1. Interview Project Ruth Gay and Kristi Reyes VESL Fall 2013

2. The situation: Kristi Reyes is applying for the position of ESL teacher at MiraCosta College. Her interviewer is ESL Department Chair Ruth Gay. Kristi arrives 10 minutes early… The Interview Begins

3. Thank you for coming to the interview. Tell me about your experience. How long have you worked as an ESL teacher? Thank you for inviting me, Ms. Gay! I have worked as an ESL teacher all over San Diego County since 1998, in community colleges, workplaces, private language schools, and for a refugee resettlement program.

4. Wow! That’s a long time! Tell me, what are your strengths? First, I am a very hard worker. I spend many hours outside of my teaching time planning lessons, looking for and creating new materials, taking online professional development workshops to continually improve. I also like to think that I am creative and always look for new ways to make my lessons interesting.

5. Thank you. Now, what are your weaknesses then? My major weakness is that I tend to be a workaholic. I can’t simply leave my work behind at the classroom door! Also, it takes me a little while to learn about the procedures when I start a new job, but I’m an enthusiastic and fast learner. Hmm… that doesn’t sound like a weakness at all. I like this applicant!

6. Thank you again for coming. Do you have any questions for me? Yes, do you know when you will be making a decision? Also, do you offer benefits?

7. We will make our hiring decision in a week, after Human Resources checks references, and we will contact you then. We do offer health, dental, 401K, and other benefits that HR will explain. Thank you, Ms. Gay. I am so appreciative of the opportunity. Good luck with your decision, and please feel free to call or email me if you need further information about my qualifications or experience.

8. One week later… Congratulations, Kristi, on your new position. Welcome to MiraCosta College! I sure am glad I practiced those job interview questions!