7 Teacher Interview Tips Every Teacher Needs to Help Get Their Dream Job

Treat Every Day Like an Interview

What if I told you that as soon as you walk into your student teaching classroom today, your interview for your dream job starts; AND it's going to last all day.

When you're a student teacher, everything you do is being evaluated, not only by your peers, but by the students as well. It is imperative that when you roll up to the school building in the morning, coffee in hand, that you shift your mindset to acknowledging that today is an interview for your dream job. Making good and lasting impressions are key to success, and this is your day to impress!

Remember, eyes are always on you - we've sort of signed up for that by choosing to be educators! That teacher that you are assisting is most likely going to be the one writing you a crucial letter of recommendation that could kickstart your career -- and you want to make sure it's a good one.

So, HOW do you do that? What will make you stand out in a positive light? Well have no fear, your student teacher interview tips are here:

Interview Tips to Help you Standout

1. BE ON TIME

This one is obvious...or is it? It is sooo easy to get sidetracked in the morning; thinking about our busy day ahead, that appointment we have after school, how many cups of coffee we're going to need, what we should wear, what we all need to pack, etc... But punctuality is important. Set your alarm a few minutes earlier than needed. Set out your items ahead of time. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes in the morning to arrive early, that way, you'll never be late. Would you rather scroll your insta-feed for 10 minutes while you sit in the parking lot sipping on your coffee, knowing you’re on time, or scroll your feed while laying in bed and then end up late?

2. BE PREPARED

Make a list. Pack what you need the night before. Spend that extra 15 minutes at the end of your long day to prep a lesson plan for tomorrow. Whatever 'prepared' means for you, taking that extra step will afford you a confidence that others will notice. Having everything you need laid out and ready to go the night before, will not only help you be on time in the morning, but you’ll also sleep better knowing you’re prepared for everything the day as in store.

3. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY

To all my educators that love to dress to self-express - this one's for you! 'Professional' does not have to translate to 'boring', BUT how you present yourself is important. By the time someone sees you, you've already made your first impression, so dress to appear approachable, confident, and competent. When you dress appropriately, you set yourself up for success before you even speak. Trust me, you'll feel better on the inside too!

4. ACT PROFESSIONALLY

Have you ever overheard something in the hallways, either as a student or as a staff member, that you felt like you shouldn't have heard? Just as all eyes and ears are on you in the classroom, they are also on you in the hallways, in the teacher's lounge, and basically everywhere else in the building… oh and in public too! Before you speak or act, get into the habit of asking yourself "Is it ok if another student or teacher hears/sees this? If there were a parent sitting in the booth behind me in this restaurant, would it be professional if they heard me talking right now?” Everything you do and say should be appropriate for a school environment; especially when you're out in public.

5. PARTICIPATE

Nothing will help you stand out more than exhibiting passion for what you do. One way to express that passion is to participate in meetings and conversations with your colleagues. Actively listen to whatever is being discussed, and don't be afraid to contribute! What you have to say is important and will help distinguish you.

6. LISTEN & ASK QUESTIONS

Wait, didn't I just mention that teachers should participate? Yes, but this one is so important that I need to elaborate. There is a huge difference between hearing and listening. Be engaged, take notes, write down your questions and ideas and think critically. Being part of a team means being part of a bigger effort to better the school, and, subsequently, the students it serves. Being an active part of that process is vital for your development as an educator.

7. DO WHAT'S BEST FOR THE KIDS

This is a motive that we, as teachers, should always keep in the forefront of our minds. Our students are the future, and if you've already started on your journey to becoming a teacher, then you undoubtedly hold this principle close to your heart. Sometimes making decisions both in and out of the classroom can be tough - I can confirm from experience! Keeping my students' best interests at heart has guided me to the best answers each time, and I am confident it will help you too!

You’ve got this!

See, interviews aren't so scary after all. If you treat every day like an interview, you're surely more likely to get one in the future. So, tap into these student-teacher tips next time you walk into your classroom and see if you notice a difference in the way those around you view and interact with you. And, most importantly, notice the difference in yourself!

How have these teacher interview tips helped you?

What questions do you have? I'd love to hear about your journey or chat about your teaching experiences!

Please email me at northdakotateaching@gmail.com or send me a DM on Instagram @mrskayladurkin

Want more interviewing tips?

Be sure to listen to episodes 25 and 26 on the Let’s Talk Teaching Podcast with Kayla Durkin!

First-Year Teacher Podcast Series

Have you listened to our first-year Teacher Podcast Series yet? It is streaming on all platforms! This podcast series is all about interviewing first-year teachers to give them a chance to share all of the amazing things they are doing during their first year of teaching!

Teacher Tip Tuesday : Teacher Interview Tips