Congratulations, you’ve got an interview! The school believe you’re suitable for the role on paper and now want to get to know you.
Here are our tips on how to get the best out of the interview:
- Give your interviewer’s hand a firm shake when you do meet them and remember to thank them for seeing you.
- Plan, prepare and practice! If you’ve done these three P’s then all you need to consider on the day is to present your strengths and how you can enhance education in their school.
- Try to enjoy meeting someone new and remember, not only is your interviewer looking for a great employee but you’re also looking for a great place to work.
- Do your research on the school. Find out about their curriculum, academics, recent Ofsted report, specialisms and safe guarding policy. Mention some of your findings in your answers to show you’ve done research and interest in the school.
- Talk about what you would bring to their school, why you would be a good fit, why you're interested in their school, and what you know about their ethos, values, demographics and extracurricular activities.
- Familiarize yourself with the UK education system and terminology used in schools.
- Provide good examples from your time in school and the specific teaching elements that you find satisfying.
- Describe a demanding situation, giving details of how you successfully managed it.
- Draw attention to your strengths (passion for teaching, strong communicator, time management skills, sense of humour, patience, team-player) while telling your interviewers about the qualities you have which they are looking for (subject knowledge, past experience).
- There is always a question around safeguarding, child protection and equal opportunities. Prepare by reading a safeguarding policy, preferably for the school you're applying to. Think about what the term 'equal opportunities' mean to you.
- You will be asked to evaluate a lesson you have taught or have observed. Don't describe the lesson, talk about what was effective as well as how it may have gone better.
- Whenever an interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” you should always use this as an opportunity to find out everything you need to know about the role. Prepare for this in advance by bringing a list of example questions with you.
- Asking questions shows a level of investment and interest, which ultimately makes you a more desirable candidate.
- Headteachers share what 10 questionsthey ask when recruiting new staff.
For more advice, read our other blogs on the Career Teachers website. For details on our latest vacancies,contact Career Teachers today.