Who Else Are You Interviewing With?

Every so often you'll be asked a "tricky question" - a question that seems to come right "out of the blue."  You need to be prepared and ready for these questions simply because they are often used to separate the good candidates from the great candidates.  Here's one that I've heard used in many teacher interviews - one that frequently trips up applicants simply because they give out too much information.

     Who else are you interviewing with?

     A:   I’ve applied for primary-level teaching positions in four different school districts in Big Bear County.  I currently have two other interviews scheduled and hope to finalize a position within the next few weeks.

Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by saying that you are also interviewing as a basketball coach at the local YMCA, a position as a part-time counselor at a day-care facility for mentally-challenged adults, and a couple of school positions.  You want the interviewer to know that you are absolutely and unequivocally committed to teaching (at the advertised grade level or subject area).  Don’t make the mistake of sharing all the jobs and positions available in the area.  Demonstrate that you are focused on and committed to a specific teaching position.  Trying to impress an interviewer with a wide range of possible jobs – both in and out of education – will only backfire on you.  One more thing - when asked this question, keep your answer short…very short.