How Do You Compare?

If you're looking for a tough interview question, you can't do better than this one!  This is one of those "stinkers" that will trip you up if you're not prepared.  Know that most interviewers will want some information on how you compare with other candidates.  Here's a query that delivers that data AND assesses your reaction to that data.

     Compared with other student teachers, how would you rate yourself?

     A:   On a one to five scale (as used on the state evaluation form) I consistently achieved an average of 4.7 on all five areas of student teaching competence.  My cooperating teacher consistently rated me high on all the necessary markers for student teaching.  While I know that student teaching is still a learning process, I achieved evaluative marks and comments that were some of the best.  I like to set high standards for myself, just as I do for my students.  Always learning and always getting better are goals I always want to be working toward.

Be honest and be sincere when you answer this question.  If you have some numerical data or written reviews to share with the interviewer, please do so.  It’s data that can easily be verified later.  If your scores or evaluative marks are not as high as you would like, let the interviewer know that one of your primary goals is to keep improving.  In short, you’re not a “finished product” – you are still a “work in progress.”