Resources – Guidance and Advice for Interviews

Questions you may be asked at interview

Questions for you to ask at interview

Questions to ask when offered a position

Questions you should / could ask before accepting an offer

Guidance and Advice for your Interview

As you prepare for your interview, it’s important to know that each recruiter has different interview styles and methods. Some recruiters are quite formal and will have a list of questions they want to ask to determine your professional knowledge, experience and ability to think on your feet. Others will have a more casual conversation with you and not ask as many pedagogical questions. Most will want to know something about you as a person in order to gage how you might fit into the staff and team. Interviews are also your opportunity to ask questions about the school and the region it is in.

All schools remember are seeking teachers who are:

Flexible and adaptable.
Excellent classroom practitioners – skilled with assessment, differentiation, classroom management and integrating technology (where appropriate).
Focused on the social and emotional needs of students.
Able to create a positive culture.
Collaborative and resilient.
Outgoing and fun!

Whether you are new to job interviews or have plenty of previous experience, we have put together the following information for you which we hope you will find useful.

AHEAD OF THE INTERVIEW

Have you researched the school and location?
Have you looked over your resume/cv?
Have you dressed to look professional?
Be prepared and ask yourself the following questions:
What sets me apart, makes me unique, what am I proud of?
What story am I sharing about myself? How have I grown professionally?
Have I included my contributions to the school community?

THE INTERVIEW ITSELF

Many of us have trouble selling ourselves, but when you only have 30 minutes, you don’t have time to be shy! Point out the things you are good at and how you are the best person for the job. Recruiters are looking for team players – people who are able to get on with all community members, so turn on the charm, sit straight, smile, have eye contact and be interesting and interested. Remember, honesty is the best policy so let your personality shine through and be yourself!

1.- You will find that often interviews kick off with that dreaded first question: “So, please tell me about yourself.”

Keep your answer to a concise few minutes.
Maybe include an anecdote or short story.
Don’t paraphrase your life story.
Make it interesting and give the recruiter something (s)he’ll remember!

2.- Turn up for your interview prepared to answer in depth questions about your teaching so far.

Smile and keep upbeat. Good recruiters are not trying to catch you out with trick questions. They are trying to get the best out of you…
Be clear that you have a passion for kids and teaching.
Listen carefully to what you are being asked, and request clarification if you need it.

(See Example Questions 1)

3.- You will be given the opportunity to ask questions at the end. And what you ask can make a huge difference!

Ask questions to appear interested and engaged.
Now is not the time to discuss packages and benefits.

(See Example Questions 2)

4.- At the end of the interview:

Express your interest and appreciation.
Ask about the next steps in the process.
Will there be a second interview?
When should I expect to hear from you?

FOLLOWING UP

Send your recruiter a thank you note or message – a last chance to “market yourself”.
Stay positive and contact the school again if you don’t hear from them.
Don’t accept a job on one interview!

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN OFFERED A JOB

Accepting the offer of a job at an international school is an important decision for you and, if applicable, for your family. We expect our schools to have entered thorough information about the school population, salaries, benefits and any relevant visa regulations into our database. Before accepting an offer, you need to research the school thoroughly, including its location, and consider carefully whether these seem a good fit for you. Besides looking at the information in our database, you should take a good look at the school’s own website and if possible, ask for a “guest” login to the community portion so you can see information provided there for parents and staff. We also recommend asking if you can speak to one or two teachers currently working at the school whose family status is similar to yours.

The contract should clearly set out the contract period (including number of work days), workload, benefits and – as precisely as possible – the position you are being offered.

When a school recruiter offers you a position, there are further questions you need to ask.
(See Example Questions 3)

GENERAL TIPS BEFORE YOU ACCEPT AN OFFER

Take your time. Schools will give you at least 24 hours, and often longer, in which to make a decision. If the time is not long enough, and you are uncertain, politely request a bit more time. If the school is unwilling to give you that time, think long and hard before accepting the offer. You must feel comfortable before saying yes. If in doubt, or confused or uncomfortable, or if the job offered is not what you expected, please talk to your Senior Associate …that’s why we’re here.

Be sure that you have carefully read all available information (our website, school website and any documents given by the school) before asking the school to answer any further questions
(See Example Questions 4)

Please remember that:

ONCE YOU HAVE ACCEPTED A JOB OFFER, EVEN VERBALLY, IT IS BINDING!