Teaching Interview: Answering ‘Why Should We Hire You?’

How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You as a Teacher?” in a Teaching Interview

Teaching interviews can be as challenging as they are rewarding. One question that often catches candidates off guard is: “Why should we hire you?” While it seems simple on the surface, this question is designed to test your ability to connect your skills and experiences with the school’s specific needs. It’s not about why you want the job; it’s about why you are the right person for it.

To answer effectively, you need to balance confidence and humility while showcasing your expertise and alignment with the school’s vision. This guide will help you craft a compelling response that leaves a lasting impression on your interview panel.

Why Schools Ask “Why Should We Hire You as a Teacher?”

When school leaders or hiring panels pose this question, they aim to achieve several things:

• Assess Your Understanding of Their Needs: They want to know if you’ve done your homework. Are you familiar with the school’s ethos, challenges, and goals? Do you understand the role’s specific requirements?
• Evaluate Your Suitability: Schools seek candidates who can make an immediate and meaningful impact. Your answer should show how your skills, qualifications, and experiences align with their needs.
• Determine Cultural Fit: Beyond teaching ability, schools value candidates who can integrate into their community, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to the school’s culture.
• Identify Your Unique Qualities: Interviewers want to know what sets you apart from other candidates. What makes you a valuable addition to their teaching staff team?

While this question may be phrased differently, “What makes you the best candidate for this role?” or “Why should we choose you over others?” the intent remains the same: they’re seeking reassurance that you’re the right fit.

Prepare Your Answer Before the Interview

Preparation is key to delivering a standout response. A well-thought-out answer demonstrates your professionalism and genuine interest in the role. Follow these steps to ensure you’re ready:

1. Analyse the Job Description

The job description is your starting point. Carefully review the listed responsibilities, required qualifications, and desired attributes. Pay special attention to:

• Essential Criteria: These are the non-negotiables, such as specific certifications or experience. Ensure you address these directly.
• Preferred Skills: These give insight into the school’s priorities. For example, if they value experience with SEN or extracurricular activities, tailor your response accordingly.

2. Research the School

Demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to learn about the school. Explore their website, read their mission statement, and review recent news or Ofsted reports. Look for information about:

• School Values: What do they prioritise—academic excellence, pastoral care, creativity, inclusivity?
• Initiatives and Programmes: Are they introducing new technology, focusing on well-being, or expanding extracurricular offerings?
• Community: What role does the school play in its local area?

3. Reflect on Your Unique Strengths

Consider your experiences, achievements, and skills that align with the school’s needs. If you find it hard to promote your own skills, professional resume writing services can help you find the words. Think about:

• Success Stories: Times you’ve positively impacted student outcomes or contributed to your school’s goals.
• Transferable Skills: These might include leadership, teamwork, or adaptability.
• Passion and Commitment: Why do you love teaching, and how does that passion translate into success?

4. Practise Your Response

Rehearse your answer aloud to ensure it flows naturally. Practising will help you feel confident and refine your delivery. Aim for a concise, structured response that balances professionalism and personality.

Key Elements of a Strong Interview Answer to “Why Should We Employ You?”

To craft a response that stands out, ensure it includes the following elements:

Alignment with the Role: Show that you understand the school’s needs and how you can meet them. Highlight specific aspects of the role and demonstrate how your skills and experience align.

For example:

“Your school’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning really resonates with me. In my current role, I’ve successfully implemented project-based approaches to teaching science, which have led to a 15% improvement in student engagement and achievement.”

Evidence of Impact: Provide concrete examples of your successes. Numbers, outcomes, and specific stories make your claims more compelling.

For instance:

“At my previous school, I led a literacy intervention programme that increased reading fluency by 20% among struggling students over two terms. I believe this experience could contribute to your focus on raising literacy levels.”

Passion and Enthusiasm: Schools want teachers who are passionate about their work and invested in their students’ success. Let your excitement for teaching and your belief in the school’s mission shine through.

Cultural Fit: Demonstrate that you share the school’s values and will integrate well with the team. This might involve mentioning shared priorities, such as collaboration, inclusivity, or community engagement.

How to Answer the Question

Here’s a step-by-step guide to structuring your response:

Start with a Strong Opening: Begin by acknowledging the school’s needs and expressing enthusiasm for the role. For example:

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to contribute to your school’s focus on holistic education. I believe my experience and skills make me a strong candidate for this role.”

Highlight Your Skills and Achievements: Discuss your relevant experience, focusing on areas that align with the school’s priorities. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.

