What Do You Enjoy Most?

One of the main purposes of an interview is to discover an individual's underlying philosophy.  It doesn't matter whether you're applying for the CEO of a major corporation, a sale clerk at a local department store, or a teaching position.  The interviewer wants to know what you stand for, what you believe, and whether you will be a good "fit" for the organization.  As a result, here is a question certain to arise in almost every interview you have.

     What do you enjoy most about working with young people?

     A:   I particularly enjoy their natural sense of curiosity – the way they ask questions, the way they pose problems, and the ways in which they look at the world.  One of the most powerful books I read recently was “Mindset” by Carol Dweck.  In that book she talks about how everyone has one of two mindsets - “Growth” or “Fixed.”  Her research showed that mindset unfolds in childhood and ultimately drives every aspect of our lives.  In addition, she showed how creative geniuses in all fields - music, literature, science, sports, business - apply the growth mindset - that eternal sense of curiosity - to achieve results.  Even more important, Dweck demonstrated how we can change our mindset at any stage of life to achieve true success and fulfillment.  I want to foster, promote, and stimulate that growth mindset in my classroom – a classroom that promotes, supports, and enhances curiosity ultimately leading to academic and personal success.

Here’s a question where your passion for teaching will come through – either loud and clear…or soft and indistinct.  Let the interviewer know you are in it for the kids…and not for anything else.