When working with prospective teachers either in my class or a seminar, the most frequent complaint I hear is the lack of constructive feedback. People tell me they went on three or four interviews and never heard back why they were not successful. Even when they asked, the answers rarely shed light on how they might improve. Responses seemed to always be, "...you did well, but there was just this other candidate we couldn't pass up." Or, "...you were a very good candidate and you can be pleased with your answers, but understand it was a strong field....etc." The reason for this lack of feedback is generally just the principal or lead interviewer trying to be nice. Unfortunately, it is unhelpful. What you really needed was good constructive criticism so that you might do better next time. Know this; there is always a reason you were not successful. Today we will look at five of the main culprits.
1. You conveyed the wrong attitude. Now, I know what you are thinking. "I did my level best to be professional, answer the questions, and be enthusiastic. How could I have presented a poor attitude?" Fact is, however, there are many subtle things in your body language, questions, and answers that convey potentially damaging messages. For example, you were almost too relaxed and laid back. This can sometimes convey a lack of interest or even arrogance. You asked questions or made comments that suggested this interview was about you and your accomplishments; not about what you could do for the school or how you were a match to their needs. Throughout the interview, it is essential you convey the attitude that you will be the right match, the hardest worker, and the one who will consistently place the goals of the school first. That is the attitude that will pay dividends.
2. You failed to convince the committee you were a good fit to the culture. If hired, you will become part of an overall school team. You will work with a variety of personalities. Throughout your interview, the committee will assess just how well you might fit in with the other teachers and school organization. I realize there is no way for you to know about those teachers; however, certain skill sets lend themselves to becoming a great team member. Collegiality, sense of humor, ability to accept criticism, dependability, perseverance through a problem, and other personal skills send the right message. Throughout your interview, look for places where you can speak to your abilities to work well with others and your desire to be a vital part of team.
3. You lost your energy and enthusiasm. During a thirty to forty minute interview, there may well be times when your energy goes down. When that occurs, your answers can take on a flat or routine tone. If you see the people across the table beginning to lose eye-contact, leaning back away from you, or looking around the room, those are signals your answer is not connecting. If you see this, there are a few things you might do to re-establish your connections. Use someone's name. Lean forward and add energy to your voice. Tell an anecdote. Add humor. I once saw a candidate draw a model on his notebook and pass it around the table for all to discuss. Such steps can often break up the routine and re-energize the room. Keep things as fresh and interactive as you can from start to finish.
4. Your interview conclusion was a flop. The last step to almost every interview allows you to tell the committee something that was perhaps missed during the Q and A. Or, you can ask questions of your own. It is generally very open ended. Too many candidates fail to use this time to put an exclamation point on their interview. As a result, the committee just goes on to the next candidate, and you have just failed to make a lasting impression. During these last minutes, enthusiastically reprise a few of the central matches between your skills and the school's needs or goals. Talk about just how you plan to really hit the ground running and be asset to the team from day one. Don't forget to talk about your work ethic and passion. And ask one or two questions that will clearly demonstrate your desire to become a valuable professional in their organization. A great question to accomplish that goal is, "Please tell me one or two things will you want to see from me when I take over this class in September? How can I best get off to great start for you?" I also like to suggest you ask, "Based on all we've talked about today, does the committee have any continuing concern about my ability to take this position and be a great fit for our school?" These are terrific questions and send just the right message. Plus; if you prepared an interview portfolio, this is where it goes, and you can step right to the head of the class!
5. You didn't prepare for the interview. If you have not done your homework to identify just what goals, values, programs, and initiatives are taking place in your target school, then you will have no ability to consistently match your answers to their mental image of the ideal candidate. If you did not prepare a few note cards with great answers to common questions, you will be constantly trying to construct ideas on the fly. If you failed to rehearse the opening and final answer, you are likely to get tangled and miss key information. In my experience, the best prepared candidate always carries the day. Make that candidate you!
1. You conveyed the wrong attitude. Now, I know what you are thinking. "I did my level best to be professional, answer the questions, and be enthusiastic. How could I have presented a poor attitude?" Fact is, however, there are many subtle things in your body language, questions, and answers that convey potentially damaging messages. For example, you were almost too relaxed and laid back. This can sometimes convey a lack of interest or even arrogance. You asked questions or made comments that suggested this interview was about you and your accomplishments; not about what you could do for the school or how you were a match to their needs. Throughout the interview, it is essential you convey the attitude that you will be the right match, the hardest worker, and the one who will consistently place the goals of the school first. That is the attitude that will pay dividends.
2. You failed to convince the committee you were a good fit to the culture. If hired, you will become part of an overall school team. You will work with a variety of personalities. Throughout your interview, the committee will assess just how well you might fit in with the other teachers and school organization. I realize there is no way for you to know about those teachers; however, certain skill sets lend themselves to becoming a great team member. Collegiality, sense of humor, ability to accept criticism, dependability, perseverance through a problem, and other personal skills send the right message. Throughout your interview, look for places where you can speak to your abilities to work well with others and your desire to be a vital part of team.
3. You lost your energy and enthusiasm. During a thirty to forty minute interview, there may well be times when your energy goes down. When that occurs, your answers can take on a flat or routine tone. If you see the people across the table beginning to lose eye-contact, leaning back away from you, or looking around the room, those are signals your answer is not connecting. If you see this, there are a few things you might do to re-establish your connections. Use someone's name. Lean forward and add energy to your voice. Tell an anecdote. Add humor. I once saw a candidate draw a model on his notebook and pass it around the table for all to discuss. Such steps can often break up the routine and re-energize the room. Keep things as fresh and interactive as you can from start to finish.
4. Your interview conclusion was a flop. The last step to almost every interview allows you to tell the committee something that was perhaps missed during the Q and A. Or, you can ask questions of your own. It is generally very open ended. Too many candidates fail to use this time to put an exclamation point on their interview. As a result, the committee just goes on to the next candidate, and you have just failed to make a lasting impression. During these last minutes, enthusiastically reprise a few of the central matches between your skills and the school's needs or goals. Talk about just how you plan to really hit the ground running and be asset to the team from day one. Don't forget to talk about your work ethic and passion. And ask one or two questions that will clearly demonstrate your desire to become a valuable professional in their organization. A great question to accomplish that goal is, "Please tell me one or two things will you want to see from me when I take over this class in September? How can I best get off to great start for you?" I also like to suggest you ask, "Based on all we've talked about today, does the committee have any continuing concern about my ability to take this position and be a great fit for our school?" These are terrific questions and send just the right message. Plus; if you prepared an interview portfolio, this is where it goes, and you can step right to the head of the class!
5. You didn't prepare for the interview. If you have not done your homework to identify just what goals, values, programs, and initiatives are taking place in your target school, then you will have no ability to consistently match your answers to their mental image of the ideal candidate. If you did not prepare a few note cards with great answers to common questions, you will be constantly trying to construct ideas on the fly. If you failed to rehearse the opening and final answer, you are likely to get tangled and miss key information. In my experience, the best prepared candidate always carries the day. Make that candidate you!
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.
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