1. SUCCEEDING
AT INTERVIEW

2. Objective
This session aims to:
• Provide you with advice on preparing
effectively for teaching interviews
• Help you structure your responses to
interview questions appropriately
• Give you the opportunity to practise your
interview technique

3. Death by interview or chance to shine?
Discussion: What are your biggest concerns or
fears about the interview?
Q. What can you do to overcome these?
A. Prepare and practise

4. • 30 – 60 minutes’ duration
• Panel of 2 – 4 people
• 5 – 8 questions, 5 minutes for each
• Format can include:
– Verbal questions
– Written question sheet/task provided prior
– Presentation on pre-determined topic
– An ‘interview lesson’
– Psych testing
The interview format

5. The interview structure
• Arrive – pre-task?
• Greet and small talk
– Follow their lead, use their names
• Ice-breaker question
• 3 – 5 selection questions
• ‘Is there anything you want to ask us?’
• Close and farewell
– Thank them for their time; end on a positive

6. Preparing for interview
The 3 Ps of interview perfection:
1. Your preparation
• Research and rehearse
2. Your presentation
• Appear professional and confident
3. Your performance
• Articulate yourself clearly

7. Preparation: School and role research
• What do you know about the school?
– School and MySchool websites
– Prospectus, annual report etc.
– Colleagues, network, parents and students?
• Do you have a position description?
• What do you know about your future
colleagues? Your department?
• What do you know about the interview panel?
• What issues are topical in education?

8. Preparation: Question themes
Questions will seek to evaluate your:
• Knowledge of teaching and learning theory
• Subject content knowledge
• Classroom management capabilities
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Potential contribution to the school
• Future plans (PD, career)

9. Presentation
• Dress not distract
– Appropriate attire, nothing distracting e.g. loud
ties, fancy jewellery, high SFR (skin:fabric ratio)
• Stress less
– Be punctual, prepared and well-presented
• Positive body language
– Hand shake, eye contact, posture and position

10. Presentation: Stress less
• Plan your day well in advance
• Allow double the travel time
• Aim to arrive 15 minutes early
• Bring any prompts and other material
• Find a quiet corner (in the car?)and breathe
deeply with your eyes closed
• Accept a glass of water if offered

11. Presentation: Positive body language
• Make good, confident eye contact often
• Extend your hand; offer a firm handshake
• Smile
• Sit upright, face the interviewer
• Listen carefully; paraphrase to demonstrate
understanding
• Try to project confidence: important for
classroom management
• Be yourself! (to the extent that is possible…!)

12. Performance
The panel wants you to:
• Know your subject/profession – both theory
and practice – and know about their school
• Demonstrate a passion for teaching
• Display charisma and confidence, be energetic
and enthusiastic
• Be able to relate to others and show good self-
awareness

13. Performance: Question types
Three types of question:
• Behavioural
– E.g. Tell us about a difficult student you have had
to teach and how you turned them around
• Hypothetical
– E.g. What would you do if a parent abused you
after class?
• About you, general
– E.g. Tell us why you are a good fit for this school

14. How to answer Behavioural questions
“Tell us about a difficult student you have had to teach
and how you turned them around.”
• Outline the situation
– Two years ago I taught Yr 9 History and had a student
with Asperger’s Syndrome…
• Explain what action you took
– I consulted the Special Ed. Dept. about his learning
style and the best way to engage him…
• Describe the outcome
– He responded really well, was far less disruptive than
in other subjects and continued History in Year 10

15. How to answer Hypothetical questions
“What would you do if a parent abused you after class?”
• Identify the issues
– Clearly the issues here are of security, safety and due
process…
• Outline all possible strategies
– I am aware that at this school Heads of Houses are
primarily responsible for dealing with parents in the
first instance…
• Determine a course of action
– On balance, I would suggest that the parent and I
discuss the matter with …

16. How to answer About You questions
• About you questions are a chance to
demonstrate and elaborate on your USP (your
brand).
• Think of the way in which politicians answer
questions: Their responses are structured and
focus on a key message.
• Try to make 2 – 3 points per answer.

17. About you example
“Tell us a little about yourself.”
Most importantly, I am an enthusiastic and highly-
qualified graduate primary teacher with a special
interest in gifted and talented education.
My mentors at Lauriston and Camberwell Girls’
Grammar gave me excellent feedback about my
organisation and use of ICT in the classroom, as
well as my engaging and caring approach towards
students.
Finally, I am really excited about the opportunity to
get fully involved and incorporate some of my
passions such as music and gymnastics.

18. Interview practice
Watch the video (http://youtu.be/1uezUuxtsaQ)
• How would you respond to each of the
questions?
• What other questions might you expect to
face?

19. Interview practice cont.
• Complete your interview preparation on the
first page of the sheet provided
• Exchange sheets with your partner
• Conduct a 5 - 10 minute interview for each
person
• Provide meaningful, constructive and honest
feedback on your partner’s presentation and
performance.

20. And finally…
• An interview is merely a conversation with a
consequence.
• Practice makes perfect
• ‘The purpose of life is to discover your gift.
The meaning of life is to give your gift away.’
– David Viscott, US Psychiatrist (1938 – 96)

21. To download this presentation and
other resources register at
www.schooljobs.com.au
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn or visit
www.oxfordeducation.com.au