*The following information is drawn directly from the website www.careerbuilder.comfor the convenience of participants. This is an excellent website for further details.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A JOB INTERVIEW 1.
Research the school and the position requirements. An interviewer will be impressed by your interest and motivation and you will be able to explain what you can contribute to the school.
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Prepare for the actual interview. Practice your answers to common questions and prepare a list of questions to ask the employer.
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Rehearse your interview with a friend.
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Prepare your interview materials before you leave. Bring several current copies of your resume and a list of references.
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Dress professionally, conservatively and comfortably.
MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION IN JOB INTERVIEWS 1.
2.
Before the Interview §
Be punctual.
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Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable. A firm handshake and smile are good indicators.
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Relax. Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation.
During the Interview
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Be confident. Eye contact, clear voice and establish a rapport.
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Listen. Otherwise you may miss important cues.
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Reflect before answering a difficult question.
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Ask your prepared questions.
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Show you want the job. Display your initiative by talking about contributions you could make to the school.
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Avoid negative body language and signs of nervousness or tension; For example: Frequently touching your mouth Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question Gnawing on your lip Tight or forced smiles Swinging your foot or leg Folding or crossing your arms Slouching Avoiding eye contact Picking at invisible bits of lint
3.
After the Interview
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Close the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for their time.
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Reiterate your interest in the position and your qualifications.
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Telephone in a few days to check on the status of your application. If they offer to contact you after the interview, politely ask when you should expect the ir call.
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Send a "Thanks for the Interview" note. Try to time it so it arrives before the hiring decision is made.
COMMON JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Q. A.
"Tell me about yourself." Make a short statement of your education and professional achievements and goals. Briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the school.
Q. A.
"Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our school interests you?" It is vital that these important questions are answered clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the school / education. Share what you learned about the job, the school and the non-government education industry through your own research. Talk about how your professional skills and personal commitment will benefit the school. Obviously, your answer should never simply be "money".
Q. A.
"Why did you leave your last position?" The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills. If you did have problems, you may explain any problems you had with an employer, without describing that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work.
Q. A.
"What are your best skills?" If you have sufficiently researched the school, you should be able to imagine what skills the school values. List the m, then give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.
Q. A.
"What is your major weakness?" Be positive; turn a weakness into a strength.
Q. A.
"Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?" The ideal answer is one of flexibility. Give exa mples describing how you have worked in both situations.
Q. A.
"What are your career goals?" or "What are your future plans?" The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the school’s goals are compatible. Demonstrate that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Be as specific as possible about how you will meet the goals you have set.
Q. A.
"What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any sports?" The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside your professional experience, or ma y be assessing you value to the school’s ‘other curriculum’.
Q. A.
"What have I forgotten to ask?" Use this as a chance to demonstrate that you understand the job requirements and can succeed.
ASKING QUESTIONS DURING A JOB INTERVIEW At most interviews, you will be invited to ask questions of your interviewer. This is an important opportunity for you to learn more about the employer and for the interviewer to further evaluate you as a job candidate. Here are some guidelines for asking questions: 1.
Prepare five good questions. Ask questions concerning the school, the position or non-government education sector.
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Don't ask questions that raise warning flags.
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Don't ask questions about only one topic.
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Clarify. If you wish to clarify something the interviewer said, ensure you were listening and comprehending in the first instance.