Help with job interviews?

Question

I'm a primary teacher at an International school and am coming up for interviews over the phone. I hate phones and always bomb at interviews when they are face to face. Any tips to hide my insecurities and stop me looking like a chump. I'm actually a good teacher but tend to mess it up by getting nervous and talking rubbish. Ta

Answer 1

I had the same experience teaching in Neihu, Taipei, Tawian and Kagashima, Kyushu, Japan and I get nervous as well but I always got the job offers I was after. Here's the answer:

Let the interviewer know you are nervous and be honest that when nervous you ramble on. Keep in mind that they are simply going down a checklist and completing their assignment to qualify you. Remind yourself, as you're talking, to keep your answers short and sweet. This can be easily done if you rehearse. How do you rehearse? Know what they are going to ask. Typical educational administrators ask the following questions to new teachers:
1. What is your educational philosophy?
2. What is your background and teaching experience?
3. Tell me about a difficult situation with a student and how you handled it?
4. What is your relationship with your students' parents?
5. What would you do if presented with (difficult hypothetical scenerio).
6. What are your greatest weaknesses.

If you have rehearsed, canned answers you will certainly be ready to pass the test and get the job! Keep in mind many times the administration already has someone in mind for the job and simply has to interview X number of candidates before they can hire their buddy. Don't feel bad if that happens. It is common! Just do your best and be direct. After you answer a question remember to take a breath and give them time to speak.

Answer 2

Ask other teachers to help you prepare. Ask them the type of questions they were asked, and then prepare answers for those types of questions. It also does not hurt to practice saying the answers--memorize them if you have to. When you practice them, do so aloud and in front of a mirror. If you really hate phones, you might try using an ear piece so that you don't have to hold the phone--that might make it easier. It is also a good idea to prepare by learning something about the school district before the interview and to have some questions prepared to ask the people conducting the interview.

After the interview, ask when they will be making a decision. Then follow-up with the interviewer. If you don't get the job, ask how you could have improved in order to be selected.

Answer 3

I was confused on if the interview process is over the phone or going to be face to face? Either way, just keep in mind that you are firmly wanting this job correct. Stay focused and positive and tell them what you have done in your past and why you would be the best candidate for the position. If your interviewing face to face a little tid bit that could possibly help is when talking. Look at the top of their head when speaking. Your mind can stay focused on what you want to say and you won't be nervous by looking at what expressions they might be giving you. Just tell yourself to have great confidence and everything shall work out fine.

Answer 4

Please be sure that you really ready for a change or do you really need a new job? May be the job offered is not up to your expectation. My suggestion is: firstly, appear in those interviews only which you think offers what you really want, Secondly do your home work well before appearing for the interview, you should know your plus points and make more emphasis on those points during your interviews. If you do not get success in the interview, instead getting nervous, note down your mistakes and try to overcome that before the next interview.
This a common problem and i am sure you can get rid of it by making your sincere efforts.

Answer 5

Before the interview put yourself into the most positive resourceful state that you can. Then aim to revivify this state during your interview, should you need to. A technique known as 'Anchoring' can help you manage your states, keeping you resourceful. (From NLP).

Think of the states of mind that you'll need - confidence, power etc. Then remember good examples of when you've experienced these and 'step into the experience' and allow the state to build inside of you. Recall the sounds around from the event, possibly any smells etc and make to images really clear and intense. These will help build the state up, as a resource for future use during the interview.

Connect the state to key word or movement that you could do whilst on the phone, to re-access the state, allowing it to coming flooding back through your body, when you need it in the future.

Eg. You could link it to a small press onto some part of your body, it doesn't matter which part. And hearing the word 'confidence' or whatever, as you do this. Repeat several times to really create an amazingly powerful connection to the resource state and the reaccessing action that will bring it back.

Put yourself into as good a state as possible before the interview, as relaxed and upbeat as possible. Then, if and when you need some more of the state of mind that you've connected as an 'anchor' above, reaccess those states to fill you back up with amazing positive states.

I often go to the gym before an interview. It loosens me up, gives me a good state of mind and physically lifts me. Sometimes I do deep breathing as well, immediately before hand.

Make some notes of your key achievments and talents before you start and tick them off, as you cover them.

Listen to what the interviewer is really asking, and aim to cover this completely with your answers. It will save them from having to re ask the same thing, and gives the message that your communication skills are really hot, clear, succint and direct. What better for a teacher!

Good luck! Rob

Answer 6

I was told to smile while talking on the phone, it is suppose to make you come across better. Make some notes not long notes but things to remind you of points that you wish to make. Don't rush take a deep breath before answering. Good luck

Answer 7

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Generalized anxiety disorder includes persistent and unnecessary worries about everyday, common events or activities, which can disrupt concentration and lead to other issues, such as depression.

Answer 8

I agree if you smile and then speak it makes your voice come accross as warm and friendly sounding, know what you really want and focus your answers that way, speak clearly and don't rush your answers, don't be put off by the way the other person sounds, or if they ask questions in a specific manner that is off putting. just do your best and hope for the best.