Interviews are the basic stage in the life of the job seekers. This stage is the most nerve-wracking thing for the newbie applicants. Moreover, this stage is not limited to the corporate world.
Each and every sector requires an interview session before any kind of enrollment. Similarly, in the education sector, recruiting stages for teachers are the best example of such interviews.
No matter whether it is a newbie applicant or an experienced teacher, nervousness always make a knock on the door. Thus, to ace such stages to acquire desired position it is important to prepare accordingly. Experience may at times be able to prove to be a good factor however, preparation is essential.
Several skills are expected of a teacher. Thus, interview tips for teachers job are necessity to understand what the interviewer is looking for in you.
Skills and Techniques Required for Teacher Job Interview:
1. Efficient teaching:
For an efficient and effective teaching, it is important to have certain skills. The most important of all is the passion for the subject. Merely acquiring a degree is not enough.
Along with a degree, the art of innovative and interesting teaching also accompanies. Moreover, ability to create a rapport with the student also matters.
Without a proper rapport it is impossible to keep teaching as you would receive no co-operation from your students. Further, confidence is an equal necessity. Moreover, a systematic knowledge of the development needs of the students is essential too.
2. Efficient handling:
Efficient handling skills include classroom management skills, excellent communication skills, effective listening skills, theoretical as well as practical knowledge of classroom handling, etc. These skills also include the rapport building between teacher-parent.
In this job, you do not solely deal with the children but also their parents. Moreover, classroom handling is easier said but done. One needs to understand the need of the students too. Those matters can be the academic factor or some personal behavioral issues.
The above two points are necessary for effective teaching however, during the interview there are few more skills that the interviewer expects from each candidate.
3. In-built efficiency:
By in-built efficiency, I am referring to the God gifted ability to use logic. There are innumerable possibilities in an interview however; the most important thing you should remember is that you have to stick to your words. Certain people mention several qualities in the resume thus, it is necessary to prove all the qualities that you have mentioned earlier.
4. Planning and organizing:
The skill of organizing holds a lot of importance in any position. In education sector, planning as well as organizing shows the capability of the applicant or the teacher. A proper teaching demands a proper lesson planning. Thus, the interviewee is needed to portray the planning and organizing skills during the interview, wherever necessary.
As you have understood the required skills that the interviewer looks out before selecting the candidate, it is easier for you to prepare well. However, the preparation is not limited to one thing.
Teaching Interview Preparation Tips and Advice:
Well, when you bring home a chicken, the first thing you do before cooking is preparation. However, your preparation is not limited to getting all the ingredients. You also need to marinate the chicken overnight. Similarly, you might have ingredients for the interview but what will you do for marinating. Let us look at the things you need to prepare for teaching interview.
Ingredient collection: Does it sound funny? Of course, it does. Keep reading to understand.
1. Portfolio preparation:
Portfolio is a teacher’s menu card for the interviewer. The first thing that you refer to at the restaurant is the menu card. Similarly, at the interviews, your portfolio is the menu card to which the recruiters will refer.
You should implement one of the skills that I have mentioned earlier i.e. organization. What will you think if I list down ‘mango milkshake‘ under main course in the menu? You would most probably make fun of the mistake.
Similarly, make sure to organize your portfolio with various worksheets, your lesson plans, previous remarks, original certificates etc. Also, include a table content, which will make it simpler for the interviewer.
A Common Doubt:
When is the right time to hand over the portfolio?
There are times when the interviewer has some other plans or ideas to evaluate you. Thus, he or she does not ask for your portfolio. However, you have made a fantastic, organized and presentable portfolio. What will you do then? Well, do not wait for the interviewer to ask. Wherever and whenever something seems related to your portfolio, just take it out and show them. This will definitely highlight your professionalism.
2. Begin with the basics:
If I remember well, ‘abc’ is the basic of language. What will happen if you forgot the basic? Would you be able to understand this language at all? Of course, you would not. Similarly, every accomplishment begins with the basic. Thus, if you are a newbie then revise lesson planning, teaching methods, disciplining methods, classroom management, etc. They might ask several questions from the basics to understand your skills and the ability to come up with enchanting answers. Thus, the key is to go through the basic ones. For example, you may be asked that which teaching methods you prefer to implement while teaching. Which teaching methods work well? Thus, prepare well along with some examples from your portfolio.
3. Focus and prepare, but don’t over prepare:
Many a times nervousness and anxiety does take a toll. Planning a complex chapter so that you score well in your interview is a total flop plan. If you are unable to handle it correctly, your plan might backfire on you. Thus, focus on making simple topic interesting rather than taking a risk of complications. Some learn it the hard way while some get lucky. Here, passion, enthusiasm and innovation are the keys.
