Services for Teachers
Interview Tips
Having a job interview can be quite traumatic and we hope that these few practical tips will make the whole process a little easier. Remember, the interview is a two way process, both sides need to speak and ask questions – the best approach is to see it as a dialogue.
1 - A basic one, but be on time! If you have what Trotsky called 'topographical cretinism', then check you know the exact location of the meeting.
2 - Prepare and research before the session, Find out everything you can about the school, the city and the country. This will help both parties.
3 - Listen to the questions and answer those questions and only those. Be concise and clear and avoid going off at tangents or pulling the question in the direction of the one you really wanted to answer.
4 - Ask questions yourself, interviewers look for candidates who are interested and not afraid to ask for clarifications or make their own observations. Make sure that you have asked all that you want to as well – don't be afraid to ask for a little more time to ask more questions.
5 - Prepare your questions in advance and also try to anticipate some of the questions you will be asked. For example, think about the first language of the country you want to work in and the interference issues from that language. You can anticipate what some of the questions around that might be.
6 - If you are meeting the actual employer or director of studies see if you can develop the beginnings of a psychological relationship with that person. After all you could be spending a lot of time in their company if you take a job with them!
7 - Dress in a smart but comfortable way. Your interview is to be a teacher, not a model so you need to find something that is presentable and that you can relax in.
8 - Try not to exaggerate your achievements in the interview and as ever, stick with the truth.
