Interview Advice

MissLe

Finally, after many months of waiting around I have gotten an interview! Due to all the rejection recently I've become very pessimistic about myself and my ability as a teacher. Any advice for the interview? Any help would be much appreciated.

lauralee28

MissLe wrote: »

Finally, after many months of waiting around I have gotten an interview! Due to all the rejection recently I've become very pessimistic about myself and my ability as a teacher. Any advice for the interview? Any help would be much appreciated.

Can you clarify if its primary or secondary teaching? If its secondary, what type of school,ie; VEC/Secondary etc......

#15

Yeah, if its primary I can give you a hand, just send a PM.

MissLe

Sorry I completely forgot to specify. The interview is for a job in a VEC school.

spurious

Prepare answers on how you would improve the curriculum in your subject, how you avoid discipline issues, how to engage reluctant learners, how you would manage mixed ability in your classes.

Mention any of the newer courses you've been involved in - e.g. LCA, JCSP, ESS etc. or at least let them know you are aware of them.

Show you know something about the structure of the particular VEC and how the VECs differ from voluntary secondary schools.

gaeilgebeo

I agree with spurious above. I've done 3 VEC interviews in the past and they pretty much follow the same format. Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

Coolio

I've recently got myself a job after a long summer and autumn of discontentment. I was so annoyed with my lack of progress that I met with an ex-principal for advice (just before my successful interview). The main thing he kept emphasising was to sell yourself at every opportunity. From the minute you walk into the building, be confident and assured.

In the interview itself, give a firm handshake to the the panel. When they ask at the end have you any questions try to ask at least one, maybe that could open up an avenue for you to talk about your area of expertise e.g. sports/extra-curricular or ICT. You could ask are there opportunities to get involved in basketball coaching? What kinds of ICT resources do the teachers have access to? Try to highlight the fact that you are prepared to volunteer your time for whatever they need you for.

If they ask do you have anything to add, this is your cue to talk yourself up, no matter how uncomfortable this may be give it all now!!! Show you have a wide range of skills/talents/interests that are relevant to the VEC, that you are committed to something. Emphasize points that you may have made earlier or that were on your application form but not discussed in the interview.

Above all, go for over-confident rather than humble. They want a person that can command the interest of a room of semi-interested teens.

Best of luck!