4. Eleventh hour is not your option; be prepared beforehand:
This is the biggest issue that you face while preparing for interviews. At times, you think of printing out a worksheet later or before going to the school. However, there may be issues or some last moment changes that might affect your original plans. What will you do at times like those? Thus, always make sure to prepare everything a day before the big day. This will shun down the anxiety level and make you feel relaxed at the time of interview.
5. Check and confirm:
What is check and confirm? Well, have you heard about last moment changes? I am sure you have. Let me simplify with an example. You have prepared for an interview. You have a perfect presentable portfolio, teaching aids, lesson plan, etc. However, on reaching there you are told that there is a change in plan.
They forgot to inform you about some changes earlier. How would you feel? It is obvious to feel irritated, frustrated, sad, anxious, etc. It is better to be safe than sorry. Thus, always check and confirm the requirements earlier to save yourself from last moment troubles.
6. Research of background data of the school:
No matter what you do, you can never ignore the necessity of background researching. Most commonly asked question during the interviews is that how will you contribute to the school and its vision? However, you are never given in-depth information about the school. How will you answer questions related to the school? Therefore, you should not underestimate the power of background research. Go through the accomplishments and visions of the school as well as the directors.
Spend a good few minutes or half an hour understanding the policies and needs of the school. However, do not waste your time in collecting an in-depth history as it may do you no favors.
7. ‘NASA’ ‘SAARC’ – Not everything is already fed:
Not everything is already fed into your brain. It is common to forget some things. After all, error makes you human. What will happen if your interviewer asks you about your experience with PLC and you have no idea what PLC means? Well, in such a situation it is advisable to ask rather than making wild guesses.
Wild guesses have 0.1% odds of a perfect answer. Moreover, what might be your result if your answer is a total mess and far from correct? You would most likely have to apply somewhere else.
Some tips you might want to use:
While talking about preparation, this is the perfect platform to share some useful tips for teaching interview to prepare you against these irritating acronyms. Of course, one can never guarantee about the possible question but precautions are better than cure, right.
Make a list of possible acronyms that are used in education sector. Search their meanings, define and differentiate all the words. This will surely decrease the chances of you being embarrassed in front of your interviewer.
8. Time to apply the marketing strategies:
What do you mean by marketing strategies in education sector? By marketing, I am referring to your selling skills. In an interview, you are the subject of evaluation for your interviewers. You need to capture them into the web of your qualities. How will you show them your qualities? Use every question as your queue for action.
Interviewers usually do ask that what if we decide on not appointing you. That is when you will show your positive nature. Talk about how you learnt or gained an experience that will help you in future. Use the opportunities in your favor.
9. Extra marks for comfort:
Comfort does not solely refer to the atmosphere and surrounding. The level of comfort starts with you. Often it is observed that people who are uncomfortable in their own skin lack confidence. Similarly, the clothes you wear also affect your comfort level.
Unlike the corporate sector, in schools there are no such dress codes (of course, party wear is not included). However, instead of going for a new dress go for something that you have worn earlier. This will make you feel more comfortable in it. Comfort will indirectly boost your confidence and increase your attention.
10. Keep faith in yourself:
The most important thing that you should remember is that you are the best. Yes, keep chanting the mantra and you would automatically feel refreshed. However, it is very usual to feel intimidated by the experienced looking candidates. They may have more experience or qualification but it depends on how well you fit in the school and how good you perform in the interview.
Enough tips to prepare and marinate yourself perfectly to ace your interview. However, there are certain variations in the interview styles these days. Let us have a look at such possible variations.
Different Rounds in Teaching Interview:
There are several variations in interviews and its types. Earlier we learnt about checking and confirmation. Here you will understand the need for such. There are four variations in these interviews. They are panel interviews, informal discussion, lesson planning – teaching, and group discussion.
1. Panel interviews:
These interviews usually go up to half an hour with the interviewer. This may be with the principal, H.O.D, teacher, etc.
2. Informal discussions:
This can be an indirect interview, which the authority conducts. This interview takes place without letting you know. Here, certain teacher or other staff may show you around the school or simply talk to you. This may be an informal talk but you are still given points regarding your behavior.
3. Lesson planning:
Lesson planning needs no elaboration. Lesson planning refers to preparing a sample lesson that you will conduct in the class in front of the children. It is similar to practical examination.
4. Group discussions:
Group discussions are the best way to sell you. Earlier we discussed about using the marketing strategies. Group discussions are the perfect platform to state your qualities and stand out in the group. This will not only make an impression on the interviewers but also help you in grabbing the job of your choice.
Thus, there is no such strict guideline to prepare for any interview for teaching job . Therefore, prepare well and hope for the best. All the best for your next interview, job seekers.
