I have been on at least ten job interviews, and I still don't have a job. Am i doing something wrong?

Question

I'm a choir teacher. I graduated from college in 2005, and this past year I subbed, and now I'm looking for a full time teaching job. I drive 3 hours to interviews sometimes. And I always get "We were very impressed, but we went with someone with more experience." How am I supposed to get experience if no one will hire me? Am I doing something wrong? I'm myself at the interviews, I have as much experience as I can offer them, my credentials are fine... I don't wnat to get too specific, but any suggestions would be wonderful on how I can improve my interviews...

Answer 1

I am also a teacher and I have to be honest with you. It is all about connections. I got my foot in the door by making contacts, making myself known, and politely pressuring people to pressure the bosses to give me a shot. The idea of a teaching shortage is largely a fallacy. The jobs are hard to get in many areas and nepotism and "preferential hiring" are running rampant. Being licensed and qualified is fine and dandy. But, you may be stuck until you earn a reputation as a stellar sub. If you are able to move. Try Las Vegas. The jobs are easy to get and it is a good place to get experience and then move on.

Also, find out the buzz words in your area. "standards based instruction" and "individualized instruction" are huge. Also, make sure your credential is NCLB compliant. If it isn't you will never get a job.

Also, ignore the comments about more education. The last thing a district wants is to have to hire you way up on the pay scale. A masters will cripple you unless you are a PERMANENT classification (i.e. 3-5 years in)

Answer 2

dear friend
i have saved a text from somewhere not remmebre whcih site yahoo or msn
i think it would be helpfull


How to Answer the Toughest Interview Questions
You know they're coming: Those seemingly unanswerable questions that pop up during job interviews.
You can't clam up. And you don't want to stutter and stammer. So what's a job seeker to do?
The 'Future' Question
Otherwise known as the "big picture" question, the future question goes something like this: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
The best tactic: Talk about your values.

Don't get too detailed about your specific career plan. Instead, discuss things that are important to you professionally and how you plan to achieve them. If growth is a goal, mention that. You can also talk about challenge, another value that employers prize in their employees.
The 'Salary' Question
Most people will tell you that whoever answers this question first loses. But that's not necessarily true.
When an interviewer asks your salary requirement, try first to gently deflect the question by inquiring about the salary for the position.
If the interviewer presses you for a number, give a range. To decide on a range, think about the salary you want, your salary at your most recent position and the industry-standard salary for the job.
The bottom line: The salary question is one of the most important, so you should prepare for it in advance and plan what to say.
The 'Why' Question
There's a fine line between boastful and confident. And you need to learn it.
When an interviewer asks you why they should hire you, you're going to have speak confidently and honestly about your abilities. But you should avoid sounding overly boastful.
Aim for earnest and prepare by practicing. That's right: Stand in front of the mirror and acknowledge your abilities and accomplishments to your reflection. Tell yourself: I have a very strong work ethic. I have
integrity. I have excellent industry contacts. I aggressively pursue my goals.
It's sometimes hard to praise yourself, but after a few sessions you'll sound sincere.
The Seemingly Silly Question
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? What if you were a car? Or an animal?
These type of questions can bring your interview to a screeching halt.
First, don't panic. Pause and take a deep breath. Then remind yourself that there's no "right" answer to these questions. The job isn't hinging on whether you choose to be a spruce versus an oak.
Interviewers usually ask these questions to see how you react under pressure and how well you handle the unexpected. It's not so important what type of tree (or car, or animal) you choose as that you explain your choice in a way that makes you look favorable.
So, be a spruce -- because you want to reach new heights in your career. Or be an oak -- because you plan to put down roots at the company. Either way, you'll get it right

Answer 3

This is the old 'chicken & egg" problem that high school and grads face. You really want someone to give you a break. First off, do you have any other job experience in other areas, or minor studies? If so these should be included on your résumé. Second have you done any volunteer work? If so this should also appear on your résumé. You haven't indicted what school level you are applying for. I'm thinking elementary school (grade school) may be easier to get a job at instead of high school level. Have you considered teaching at night school or your local community services programmes and working at something else during the day? Night school teaching also counts towards your experience.

