Singapore
Thorough research and preparation will give you the confidence to shine in a teaching job interview. Even if your first interviews don't land you a job, you'll gain valuable experience for the future.
Preparation
1) Find out more about the organization
2) Prepare a short self- introduction first relevant to teaching as a career
3) Take note how teachers are dressed, your choice of interview clothing should fit this image
4) Brainstorm and rehearse answers to likely questions about your qualifications, relevant experience, that might be asked
5) Prepare all the necessary documents needed to bring down
6) Find out more about the interview process from your friends who are already teachers
7) Ask yourself why. Interviewers will ask you why you want to teach, so it's a good idea to work this out for yourself beforehand.
The Interview
Treat the interview as a classroom situation; project your sincere enthusiasm for teaching and pleasure in communicating with others. Answer questions specifically, using examples from your own relevant experience whenever possible.
Passion in teaching is not enough. The interviewers want to hear is how you plan to facilitate student learning. This happens when the teacher gears her lessons toward the students’ interest and the ability to show compassion. They don't want to hear how getting the teaching job benefits you. Yes it is important that you enjoy what you are doing, but they are looking for whether you have what it takes to teach.
Focus on the students; not only in how much you love working with them, but more on how you will help them grow, when the learning takes place. You must know how to tap into the students’ interest. You are fine to share your passion of teaching with the students, as a role model for example. But you must know how students’ learn, where their passions are, how their mind works, how their thinking gets running, and this is when learning takes place. Know how to use assessment to guide learning and facilitate interaction, to ensure students are learning. These are the kind of teachers that get hired.
Some ideas to convey in your interview: (Do not say exactly! Be creative, think of your own)
1) "The look in their eyes when they discover something"(state motivation)
2) I am compassionate and patient! (Cite real life examples)
3) I am someone they can trust. I am approachable and is a good listener (Give examples)
4) Student Involvement (any relevant experience)
5) What is your unique style of teaching strategies. Is it “creative thinking”, or “cooperative grouping", "peer tutoring" or anything that makes you stand out? Or are you a teacher who can inspire, and guide the students to think independently. Show your interviewer how you will accomplish this.
Don't come across as a teacher who will be harsh, controlling, demanding, insensitive, poor listener, arrogant, all-business, or anything "me" focused.
Be prepared to talk about your classroom management skills. Principals want teachers that are low-maintenance, who are people that know how to handle students with minimal help. You should be independent, good at discipline and have good classroom management skills.
Focus on your strengths, with real life examples. For example, when asked "What are your professional goals or career path?" Schools want teachers who are learners, who have bigger dreams than a classroom can hold. Talk about your skills and where you want to put your energy to use in the school community. Remember "When you're going to be working closely with people, it's important to show you care from the start."
Thank the committee before you leave. Good luck!
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