“In my current role as a Year 5 teacher, I’ve implemented innovative cross-curricular projects that engage students in hands-on learning. For instance, a recent STEM project combined coding and geography, resulting in increased engagement from students who previously struggled with traditional methods.”

Emphasise Cultural Fit: Show that you understand and align with the school’s values.

“I also value the importance of creating an inclusive classroom environment, which aligns with your school’s commitment to diversity and well-being. I’ve been trained in restorative practices, and I prioritise building positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.”

Conclude with Enthusiasm: End your answer by reiterating your excitement for the role and confidence in your ability to contribute.

“I’m eager to bring my skills and experiences to your team and support your students in reaching their full potential. I’m confident that I can make a positive impact both in the classroom and the wider school community.”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While crafting your response, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Focusing Solely on Yourself: Avoid answers that are overly self-focused, such as: “You should hire me because this role is the perfect next step for my career.”. Instead, prioritise the school’s needs and how you can meet them.
• Being Too Vague: Generic statements like “I’m a great teacher” or “I have lots of experience” don’t add value. Use specific examples and measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
• Rambling: Keep your response concise and structured. Overly long answers can lose the interviewer’s attention.
• Lack of Preparation: A poorly thought-out response suggests a lack of interest or effort. Take the time to research and rehearse beforehand.

Best Sample Answers to Why Should We Hire You As a Teacher?

Here are three examples of strong responses tailored for different teaching roles:

Example 1: Primary School Teacher

“I believe I’m an excellent fit for this role because of my ability to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences. For example, in my current position, I introduced a storytelling approach to maths that helped students grasp complex concepts through relatable narratives. This approach improved test scores by 10% and increased student confidence in the subject.”

“Your school’s emphasis on fostering a nurturing environment aligns perfectly with my teaching philosophy. I prioritise building strong relationships with students and their families to create a sense of community in the classroom.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my creativity and dedication to your team and contribute to your students’ success.”

Example 2: Secondary School English Teacher

“I’m passionate about helping students develop critical thinking skills and a love for literature. In my previous role, I designed a creative writing programme that not only improved writing skills but also boosted students’ confidence in expressing themselves. This initiative was recognised by my department and adopted across other year groups.”

“I’m particularly drawn to your school’s commitment to preparing students for life beyond academics. As a form tutor, I’ve supported students with career planning and personal development, which I believe aligns with your school’s holistic approach.”

“I’m eager to contribute my skills to your English department and support your mission of cultivating well-rounded, confident learners.”

Example 3: SEN teacher:

“I believe I’m an excellent fit for this role because of my commitment to creating an affirming, strengths-based learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. I approach teaching with the understanding that neurodivergent students bring unique perspectives, talents, and ways of learning that enrich the classroom. My role as an educator is to honour those differences and provide tailored strategies to support each student’s success.”

“In my current role, I’ve worked closely with students who require bespoke approaches to learning. For example, I collaborated with a student and their family to co-create a visual schedule and sensory toolkit that helped them feel more regulated and confident in navigating their school day. By centring their preferences and actively listening to their needs, we saw a marked increase in their participation and self-advocacy skills. This experience taught me the importance of viewing behaviour as communication and responding with curiosity and compassion.”

“I am drawn to your school’s emphasis on fostering inclusion and co-production with students and families, as it aligns with my own belief in the importance of partnership. I’ve successfully supported students with transitions, whether it’s moving between activities or preparing for post-school opportunities, by prioritising their voices and respecting their autonomy. I also value ongoing professional development and recently completed training in sensory integration and trauma-informed practices, which have deepened my ability to support students holistically.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise, creativity, and dedication to your team. I am confident that my approach to education, which celebrates neurodiversity and prioritises well-being, will positively contribute to the school community and help your students achieve their full potential.”

This answer reflects a commitment to neurodiversity-affirming principles, respect for individuality, and a collaborative approach to education. It positions the teacher as someone who understands and values each student’s unique strengths and needs.

Final Thoughts

Answering “Why should we hire you?” in a teaching interview requires a blend of preparation, self-awareness, and authenticity. By researching the school, reflecting on your strengths, and crafting a thoughtful response, you can demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Remember, this question isn’t just about listing qualifications—it’s about showing how your unique qualities, experiences, and values align with the school’s goals. Approach it with confidence, humility, and a genuine passion for teaching, and you’ll leave a lasting impression that sets you apart from the competition.