My first job interview ever!! Tomorrow:)

Ok, so I've been ebaying my life away, on top of being pretty much a professional student before that...but decided a few weeks ago that I really need to try to get a real job, and since teaching kids is the only thing that I love, that's where I went...

Rumor around town was that there were no teaching jobs anywhere...but today I got a call to interview tomorrow for a teaching job...I am so excited...its at a good school, and its a subject that I could teach with my eyes closed (not english, for anyone who has seen the horrible grammar in most of my posts:))...anyways, I've never interviewed for a job before...

Trying not to get my hopes up too high, but nonetheless, am really excited...anyone got any tips for a good job interview?!?!?

Make a list of questions to ask. Make them want you. Look at them straight in the eye, have a striong hand shake. But always ask questions - that is a big one. GOOD LUCK

DDQM

because of classroom discipline.

Therefore expect a lot of questions about classroom management and discipline.

Do you plan on using a formal discipline policy like "Assertive Discipline?" They may want to know that you have an idea of what you're planning to use.

One or two questions can tell whether you know your subject matter, but the nightmare new teacher situations they've faced have all revolved around kids running wild, so if they're smart, they'll ask you about it.

Stay away from the pie-in-the-sky stuff about treating them like adults, and no formal policy, just respect each other. They'll see that as naive.

Good luck.

Yes, the kids that I'd be teaching are in the remedial program, so I think discipline will be a key factor in determining who gets the job...

let your enthusiasm show. that's what everyone tells me. of course they tell me that because i'm the kind of laid-back guy who usually doesn't let it show, even if i am feeling enthusiastic about something.

In fact, I usually pack some in my purse and take a quick whiff before I go into the interview just to make sure I'm not offensive in smell. Helps to have some breath mints too.

Talk about the things you will do when you start, not about the things you will do if they give you the job. Subtle distinction but an important one. I have interviewed hundreds of people and confindence in ones ability to do the job and to grow with it are some of the biggest factors in my hiring decision.

I've been on the other side, and seen many very qualified candidates NOT get an offer for completely inscrutable reasons.

A lot is just personal chemistry. A lot is just plain irrational. I used to think the best qualified candidate got the job, now I think it is often just plain dumb luck.


Job interviewing is a game of numbers. Don't worry about losing one. Eventually you'll hit the odds right.

cause I dont want to be discouraged if I dont get it...

Didn't except to get a call this quick though, I turned in the application last Tuesday!!

Of course, my fave recommendation is to take abottle of water to combat dry-mouth syndrome.

Search out what kind of questions they'll ask you. Use google, maybe something will turn up. If you can get an idea of what they might ask: practice!

Be knowledgeable about the district, the principal and super, etc...

Practice your answers, and just be yourself. Good luck!

and prepare answers. I've interviewed many folks and I ask those as a way to see if they understand the need to prepare and think before client meetings. I also wanted to hire someone and a co-worker shot it down because she did not have a succinct answer to what do you want to do in five years. Her reasoning was that what capable person would not prepare for that question.

I would guess your teachers associations or your local college has typically asked questions. Years ago I read books on how to interview but I don't recall now. I would head to the library now and check out some books.

anything and don't say anything bad about yourself. If you DO, make it a good bad, for example:

"tell me something about yourself you would like to improve?"

Response: "Well, I know sometimes I get too detail oriented, or too organized. I like to plan things out and have a back up plan."

Or: "Well sometimes I have a whacky sense of humor. I like to have fun and be silly sometimes.."

(Which is perfect when working with kids, right?)

The point is your self criticism isn't a fault, but YOU 'think' it is. When actually you're telling them what they WANT to hear.

Watch your body language. Make sure you keep an OPEN position and respond receptively.

Ask why there a vacancy.

Ask why the interviewer likes working there.

Be positive.

BE ON TIME

Be early.

Better to circle the block a few times. Be on time to the minute, not early, not late.

the school is only 3 miles away from me, so it should be easy getting there...will have the watch with me:)

I have every confidence. :pals:

Here's hoping all will go very well tomorrow.

A nice, firm handshake and look them in the eye! :thumbsup:

Employers like that: "I like teachin' kids and shit". It shows that your "down", which is very important when dealing with kids. ;-)