Job Interviews

Click here to access possible ICT interview questions

Preparing for the Interview

Thorough preparation before an interview is crucial to success on the day. If you are well-prepared, you can be more confident in your performance and you will be more likely to say what you intended to at interview.

Below are some suggestions to help you to prepare well for an interview.

DO re-read your application form. This will provide you with a starting point for your interview preparation.
DO prepare key points and examples of your knowledge, experience and skills to give evidence to the interview panel that you meet each of the selection criteria.
DO keep informed about educational developments and be familiar with the terminology used to describe them.
DO prepare to answer job-related questions, for example, on discipline, classroom management, the literacy strategy or GCSE.
DO pay particular attention to how the requirements of the National Curriculum impact on your subject or age range.
DO have a basic understanding of any recent official reports on your subject area or age range, for example, OFSTED or ESTYN reports.
DO make sure you read all the details about the school and the post.
DO accept any invitation to visit the school before the interview. If possible, look at what happens in the classroom. Talk to children and show an interest in their activities. Think in advance of any questions you wish to ask.
DO make sure you know how to find the school and how to arrive on time for the interview.
DO NOT forget to confirm that you can attend the interview!

The Interview Itself

You have prepared well, so you can now face the interview itself with confidence! Sometimes the interview panel will consist solely of the headteacher and the chair of governors. Sometimes, it will include all of the governors and members of the local authority advisory staff.

Below are some suggestions to help you to have a successful interview.

DO give answers based on your own experience, using phrases such as "My role was..." and "I organised...".
DO repeat and expand upon what you have said on your application form. The panel will not have memorised your form!
DO feel free to take in a clipboard listing your key 'MUST SAY' points and say these at the end of the interview if you have not had the opportunity earlier.
DO feel free to use a pen and paper, for example, to jot down key points, before beginning your answer.
DO feel free to pause before answering if you wish to collect your thoughts.
DO ask for the question to be repeated if you do not hear it properly or if you are not sure what a question means.
DO ask the panel if you have said enough if you feel that your answer is too long.
DO be positive and enthusiastic.
DO wear clothes which make you feel confident about the image you project.
DO prepare one or two short questions which might be appropriate to ask at the end of the interview.
DO NOT worry about being nervous. It is natural.
DO NOT be put off by the other candidates when waiting together.
DO NOT worry if you dry up. Just pause for a few moments and carry on.
DO NOT give just 'yes' or 'no' answers.
DO NOT be negative about yourself.