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. 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 The interview format

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 someones opinion: Do I look ok?

12. Projecting positive body language Make good, confident eye contact often Extend your hand; offer a firm handshakefirm 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 Aspergers 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 partners 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 www.schooljobs.com.au Steve Whittington see www.oxfordeducation.com.au www.oxfordeducation.com.au