5 Common Mistakes Teachers Make in Job Interviews
Common Mistakes Teachers Make in Job Interviews and How to Avoid Them
Stop making avoidable mistakes in your interviews! Teaching is a challenging profession that requires a lot of skills, knowledge, and passion. If you are applying for a teaching job, you want to make a good impression on the interview panel and show them that you are the best candidate for the role. Currently, schools are in desperate need of teachers but cannot afford to lower the bar for candidates so the interview process is as nerve-wracking as ever – and yes schools need to move with the times and make it more inclusive and accessible. We have written several articles on the interview process in schools you can find them all from our main education recruitment page.
Sometimes teachers make common mistakes in job interviews that can ruin their chances of getting hired. This is frustrating for the school, HR department and the teacher candidate. Here are five of them and how to avoid them:
1. Not doing enough research on the school
One of the biggest mistakes teachers make in job interviews is not doing enough research on the school they are applying to. This can show a lack of interest, preparation, and professionalism. You should know the school’s vision, mission, values, curriculum, achievements, challenges, and culture. You should also be familiar with the specific role and responsibilities you are applying for and how you can contribute to the school’s goals and improvement. Doing your homework will help you tailor your answers to the school’s context and needs and show that you are genuinely interested in working there.
2. Not giving specific examples of your teaching practice
Another common mistake teachers make in job interviews is not giving specific examples of their teaching practice. Interviewers want to see evidence of your teaching skills, knowledge, and experience. They want to hear about your successes, challenges, and reflections. They want to know how you plan, deliver, assess, and use adaptive planning in your lessons. They want to know how you manage your classroom, engage your students, and collaborate with your colleagues. Therefore, you should prepare some concrete examples of your teaching practice that demonstrate your strengths and areas for development. You should also use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show the impact of your actions.
3. Not showing enthusiasm and passion for teaching
Teachers’ third common mistake in job interviews is not showing enthusiasm and passion for teaching. Interviewers want to see that you love your job and that you are motivated and committed to your professional growth and development. They want to see that you have a positive attitude and a growth mindset. They want to see that you are curious, creative, and reflective. You should express your enthusiasm and passion for teaching in your answers and body language. Teacher candidates also need to present themselves with professionalism, you should smile, make eye contact, and use a confident and friendly tone of voice. You should also share your goals, aspirations, and inspirations as a teacher and how you keep yourself updated and informed about the latest trends and research in education.
4. Not asking relevant and thoughtful questions
A fourth common mistake teachers make in job interviews is not asking relevant and thoughtful questions. Interviewers want to see that you are interested in learning more about the school and the role. They want to see that you have done your research and that you have some questions or concerns that you want to clarify. They also want to see that you are proactive and eager to get involved in the school community and activities. Therefore, you should prepare some relevant and thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. You should avoid asking questions that are too general, obvious, or personal. You should also avoid asking questions that are negative, critical, or controversial. Instead, it would help if you asked questions that show your interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the school and the role.
5. Not following up after the interview
A fifth common mistake teachers make in job interviews is not following up after the interview. Interviewers want to see that you are grateful for the opportunity and that you are still interested in the role. They also want to see that you are professional and courteous. Therefore, you should send a thank-you email or letter to the interview panel within 24 hours of the interview. You should thank them for their time and consideration and restate your interest and suitability for the role. You should also highlight your main strengths and achievements and address any weaknesses or concerns that may have arisen during the interview. You should also ask about the next steps in the hiring process and when you can expect to hear back from them.
