Teachers talk about job interviews

Teachers Talk About Job Interviews

Hi everyone!

Soon I will be interviewing for a 6th grade position and I want to update my
portfolio. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I could add to it to
make my portfolio stand out from the rest? Any other helpful hints that you
might have about interviewing would be greatly appreciated too.

Thanks,
Kelly Cripps

Kelly, I've sat on several interview committees over the past couple of years
and have talked with others who have, too. One thing that really surprises me
is that some people don't look you in the eye. Be sure to look at the person
who is asking the question. Also be sure to "answer the question". Many times
candidates don't listen to the question and give an answer that really doesn't
answer the question. Listen carefully and think before you answer-although
not too long! If you don't understand the question or it's unclear ask them
to repeat or clarify. And while it shouldn't need to be said, watch how you
dress. They are evaluating you as soon as you walk through the door, whether
they mean to or not. As for your portfolio, I hate to admit it but in most of
the interview teams I've served on we didn't spend a lot of time on them. We
sort of scanned through them at the end. The one thing everyone looked for
was kid-oriented materials-pictures of kids doing neat things, etc. Things
that showed you do more than stand and lecture to kids. Good luck and keep us
posted.

Helen <Beastly354@aol.com>

Helen -- Great advise. I went on several interviews last year and what you said was
right on the mark. I am certified in El ed and Sp ed. I think that helped
me to get the interviews but I was very careful to look people in the eye,
dress appropriately, be prepared and be confident. It is reassuring to know
that is what an interview team takes into consideration.

I know you said you don't look at a portfolio until the end, but I think it
depends on how one uses it. I went through it as I was taking to show
examples of key points I was trying to make about myself. I didn't wait
until the end of the interview. I think that is why I found it helpful. It
was also quality rather than quantity. It was very colorful and organized
into different categories and had many pictures of children interacting with
each other.

Thanks for your advice. I was just listening and liked what I heard.

Suzi

> I know you said you don't look at a portfolio until the end, but I think it
> depends on how one uses it.

This is so true, and I didn't mention it in my first post. One person that
really impressed us was the one who could turn to her portfolio and give us
examples when we asked a question. For example : Tell us about your
experience with computer technology. This person had newspaper clippings from
a computer project she had done with students and opened her portfolio right
to it. By showing and talking the team can really see what the candidate is
about.

Helen <Beastly354@aol.com>

Kelly, I also teach sixth grade and have been involved in interviewing
teachers. Pay attention to everything Helen B. said. One thing that I have
noticed some candidates do is try to take over the interview. Answer the
questions and give the floor back to the committee. More than likely you will
be asked quite a bit about your classroom management techniques. If you do
not have a plan prepared, be sure to let the committee know that you are open
minded. Try to be calm and confident.
Good luck!
Syb Humphries

This reminds me of an interview I did recently with a principal. She was
relating a story about an interview session with a prospective teacher. She
and several teachers in the school were doing the interview. The bright
young candidate pulled out an elaborate portfolio and talked for the next
20 minutes, reviewing everything she'd learned in college, etc., without
taking a breath or giving the committee the opportunity to ask questions.
Some of this was nervousness, I imagine, but it really turned the hiring
committee off and she was not selected.

So Syb's "don't take over the interview" advice sounds right on target!

John Norton

Dear Kelly,
I am will be beginning my third year teaching this fall. I found that
interviewing for a position can be very scary, but hang in there. Just
remember that interviewing is the tool that will get you the job to really
show your stuff.
I found that what worked for me was to focus on 4-5 key points about myself
and take an outline appropriate to my very important but brief time to
shine. For example, some key points that I used were that I was flexiable,
a facilator, organized, and positive. I made sure I opened with all of
these concepts and then touched on each one and used examples from my
student teaching experience to tie into each concept about myself.

I also developed a portfolio (write back if you would like details about it)
to help with my interview. I paged through the portfolio at the same time
as I touched on those key points about myself to illustrate my experiences
in these areas.

You have probably heard this before, but it can't hurt to mention a few buzz
words you have experience with.

Good Luck. Let me know if this helps you. I've been there
before.

Suzi