Professional Master of Education (PME) in Post Primary Education

Title of Session: Interview Preparation Webinar

Wednesday 16th May 2018 3pm-4pm

Name: Tom Hughes

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Interview Preparation

• The Application Process

• Completing your application

• Before the interview

• Presentation at Interview

• Types of Interview

• Competency based Interviews

• Interview questions

• Concluding the interview

• Post interview reflection

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Interviews:- there can be surprises

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Completing your application

• Download and complete carefully

• Avoid handwritten unless no option

• Take great care with spelling and accuracy of language

• Complete a draft version and then review

• Answer precisely what you are asked

• Do not leave blanks

• Application form may be used for short listing

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Before the Interview

• Research the school – Website

• Research the school – Inspection Reports

• Know the route to the venue – journey time

• Arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule

• Bring a copy of completed application form

• Bring a copy of all requested documents

• Arrive dressed appropriately for interview

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Dressed for Interview- first impressions !

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Introductions

• First impressions made at reception desk

• Greet whoever takes you to interview

• Interview room smile and shake hands

• Confident but not overly so- take a seat when invited

• Be aware of body language

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Focus on roles

Focus on qualifications

Often goes through career to date

Application form easy to complete

Traditional Interview

Competency Based Interview

Focus on skills

Focus on capabilities

Interview based on specific competencies

Application form is demanding

Interview Types

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Competency Based Interviews

• Clue is usually in the application form

• Competencies decided in advance

• Interpersonal

• System and Subject awareness

• Classroom management

• Team member

• Communications

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Competency Based Questions

• Describe a situation you dealt with…. What action did you take?….what was the outcome?

• Describe a situation

• Discuss what happened

• What action you took

• What was the outcome

• How would you respond to a similar situation in future

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Traditional Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself

• Why did you choose to study…..?

• Your greatest achievement to date

• Why did you apply to this school ?

• Where do you see yourself in five years time?

• Tell me about the worst lesson you have taught

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Your Specialised Area

• Your subject knowledge may come under scrutiny

• Your broad awareness of developments in your subject

• What teaching approach would you adopt?

• Are you a member of the subject association?

• What text book would you choose and why?

• Have you seen the most recent Junior Certificate/ Leaving Certificate Examination papers?

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

What can you offer the school beyond your subject ?

• There are likely to be many fine candidates

• Consider what might give you the edge

• Do you have skills/hobbies that might bring value to the school?

• Should this question not arise seize an opportunity to inform the board

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Interview issues for the just qualified teacher

• Try to present your lack of experience as a plus

• When opportunities arise focus on your recently developed skill set

• Be capable of evaluating text books in your specialist area

• Demonstrate an ability to analyse recent examination papers

• Stay up to date on syllabus changes

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Some more issues for the just qualified teacher

• Be aware of some current issues in schools

• Subject department planning

• The role of the Inspectorate and school evaluations

• School Self –Evaluation

• Child Protection Issues

• Data protection

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

What is a school looking for ?

• A highly competent teacher

• A person who can relate to teenagers

• Someone with a caring disposition

• Well balanced individual

• Someone who is dedicated and motivated

• A team player

• A person who sees solutions and not problems

• Someone who can manage conflict but not cause it

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Coming towards the end of the Interview

• You may be asked….

• Have you any questions for the interview board ?

• Ask about recent developments in the school

• The ICT facilities

• The number of colleagues in the subject department

• Opportunities to be involved

• What happens next…… if not dealt with already

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

Some things to keep in mind

• Thank the board at the end for the opportunity of interview

• Your interview is not over until you leave the room

• A school may have particular needs

• There may be several candidates with little to choose between them and the board may have a difficult decision

• Learn from the experience of the interview

• Your social media profile

Growing independent teachers, rooted in support

THANK YOU

hiberniacollege.com

Any Questions ?