Interview Tips for Teachers: How to Prepare and Succeed

Posted 6 months ago

Congratulations on securing an interview! This means the school or supply agency is interested in learning more about you to see if you're the right fit for the role. It's also your chance to determine if the school is right for you.

Confirm Your Interview Date

The school or supply agency will email you with an interview date and time that you previously agreed on over the phone or in person. If you cannot attend on the specified date, notify them immediately to reschedule. While confirming the date, ask for any tips or details on what you need to prepare or bring to the interview.

Plan Your Journey and Appearance

Plan your travel to the interview in advance. Whether you are travelling by public transport or car, research the best routes, parking options, and traffic conditions. Your appearance is crucial; dress professionally to make a positive impression, while ensuring you are comfortable and authentic.

Prepare What You Need to Know

Before the interview, visit the website of the school or supply agency to understand their values and mission, and what appeals to you about them. Ensure their values align with yours and be ready to reference this information during the interview. Additionally, it would be useful to review the teachers? standards and the national curriculum.

Understand Safeguarding

If you haven't had any experience dealing with a safeguarding issue yourself, you will still be expected to talk about scenarios and how you would address them. You can read about the statutory guidance on safeguarding here.

Common Teacher Interview Questions

Here are some common questions you might be asked. Think about your answers in advance, but avoid sounding rehearsed:

Why do you want to teach?
What can you bring to the profession?
What are your interests and how could you bring these to the classroom?
What are some of the challenges faced by teachers today?
What are your aspirations going forward?
What are your strengths within the classroom environment?
Why do you want to work in our school?
How do you adapt your teaching to ensure all pupils make progress?

Consider What the Interviewers Are Looking For

Interviewers are looking for several key qualities in a prospective teacher:

Your passion for teaching
A professional approach
Your personality when presenting
Confidence, energy, and enthusiasm
An understanding of what?s involved in being a teacher
Willingness to face the challenges of teaching

Prepare Your Own Questions

Remember, the interview is also an opportunity for you to determine if the position and school are right for you. Asking insightful questions will show your interest and help you make an informed decision.

Think Positive

Be yourself and stay honest throughout the interview. Calm your nerves beforehand and make sure to thank the interviewer(s) for their time at the end.

Good luck with your interview!

Looking for more support in securing interviews and advancing your teaching career? Contact us today to learn how we can help you stand out and get noticed by top schools.

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