How to Prepare for School Interviews

How to Prepare for School Interviews

Great news on being offered a teacher interview! To ensure you're fully prepared, follow these steps and give yourself the best chance to stand out from the competition.

1) Know the Different Types of Interview Scenarios

Schools may send you interview details ahead of time, so review what they expect from you in various scenarios. Common scenarios include:

-Panel Interview (Traditional Q&A)

Typically lasting 30–45 minutes with the head teacher, a governor, and a classroom teacher or head of department. Be ready to answer key interview questions. Familiarise yourself with 8 common teacher interview questions to give yourself an edge.

-Informal Discussion

This could happen during a school tour with a senior teacher or head of department. Pupil-led tours are common; use these as a chance to gain insight into the school and its students. Engage with those around you rather than solely talking about yourself.

-Teaching a Lesson or Part-Lesson

You may need to teach a class as part of the interview. Before planning, check the school's resources and expectations. Post-lesson, be prepared to discuss your planning, learning outcomes, assessment techniques, and an evaluation of the lesson’s success.

-Group Discussion

Often for secondary school positions, this assesses your ability to contribute to and lead within a group. Make sure you participate without dominating, and encourage others to join in – this shows collaboration and leadership.

-Interview by Pupils

Common in both primary and secondary schools, this helps the panel see how you engage with students. Smile, be yourself, and show your enthusiasm!

-Presentations

If you're applying for a senior role, you may be asked to give a presentation on a specific topic. Ensure your presentation is well-prepared, clear, and demonstrates your expertise.

2) Be Ready for Common Interview Questions

Here are examples of questions you may be asked:

- "Describe a lesson that didn’t go well and how you handled it."

- "How would you build positive relationships with pupils?"

- "What strategies do you use for classroom behaviour management?"

- "How would you work with parents?"

Prepare answers that show reflection, practical solutions, and your growth as a teacher. For more questions and tips, consider researching headteachers’ insights on their preferred interview questions.

3) Use the Ripple Effect When Answering Questions

The "Ripple Effect" is a technique where you show your awareness of how your actions impact yourself, the students, the school, and the wider community.

Provide examples from your experience, detailing how you handled situations, your success, lessons learned, and what you might do differently next time.

4) Interview Dos and Don’ts

Do:

- Dress professionally

- Maintain a positive, enthusiastic attitude

- Smile and show confidence

Don’t:

- Be late!

- Overuse “I” – schools want team players.

- Ask about salary, holidays, or benefits during the interview. These details can be discussed if you're offered the job.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your upcoming interview. For additional guidance, look into common interview mistakes and how to avoid them. Good luck—you’ve got this!