It’s natural to be nervous before an interview, but it should also be an exciting process. After all, if a school wants to interview you, that means that they are already interested in you.
Interviews are not only your chance to stand out from the crowd. They are often opportunities for you and the school to get to know one another. The school will use this time to see if you fit in with their values, and you can also see if it’s the right place for you.
Here are some tips to stand out from the crowd and make the most out of your interview:
Research
“Why do you want to work at our school?” is one of the most common questions to come up.
Take some time before the interview to look into the school and find out what makes them special. Use their website and online articles to find out more about their ethos and values, whether they have won any awards, or if there are any exciting upcoming events.
It’s important to show that you have done more than just curate a list of the school’s greatest achievements, and have begun to think about your future involvement. While you’re researching, have a think about what you’ve found and how you’ll fit into the school. Which of their values resonate the most with you? Are there any programmes that you can’t wait to get involved with?
Questions
The interviewer is not the only one who can ask questions. They want to see that you are curious and enthusiastic about the school. In fact, most interviewers will ask whether you have any questions at the end. So, bringing a list of questions will ensure that you’re prepared.
When you’re researching, think about what questions you might want to ask. This could be as simple as asking the interviewer why they like working at that school.
First impressions are key
The interview is the first impression that the school will have of you. Therefore, it’s important that you look and act the part.
You’ll want to make sure that you are dressed in the correct attire. If you are unsure of what to wear, you can contact the school and politely ask what their dress code is. We would recommend you dress in smart clothing, however.
Body language is also an important factor in making a good first impression. Remember to keep eye contact and to sit up straight. Even if you are feeling nervous, good posture and eye contact can help you appear more confident.
Be calm and confident
Preparation is the key to confidence in the interview. If you research and come to the interview with questions, you’re less likely to be caught off-guard which can help you feel more at ease.
However, we know that no amount of preparation can ease your anxiety entirely. It’s important to know that even if you feel nervous, you should try to at least look confident. This will show the interviewer that you can remain calm and collected, even during stressful situations that you may encounter in a classroom.
When confronted with an unexpected question, be sure to take a deep breath and think about your answer. This will help prevent you from rushing through and panicking about finding an answer.
Be yourself
The most important thing of all is that you should be yourself. This will show the interviewer that you are a unique individual, and they can get a feel for how you would fit into the school.
Are you keen to start your journey with Bounce Teachers and discover exciting teaching opportunities? Register with us today and find out more about our teaching vacancies!
