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Ed Offer

Wednesday 22 March 2006

I’d like to offer some thoughts about my interview experience - hope this is helpful and not patronsing for those awaiting interview.

It is well worth investing the time preparing hard – understand all the current issues surrounding your subject, as well as government initiatives such as Curriculum for Excellence, Assessment for Learning, National Priorities and others.

Moreover, try to explore where you or your subject fit in with these initiatives and give examples of your own good practice for each question.

The DGS NQTs got together and had a discussion about interviews and concluded that being yourself; enthusiastic, smiley, and being openly passionate about teaching is really important.

Here is a top 10 do’s for interviews I gleaned from colleagues:

1. Be you – passionate and enthusiastic

2. Smile!

3. Be confident

4. Seek to engage the interviewers - maintain eye contact

5. Answer the Question posed, not the theme of the Question

6. Use your experience to back up theoretical points

7. Be specific – don’t give vague examples

8. Tell the panel why you want this job, not just a job.

9. Research the school you are (hopefully) going to be working in.

10. Talk about your personal values

Really hope this helps people get the next job and future jobs!!

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