Also, if you have a long drive to get to an interview appoint, perhaps try qualifying the job over the phone first; e-mail your résumé, then follow-up with a phone call (it'll be a big time and gas saver).

Good luck
Malcolm

Answer 4

I'm not sure how old you are, but you sound young and dare I say, inexperienced. Sorry, but you need to understand and accommodate it to fix it. Also you appear to approach this job thing as if it is so desperate you will do anything to achieve it...driving 3 hours as example. I'm 50, I've had about 40 jobs in my life and many, many interviews - I say this to illustrate that there is some experience to draw on, not just spruiking. So. Accept that you are inexperienced and move on (sorry aboutthe cliche). Fact is that feeling like its not working or that you have to try harder is not always the answer. I think you are trying too hard and people see your insecurity. Have some attitude (not bad attitude, positive attitude) and let it shine out of you. With the confidence of approaching your next interview as if it were a sensible ranging discussion with friends and the realisation that you have what they want (otherwise you would not even be at interview) your confidence will grow. If you are a female I'd say be a bit sassy. Good luck, cos it will happen.

Answer 5

Being yourself at a job interview may not be good enough and your credentials may be fine. You have to make yourself look as good as possible. Every question they ask you must answer with something related to the job you are trying to get and/or of what a hard working loyal person you are. If they ask you what your flaw is say something like I may not have that much experience, but i am fresh out of school and am very eager to work in a facility like this one. Change the words if you want that is just an idea. Dress nicely show up 15-20 Minutes early be awake. Take another look at your resume, have some one you know who is good at writing and has done a few resumes in their time and ask them to fix it up. Don't leave anything out make yourself look as good as possible while being honest. Remember you want them to want you, sell yourself and not short. Maybe you should do a practise interview in the mirror.

Answer 6

I feel for ya man. I graduated with a B.S. in 04, and am working at a golfcourse. So take this advice with a grain of salt. First off, understand the fact that public schools are in a crunch right now, all over the USA. Schools are cutting funding to extracurriculars, and arts, and not opening up jobs, just combining classes to save money. So that right there might take you a little longer to find a job teaching a subject like choir. Dont get discouraged. The longer you sub, the better it looks to a potential employer. If you feel really ambitious, get your masters degree, (in something other than fine arts) and youll be more well-rounded, and more likely to get a job teaching. Even if you take a job teaching history for example, if a choir position opens up, you'll be first on the list of interviewees. good luck.

Answer 7

A good idea that worked for me getting my first teaching job year ago. If you are turned down for a job wait a week then call them back. Ask the interviewer some point-blank questions about how you came across in your interview. Maybe they can give you insight into the image you are projecting. Are you sending a copy of your portfolio to the school in advance of the interview? I had to hire a new science teacher a year ago and found myself more interested in the candidates who had dropped off their portfolio ahead of time so I could look through it.

Answer 8

You may just need to brush up on your interviewing skills. It could possibly be that you are being over-looked for a more seasoned teacher.

I would recommend going down to a Barnes and Noble or Borders and look through their interview help books, their may even be some geared towards teaching jobs. You might even talk to current choir teachers and see what they recommend. Good luck.

Answer 9

It is impossible to guide you unless someone knows you personally. But, what I gather is there is nothing unusual in your life. It happens in case of many people. Don't leave up your confidence. There is a better opportunity waiting for you. Only delay is you reach the right place. When we go for an interview we must know that there are many others trying for it as well. But no one will take your chance. Wait and see.

Answer 10

May be they want more qualification, if u don't have enough experience. Or u need an approach. I think approach is what works now-a-days.
Anyway go on ur next interview with more confidence and positive attitude.U can also try at some institute.
All the best :-)