In the previous post I talked about eight critical mistakes that frequently "doom" a teacher interview. By knowing the miscues that frequently infect job interviews you have the power to address those issues beforehand. Keep in mind that candidates continue to make these gaffes every day. Let their mistakes be your guidance for a most successful interview.
Here are eight more miscues you need to consider:
·
Many professional interviewers believe that
asking questions in an interview is more important than answering them. Don’t make the fatal mistake, when asked if
you have any questions, of saying, “No, not really. I think we’ve covered pretty much everything.”
·
Listening to someone with a negative attitude is
always a drain – emotionally, psychologically, and personally. Principals don’t hire “bad attitudes” –
they want people with a positive outlook and an engaging personality.
·
When asked an interview question it is expected
you will provide the interviewer with specific details and explanations. Very rarely will you ever be asked a question
that requires a simple “Yes” or “No.”
·
Conduct some research on the school (many will
not). What is their overall
philosophy? Are student enrollments going up or down? What are their long-range
goals? Get to know them and they, very likely, will want to get to know you.
·
You’re not being very honest when you give
answers you don’t believe in. Your
objective is not to satisfy an interviewer; rather, your objective is to
showcase how your unique talents and attitudes will make a positive difference
in the life of the school.
·
Slouch in your chair, fold your arms across your
chest, fiddle with your car keys, never smile, never make eye contact and the
interviewer knows a lot about you (unfortunately, it’s all negative) without
even listening to your responses.
·
An interview is a conversation. If you spend too much time focused on what
you want to say and not enough time on listening to what the interviewer is
saying, then you’ll be involved in a non-productive exchange.
·
Interviewers want to know if you have a detailed
roadmap of where you would like to be in the future. If all you want is a job, then you’ll be like
thousands of other candidates – always looking for one.
Finally, remember this harsh reality: The
interviewer is not interested in hiring you. He or she is interested in hiring the
best-qualified individual for the position.
In short, YOU are not the
commodity. Best advice: Assist the
interviewer by keeping the focus off you and directly on the positive contributions
you can make to the welfare of the school or district.
