.At Teachers today we have years of experience around the interview process. Below are some of the mistakes teachers may make preventing them from securing that position! These are some of our top tips to help you along the way!
Mistake 1: Arriving late and not remembering your manners
Walking late into reception is completely unacceptable; the SLT team will not look kindly on this. How much do you really want the position? Simply get an earlier bus, train or if driving leave 30 minutes earlier than usual. If you have to sit in the car park or reception it will give you a chance to observe students arriving into school, their uniform and behaviour. Something you can positively comment on later in the day! Aim to arrive at least 20 minutes before the interview.
Remember your ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’, give a firm handshake, look smart and ensure your phone is away and out of sight. I once had a teacher turn up late, with a tie half way around his neck and a plastic carrier bag, safe to say he did not make it through to the afternoon!!!
Treat every member of the school with respect and courtesy. Just because they may not be a teacher does not mean they are any different from you!! Support staff talk and the receptionist will be your first point of contact. I know a number of Principals that will ask the receptionist their thoughts on potential candidates.
Mistake 2: Asking too many questions
Don’t get me wrong it’s important to ask questions and engage in conversation with staff, but don’t overdo it!!! Nothing is more annoying than a rambler. Plus you are supposed to be a good communicator, right? Make sure your questions are relevant to the context of the school. It will not look good if you ask questions that you may have easily researched beforehand. Remember, you are walking into a different school, don’t compare it with your current one ‘at my school we do this’ ……..It’s now about what you can offer them!!
Mistake 3: Underprepared to teach your observed lesson
Have you found out the resources you can use for your observed lesson, the number of students in the class and most importantly ability? Don’t try and wing it, the observer will be able to see straight through this by your manner and more importantly the progress the students make while teaching your lesson. It is important not to panic while teaching, take deep breadths and remain calm. You don’t have to stick to the plan religiously, things may go wrong, they will want to see how you will cope, being flexible and adaptable to pupils needs is vital for a positive outcome.
Mistake 4: No prior research on the school
So, have you completed your homework? Having no idea on the background or context of the school is a big mistake. You are going to be asked questions throughout the day, my advice is to be honest if you don’t know the answer. Some information that should you should research:
- Ofsted grade, positive aspects and what needs to improve.
- Number on roll
- % of pupil premium students
- Last year’s A-C stats (inc Maths/Eng)
- % students making progress
- The department data
Mistake 5: Letting your confidence sound like arrogance in the interview
Arrogance is a sure fire way for you not to be given a position. After all, if you believe you are never wrong how can you possibly be an inspirational teacher? Confidence is about being sure enough in you. Show that you believe in yourself, but you are also willing to accept your mistakes.
The worst thing you can do is try to be somebody else within the interview; don’t be the person that you think they want, be your own person and let your personality shine through. Stand by your principles, listen and be reflective.
If you don’t understand a question then ask the interviewer to repeat it. Many candidates interpret the question in their own way and will waffle. Don’t use words that don’t make sense!!
Firstly, take time to think, be clear on your point, and use evidence to reiterate your point!!
If you don’t want that teaching position then please follow my top five mistakes. However if you want to be in the running with other candidates then stay clear of them, instead let your experience and personality shine through.
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