You would not be alone if your heart sinks at the thought of having to do an interview for a job. They can feel artificial and the pressure can mean your performance just might be below the standard you would hope for, despite being an absolutely brilliant candidate for the job. Most people have been there!
However, giving yourself the best chance of success when it comes to interviewing for a teaching job may not be a difficult as it seems. These ideas may help:
#1: Do your due diligence
Chris Dyson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at create Partnership Trust, has some sage advice for early career teachers seeking work. He said, “Preparation is key: Research the school thoroughly, including its values, ethos, and any recent developments or initiatives. Familiarise yourself with the school's website, social media presence, and OFSTED reports. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the school and your commitment to being well-informed.”
#2: Be punctual
Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be scrupulously honest! If you don’t know exactly where the school is, do your research well ahead of time so you don’t have a last minute panic.
#3: Simpler can be better
If you are told in advance that you will be teaching a lesson or part of a lesson during the interview, remember that it is far better to do a basic lesson impeccably well, than a flashy lesson that risks falling apart (or worse, actually does fall apart – it happens). Interviewers want to see you teach the kind of lesson you will be teaching every day, not once in a blue moon when you have hours and hours to plan a small segment. Think about what is sustainable and what will showcase your classroom skills
#4: Showcase your skills
Demonstrate your knowledge and skills – Dyson said it is important to highlight your subject knowledge and understanding of the curriculum during the interview. “Be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy, instructional strategies, and assessment practises,” he explained. “Provide specific examples of how you have successfully implemented these in your previous teaching experiences. If talking about Paul Dix strategies, don't alienate Tom Bennett’s ideals which are equally as popular.”
#5: Show your commitment to CPD
Emphasise your commitment to professional development - it can be easy to think that after years of study to get to the point of going for a job in the teaching profession, you can relax when it comes to taking on new learning. Not so! “Schools value teachers who are eager to grow and improve,” explained Dyson. “Discuss any recent professional development opportunities you have pursued or any plans you have for further development. This could include attending relevant courses, joining professional networks, or engaging in research.”
#6: Highlight key sector relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships - teaching is all about relationships. As Dyson explained, “Effective teaching involves building strong relationships with pupils, colleagues, governors and parents (and external partners, for example, Ed Psychs).” It is a good idea to share examples of how you have fostered positive relationships with students and collaborated with colleagues. “Highlight your communication skills and ability to work as part of a team,” Dyson said.
#7: Demonstrate your successes
Remember to focus on your students and what they have learned and the challenges you have helped them to overcome, because that is where your focus will be when in post.
#8: Talk about your ability to manage behaviour
You are bound to be asked about behaviour management, so make sure you are prepared for that. Dyson said, “Managing student behaviour is a crucial aspect of teaching. Be ready to talk about your approach to behaviour management and how you create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. Provide examples of strategies you have used successfully to address challenging behaviours.” (See above re Paul Dix and Tom Bennett.)
#9: Ask questions!
At the end of the interview make sure you have a few thoughtful questions up your sleeve. Dyson feels that this demonstrates your interest and engagement. “Ask questions about the school, its values, and its vision for the future. This shows that you are not just interested in getting a job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to the school community. At this stage, though, don’t talk about pay!” Dyson said.
Perhaps the biggest tip of all is to remember that interviews can test us all! And while experience can mean we might prepare a little better each time, many of us still get nervous beforehand. As Dyson explained, “It’s natural and everyone else will be feeling it, NOT just you! Adrenalin is great for the soul (although it doesn't feel like that at the time.) Stay calm, confident, and authentic. Be yourself and let your passion for teaching shine through.”
Good luck with your interview!
About the author
Elizabeth Holmes
After graduating with a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Reading, Elizabeth Holmes completed her PGCE at the Institute of Education, University of London. She then taught humanities and social sciences in schools in London, Oxfordshire and West Sussex, where she ran the history department in a challenging comprehensive. Elizabeth specialises in education but also writes on many other issues and themes. As well as her regular blogs for Eteach and FEjobs, her books have been published by a variety of publishers and translated around the world. Elizabeth has also taught on education courses in HE and presented at national and international conferences.
