In speaking with people around the country on the topic of teacher interviews, I am often struck by some of the myths that seem to proliferate. These misunderstandings are generally conveyed through conversation, but I have seen a few of them make their way into the print media as well. Today we are going to debunk three of the most common.
1. The best and most qualified candidate will get the job. That would be nice if it were true. Unfortunately, interview committees are most likely to select the candidate that interviewed best; and that isnot always the most qualified. The candidate who made the best impression with his or her answers; who made the more memorable statements; who had the sharp portfolio; or who presented him or herself in a highly likeable manner is the one most often selected. So yes, you definitely need to be well qualified, but that is not enough. You need to get those qualifications across to the interview committee in a clear and compelling way. Keep in mind, other "qualified" candidates will be interviewing. You need to be better. You need interview skills that will set you apart. The fact is; it is the most prepared of the qualified candidates who generally win.
2. Interviews are two way streets where you should interview them as well. Now, this is one of the most preposterous pieces of poor advice you will ever hear. Of course you will be looking at the school, and you will be taking some subjective notes about the kind of place it might be to work. But make no mistake; that is not what the interview is about! The interview team is making their selection based on just one thing; which candidate is going to fit their needs and make the best fit fortheir school. If you approach the interview with the idea that you want to see what this school can offer you, that attitude will eventually come across to the committee. Such attitudes are often deal-killers. Keep in mind that every other candidate will devote their time to selling themselves and their skills from beginning to end. You need to focus on selling yours! You need to spend your time demonstrating all the things you can do for that school. Worry about what the school can do for you after the position is offered.
3. As long as you do well at the interview, you will likely get the job. This is only partially true. Yes, you must do well at your interview, but be aware that this may not be the last step in the interview process. There may be a second interview session with a superintendent or central office personnel. In many school districts, they select two or three candidates to return for a demonstration lesson. You must be prepared for new formats and challenges. Be sure you have a great demonstration lesson format ready to plug in and go. Do not leave this interview without determining the top two or three qualities or skills they seek. Remember what I said above: it is the most prepared candidate who wins the day. Use this interview to set up and prepare for future steps.
By avoiding these myths and the pitfalls inherent in each, you are far less likely to make a critical mistake. So many prospective teachers unwittingly fall into these traps. You will not be one!
1. The best and most qualified candidate will get the job. That would be nice if it were true. Unfortunately, interview committees are most likely to select the candidate that interviewed best; and that isnot always the most qualified. The candidate who made the best impression with his or her answers; who made the more memorable statements; who had the sharp portfolio; or who presented him or herself in a highly likeable manner is the one most often selected. So yes, you definitely need to be well qualified, but that is not enough. You need to get those qualifications across to the interview committee in a clear and compelling way. Keep in mind, other "qualified" candidates will be interviewing. You need to be better. You need interview skills that will set you apart. The fact is; it is the most prepared of the qualified candidates who generally win.
2. Interviews are two way streets where you should interview them as well. Now, this is one of the most preposterous pieces of poor advice you will ever hear. Of course you will be looking at the school, and you will be taking some subjective notes about the kind of place it might be to work. But make no mistake; that is not what the interview is about! The interview team is making their selection based on just one thing; which candidate is going to fit their needs and make the best fit fortheir school. If you approach the interview with the idea that you want to see what this school can offer you, that attitude will eventually come across to the committee. Such attitudes are often deal-killers. Keep in mind that every other candidate will devote their time to selling themselves and their skills from beginning to end. You need to focus on selling yours! You need to spend your time demonstrating all the things you can do for that school. Worry about what the school can do for you after the position is offered.
3. As long as you do well at the interview, you will likely get the job. This is only partially true. Yes, you must do well at your interview, but be aware that this may not be the last step in the interview process. There may be a second interview session with a superintendent or central office personnel. In many school districts, they select two or three candidates to return for a demonstration lesson. You must be prepared for new formats and challenges. Be sure you have a great demonstration lesson format ready to plug in and go. Do not leave this interview without determining the top two or three qualities or skills they seek. Remember what I said above: it is the most prepared candidate who wins the day. Use this interview to set up and prepare for future steps.
By avoiding these myths and the pitfalls inherent in each, you are far less likely to make a critical mistake. So many prospective teachers unwittingly fall into these traps. You will not be one!
My name is Robert W. Pollock. I am an educator, with over 34 years experience, a speaker, a consultant, and the author of 'Teacher Interviews. How to Get Them & How to Get Hired!. I have spoken to 1,000's of prospective teachers on how to interview and get the job. I have consulted with numerous schools around the country. Currently I am a professor of Education at Tusculum College, Knoxville, TN, where I also serve as the president of their alumni board.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7095824
No comments:
Post a Comment