A presentation on preparing and performing at interview that will assist you in making sure that you stand the best chance of being offered your dream job.

1. SUCCEEDING
AT INTERVIEW

2. Objective
This session aims to:
• Provide you with advice on preparing
effectively for teaching interviews
• Help you structure your responses to
interview questions appropriately
• Give you the opportunity to practise your
interview technique

3. Death by interview or chance to shine?
Discussion: What are your biggest concerns or
fears about the interview?
• What can you do to overcome these?
• Prepare and practise

4. Preparing for interview
Three Steps:
1. Your preparation
• Research and rehearse
2. Your presentation
• Appear professional and confident
3. Your performance
• Articulate yourself clearly

5. The interview format
• 30 – 60 minutes’ duration
• Panel of 2 – 4 people
• 5 – 8 questions, 5 minutes for each
• Format can include:
– Verbal questions
– Written question sheet/task provided prior
– Presentation on pre-determined topic
– An ‘interview lesson’
– Psych testing

6. The interview structure
• Arrive – pre-task?
• Greet and small talk
– Follow their lead, use their names
• Ice-breaker question
• 3 – 5 selection questions
• ‘Is there anything you want to ask us?’
• Close and farewell
– Thank them for their time; end on a +ve

7. School and role research
• What do you know about the school?
– School and MySchool websites
– Prospectus, annual report etc.
– Colleagues, network
– Parents and students?
• What do you know about your future
colleagues? Your department?
• What issues are topical in education?
• What do you know about the interview panel?

8. Question themes
Questions will seek to evaluate your:
• Knowledge of teaching and learning theory
• Behaviour management capabilities
• Future plans (PD, career)
• Potential contribution to the school
• Ability to deal with conflict
• Ability to work in a team

9. Preparing yourself
• Stress less
– Be punctual, prepared and well-presented
• Dress not distract
– Appropriate attire, nothing distracting (loud
ties, fancy jewellery, too much bare skin)
• Positive body language
– Hand shake, eye contact, posture and position

10. Tips to stress less
• Plan your day well in advance
• Allow double the travel time
• Aim to arrive 15 minutes early
• Bring any prompts and other material
• Find a quiet corner (in the car?)and breathe
deeply with your eyes closed
• Accept a glass of water if offered

11. What should I wear?
• Dress professionally for success!
• Find out the dress code of the school
• Save your Mickey Mouse tie/socks for another
occasion!
• No dangly earrings or plunging necklines
• Polish your shoes, cover tattoos and piercings
• Forget the heavy scent and make-up
• Ask someone’s opinion: Do I look ok?

12. Projecting positive body language
• Make good, confident eye contact often
• Extend your hand; offer a firm handshake
• Smile
• Sit upright, face the interviewer
• Listen carefully; paraphrase to demonstrate
understanding
• Try to project confidence: important for
classroom management
• Be yourself! (to the extent that is possible…!)

13. What do they want to see?
The panel wants you to:
• Know your subject/profession – both theory
and practice
• Demonstrate a passion for teaching
• Display charisma and confidence, be energetic
and enthusiastic
• Be able to relate to others, esp. students
• Show good self-awareness

14. Question types
Three types of question:
• Behavioural
– E.g. Tell us about a difficult student you have had
to teach and how you turned them around
• Hypothetical
– E.g. What would you do if a parent abused you
after class?
• About you, general
– E.g. Tell us why you are a good fit for this school

15. How to answer Behaviour questions
“Tell us about a difficult student you have had to teach
and how you turned them around.”
• Outline the situation
– Two years ago I taught yr 9 History and had a student
with Asperger’s Syndrome…
• Explain what action you took
– I consulted the Special Ed. Dept. about his learning
style and the best way to engage him…
• Describe the outcome
– He responded really well, was far less disruptive than
in other subjects and continued History in Year 10

16. How to answer Hypothetical questions
“What would you do if a parent abused you after class?”
• Identify the issues
– Clearly the issues here are of security, safety and due
process…
• Outline all possible strategies
– I am aware that at this school Heads of Houses are
primarily responsible for dealing with parents in the
first instance…
• Determine a course of action
– On balance, I would suggest that the parent and I
discuss the matter with …

17. About you questions
• Think of the way in which politicians answer
questions: Their responses are structured and
focus on a key message.
• About you questions are a chance to
demonstrate and elaborate on your USP (your
brand).
• Try to make three points per answer.

18. Interview practice
• Complete your interview preparation on the
first page of the sheet provided
• Find a partner and exchange sheets
• Conduct a 5 - 10 minute interview for each
person
• Provide meaningful, constructive and honest
feedback on your partner’s presentation and
response to questions.

19. And finally…
• An interview is merely a conversation with a
consequence.
• Practice makes perfect
• ‘The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The
meaning of life is to give your gift away.’
– David Viscott, US Psychiatrist (1938 – 96)
I wish you luck in finding a school to help you give
your gift away.

20. To download this presentation and
other resources register at
www.schooljobs.com.au
For more information about
Steve Whittington see
www.oxfordeducation.com.au