This is the time to show your potential employer that you’re perfect for the role and can conduct yourself in a confident and professional manner. Interviews can be nerve wracking and intimidating, so you need to make sure you are prepared for every question and any tricky situations that may come your way.

We have put together some top tips to help you through this process:

Research the school

This information will help you to show that you are genuinely interested in their school and form some questions to ask them. You may be asked what challenges you perceive the school may have, what its’ strengths are and how you could contribute to moving the school forward. Read their OFSTED report, or maybe check the latest exam results to provide your own ideas on where they can improve.
Be sure to read over the job description again carefully and check that you have clear examples of what they are looking for. Take this time to list all of your achievements and current experiences so you can incorporate them into your answers.

Prepare for common interview questions

Many of the questions that are used at interview are quite standard. By preparing your responses you can sound much more confident. Remember to keep these responses simple with a clear and detailed response, along with what your areas are for development. Add your own personality to your answers and sell yourself as to why you are the perfect candidate! We have listed some examples below:

• Name an achievement that you are proud of?
• Explain what inspired you to become a teacher.
• Name a professional book you have read and how it impacted on your practice.
• Describe what you think your safeguarding responsibilities will be?

Try your best to maintain a structure to your answers so that you don’t go off track or start to waffle. A great learning tool is the STAR method, which enables you provide a problem and a solution to the question

• Situation – think of a specific situation where their question would have applied.
• Task – what was your responsibility in this situation?
• Activity – what did you actually do?
• Result – what was the positive impact of your actions?

Don’t Over-prepare

Part of the interview process will most likely involving teaching a lesson at the school you are applying for. Try not to overthink the lesson plan. Have a structure in mind with a key objective, but don’t try to cover everything. Focus on a topic that you are interested in so you can show enthusiasm and keep the children engaged for longer. Be sure to include lots of interactive learning and ask your students plenty of questions.

Ask the employer questions too!

The person interviewing you will always ask if you have any questions for them. If you do not have anything prepared, it can show that you are uninterested and have no drive for the role. Perhaps ask what support you will receive when you start the role, or what room there is for progression within the school? Don’t be afraid to put them on the spot, it shows willingness and a desire to succeed.

Dress to impress!

First impressions are everything! Be sure to dress smart, be aware of your body language, smile and try to look relaxed. A firm handshake and eye contact when you meet the panel and answer questions can make a good initial impression. Let your personality shine through! The clarity of your speech is very important and you should always try to sound positive and enthusiastic.

If you would like to hear more about how we can help you find your perfect role, get in touch with one of friendly recruitment consultants now!

Good Luck!