Whether you’re an experienced teacher or applying for your first role in the sector, interviews can be daunting!
Nerves and apprehension are understandable, but good preparation and research can help alleviate these feelings.
Before the interview
- Research the employer – look at the website to help you understand the culture and environment of the institution you are applying for
- Know who you’re meeting – find out who will be conducting your interview and find out their name and job title, this may help you preempt some of the questions that may be asked
- Prepare some questions – note down any questions you may have about the organisation or the job role
Remember, you can take any notes in the interview with you! We recommend bullet-pointing any key themes that you want to discuss, these will work well as prompts if you lose your train of thought.
During the interview
- Dress smartly – first impressions count! Make sure you’re dressed in appropriate interview attire
- Be early – ensure you arrive at your destination with plenty of time before your interview, and remember to research your journey beforehand, taking into account any traffic or public transport issues that may occur
- Shake hands firmly – a firm handshake exudes confidence, even if you aren’t feeling it!
- Don’t rush, relax! – take your time when answering questions, speak clearly and maintain eye contact throughout. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you’re unsure or need a bit more thinking time
If the interview is online, then you should also:
- Test your internet connection
- Do a test with the video conferencing software beforehand
- Choose a suitable environment that is quiet and with a neutral backdrop
- Ensure you won’t have any distractions
Micro-teach
Some interviews will also involve a micro-teach, which is where you will deliver a short session to students.
Prepare a session plan
- How long is the session
- Find out who will be observing
- What equipment and resources are available
- How many learners will you be teaching
- Any individual learning needs to take into account
Practice makes perfect!
- Have a practice run (or two!) in front of an audience if possible
On the day
- Interact with learners
- Keep things simple
- Encourage questions
- Summarise and recap when necessary
- Assess the learners at the end
Are you looking to take the next step in your career?
If you’re on the lookout for your next challenge or would like to begin your career in education, Protocol can help!
We’re experts in Furter Education recruitment and work with organisations across the UK on various academic and non-academic job roles.
Register with us today, or view our current vacancies here.
