You" card to the interviewer.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

FancyPhillyshopper — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 00:14:34 GMT

All of the advice provided is very, very helpful for any kind of job interview.

However, if she is interviewing as a new TEACHER--

1. What is her philosophy of education? (She should have two-three sentences that summarize her beliefs)

2. What is her familiarity with the latest research in her content area and/or grade level (e.g. what is the most effective way to teach literacy skill in preschool; what is the most effective way to teach math skills in middle school, what is the most effective high school approach in content areas that will link to future career and/or higher education?) This question may be especially important if she has no previous teaching experience. Other types of questions could be--Describe an outstanding lesson, how do you know you are successful with students, and so forth.

3. Why does she want to teach in THIS district/school? (Know something about the successes/data results)

4. How would you use technology in your lessons?

5. How do you effectively manage a classroom?

6. How do you address student socio-emotional needs and how do you involve parents?

7. What are your strengths and weaknesses as an educator (or your personal professional development plan)

She should have teaching example stories ready to share.

Best wishes to her!!

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

pigletsmom — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 00:52:50 GMT

Assuming it's a teaching position I would see if she has any connections to the district from student teaching if she did that. Around here I think you interview infront of a few people. They have a team of four people if I'm remembering correcctly from when my friends did this. So if she knows someone it would help give her an idea of the format they use, if she needs to bring lesson plans etc.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

vsm — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 01:49:48 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
Not sure if this is still relevent in this techno age.......

After the interview, SNAIL MAIL a HAND WRITTEN "Thank You" card to the interviewer.

You are SO right about a thank-you note! There have been several occasions when, as an interviewer, I gave a second look or even a call-back to a candidate I'd been on the fence about, after receiving a note reiterating his or her interest in the position. (Depending on the nature of the position, though, a typed note on standard stationery might be preferable to a handwritten thank-you card.)

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

janeec — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 02:24:29 GMT

Is she older than the traditional college graduate? If so, even though this would be her first job in teaching, she can cite examples of other situations that she has been in that have given her experience and knowledge towards the position.

Be enthusiastic, but not overly. Good manners never go out of style. After all, a teacher sets an example for the students. I wish her the best. It is an exciting, but anxious process.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

Snowpuppy — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 03:40:17 GMT

I have reviewed resumes and sat as an interviewer.

Dress better than you think you have to but keep mu, hair and jewelry to a minimum. Most people show up like slobs in a corporate world. If it's a panel interview, sit across from the person in the middle of the panel. We actually grade you on these two.

Discuss your electronic/digital job knowledge. While you're at it, lock down your FB, IG, etc. We look. If you're on Indeed so much the better. Shut off your phone the entire time you're in the building.

Gaps in your resume are no longer a big deal. Everyone has them post 2008 economic meltdown. If you need to go back to work after years as a SAHM, say so.

I'll say skip the Very Nice Thank You Note. My bosses laugh at them like you're trying too hard.

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

carlycat — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 04:46:45 GMT

Worked in HR, taught interviewing, and worked as a teacher. Those hiring are not looking for stock or prepared answers, they are looking for answers based in applicant’s experience.

So if they ask, for example, what’s your philosophy of education, she can give an answer based on what she has observed, learned, concluded, from her experience, even if it’s just student teaching, and then GIVE AN EXAMPLE. Like, “I had a student who I saw blossom and come out of his shell when I spoke to him privately every morning and asked him each day how he was doing. He began improving his behavior and his homework came in more regularly. This helped me decide that a key part of my philosophy is building relationships with students.” Or whatever. This shows the interviewer that she has some experience and can think on her feet, rather than just parroting textbook responses.

Also look up on state website data about the school district: socioeconomic status, funding, etc. This will give her an idea of the kinds of students she’ll be working with, which will help. Good luck, she’ll do great!!

Re: Got 'interview tips'???

sarahpanda — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 09:48:22 GMT

THANKS TO ALL SO MUCH FOR THESE WONDERFUL TIPS !!!! I am so excited to share each and every one with her because they are ALL so helpful ! She's had every obstacle in the world against her but she's finally 'made it' to her goal. Thanks again for the well wishes !