Why Would YOU Hire YOU? Preparing for a Successful Job Interview
Printable Handout from CMEA/TMEA/ASTA 2018
Dr. Blair Williams, Assistant Professor of String Music Education, Texas Tech University, blair.williams@ttu.edu
Dr. Lindsay Fulcher, Assistant Professor of String Music Education, University of Northern Colorado, Lindsay.Fulcher@unco.edu
Liz Dinwiddie, Performing Arts Dept. Chair, Ashley Hall School, Charleston, SC, dinwiddiee@ashleyhall.org
Elements of the Interview -- A General Overview
- Preparing for the Interview, Ways to Showcase YOUR Unique Offering
- Invitation to Interview
- Initial Interview (video conference/phone)
- Second Interview (in-person)
- After the Interview
Preparing for the Interview
- Preparing the Interview questions
- Basic interview question categories
- Personal qualities
- Professionalism and motivation
- Gather interview questions from everywhere! A few suggested resources:
- Professional experience
- Instructional skills
- Technology
- Classroom discipline/management
- Knowledge of content/materials
- Planning
- Relationships with administration, staff, parents, students, and community
- Professionalism and motivation
- Personal qualities
- Gather interview questions from everywhere! A few suggested resources:
- Prepare YOUR UNIQUE answers
- Write out clear, concise responses to the questions (2-4 sentences)
- Focus on why YOU are the right person for the job
- Gather feedback from trusted advisors (friends, mentors) to confirm the answers showcase YOUR strengths
- Review responses and practice speaking your answers (regularly!)
- Include YOUR unique experiences and observations
- Work with a friend to answer quickfire questions
- Be YOUR professional self.
- "A job interview is not a test of your knowledge, but YOUR ability to use it at the right time."
- Write out clear, concise responses to the questions (2-4 sentences)
- Basic interview question categories
- Prepare YOUR Relationship Mindset
- YOU are a colleague, not a student
- They know you are young, try to de-emphasize it with YOUR actions & words
- “I have seen students” vs “my friends in high school band”
- “In my experience” vs “in my college class”
- “Our/my students” vs “your students”
- YOU are a colleague, not a student (yes, it’s listed twice!)
- Prepare YOUR Additional Components
- Teaching Videos/In-Person Teaching Presentation
- Showcase YOUR teaching style and unique activities
- References (and close contacts)
- Inform them of your application so they know to expect contact
- Social Media/Online Presence Checks
- This is so important!
- Submitting a Lesson Plan
- You may be asked to teach and/or submit a lesson plan. This is a great opportunity for you to share YOUR fantastic ideas!
- Teaching Philosophy
- This is All. About. You!
- Performance on Primary and/or Secondary Instruments (video or live)
- Show off YOUR musical side!
- Teaching Videos/In-Person Teaching Presentation
- Prepare YOURSELF to interview by phone, videoconference, or live
- Consider your location, background noise, and ability to focus
- How to stage your space
- Download & test the app
- Etiquette and how to deal with tech failures
- The interview panel size may vary (work the room vs have a conversation). Know who will be in the room before you call.
- Find out the names of those who will be on the interview committee.
- Research them on the school website
- Social media
- Research the school, school district, region, and state.
- Consider your location, background noise, and ability to focus
- Prepare YOUR Interview Attire
- Take a friend with you to buy interview clothes before interview season starts
- Step above “teacher clothes,” but be comfortable and confident!
- If interviewing outside of your current location, do a little research on what business attire is for that area. Charleston, SC is different than Boulder, CO.
- Dress for the activities that are planned, but be prepared for spontaneous teaching activities; consider how much walking you will do and plan your footwear accordingly!
- Oscar Wilde: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”
Invitation to the Interview
- Phone call or email from committee chair or HR
- Will inquire about a date/time for initial interview
- If you are unable to take the call, return the voicemail as soon as possible, but have your calendar open and ready to check available dates/times.
- If by email, respond as soon as you can, professionally.
Initial Interview
- Arrive early (or log in early).
- Make sure to have a notebook and writing utensil
- Write down the names of the interviewers as they introduce themselves in the shape of the table and reference it during the interview
- Categories of questions they SHOULD NOT ask
- Age
- Race, ethnicity, or color
- Gender or sex
- Country of national origin or birth place
- Religion
- Disability
- Marital or family status or pregnancy
- Categories of questions you should ASK at the interview
- School/Community/Parental interaction (Boosters or other)
- Traditions/Performances/Fundraisers/Budgets
- Health Insurance/Benefits/Retirement
- Curriculum/Textbook/District curriculum alignment
- Teaching Schedule/Travel
- Teaching Methodology/Philosophy of school/district
- Facilities/Room/Equipment
- Salary/Stipends -- later in the process, but prepare now (might research this on website)
- CDL requirements
- FINAL QUESTION: What is the next step in the hiring process? When do you hope to make a decision?
Second Interview
- Often in-person, additional suggestions
- Research! Know as much about the program as possible before stepping on their turf.
- Trial run - drive the route, at the time of day. Keep a paper copy of all phone numbers & driving directions on hand.
- Ask ahead: what exactly is the interview schedule? Who will be there?
- Bring a few copies of your resume. Consider whether to bring other evidence. (Flashdrive or hard-copy)
- Expect questions to be specific to YOU and in-depth (about the position you are applying for)
- Why do you think you are the right fit for THIS position?
- What can you bring to this position that no one else can?
- If you are hired, what will this program/ensemble look like in 3 years? 5 years? 10 years?
- What experiences have you had that have prepared you for this position?
- How has your teaching changed in the last 2 years?
- What does it mean to have a learner-centered classroom?
- How do you implement the state and national standards into your lesson plans?
- How do you tune Ensemble X? What warm-up procedures would you use with that ensemble?
After the Interview
- Mail/Email a thank you note that same day
- Follow-up by email or phone call with HR about a week later
- Continue applying and interviewing for other positions no matter how well the interview went! Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
- Once you accept a position, inform other districts/schools to which you have applied to remove your application from consideration. Thank them for their time and consideration.
Additional Resources
- Professional associations often have “Career Help” on their websites or within Facebook groups
- There are many additional websites and resources. Look specifically for “teacher” and “music” interviews to gather the most pertinent information.
- Talk to friends and colleagues about their interviews and their experiences.
NOW---Why Would YOU Hire YOU?