So I have an interview.

[Cackalacky]

Agree on the good advice in this thread. The one thing I didn't see posted was specific verbiage for the "What is your biggest weakness" question. One of the better answers for this question is to say, "One weakness that I'm turning into a strength" or "Something that I have improved is". I just started my full time career job about a month ago and got asked the "weakness" question in every single interview.

Yes I refer to weaknesses as lesser strengths. LOL.

 

[NDFan4Life]

I've got an interview coming up in the next few days, and I really appreciate all of the information posted here.

I've been so busy studying the Federal Acquisition Regulations and government contracting procedures that pertain to the job, I completely forgot about the simple questions that will be asked.

 

[phgreek]

I've got an interview coming up in the next few days, and I really appreciate all of the information posted here.

I've been so busy studying the Federal Acquisition Regulations and government contracting procedures that pertain to the job, I completely forgot about the simple questions that will be asked.

sorry bro...EEEEEW. Good luck! Are you in residence or on the DAU?

 

[BGIF]

Tomorrow I have an interview with a school district for a long term substitute position. This will be my first time being interviewed for a position, so I am a little nervous. I know there are some teachers here, but obviously anyone please feel free. If anyone could give some hints and tips it would be truly appreciated! I won't be online for the rest of the day, but when I'm back home tonight I'll be back on. Thank you guys in advanced.

Lots of good tips here particularly the jargon. Keep in mind if you drop a buzz word, be prepared to expound.

Your situation is different than most of the interviews the majority of us have taken or given. You're interviewing for a long term substitute position not a career position. I assume long term means an extended gig in one class such as filling in for someone on maternity leave, extended medical leave etc. so you will be working 5 days a week at the same place and not bouncing about from one location to another and handling various grades or subjects. I also assume that's not your career goal. So ...

"What is your career goal?"

"Do you intend on only staying with us until you can find a better paying job?"


The technical questions for a teacher should be the same but the personal/personality questions may have a different slant. "You won't be a regular member of the "team". How do you feel about that?"

For general questions google "how to interview for a teacher position". Perhaps there are also sites for your specific situation.

It's late in the day for phone calls but if you have time in the morning contact the NEA, AFT, or whatever union is active in the school's area. They should have info on the compensation, benefits, etc. they may also have guidance on the interview process.

 

[ACamp1900]

I have interviewed for long term sub jobs twice and landed both... I stand by my original answer...

 

[NDFan4Life]

sorry bro...EEEEEW. Good luck! Are you in residence or on the DAU?

I work for the DHS. I was a Storekeeper in the Navy for over 16 years, and actually loved the supply and logistics field. I like the job I have now, but I want to get back into contracting.

 

[loomis41973]

Have a few drinks before the interview

 

[ACamp1900]

I will say this, usually long term subs jobs are open to those who have worked said campus before... that is always a big help.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Gkautz is exactly right. My position was eliminated in March and I have been looking. I've had about a dozen interviews before I landed something recently. Not really what I want but I have to pay the bills. I'll keep looking until I get something better, but the one thing I always fdo is have a list of questions that aren't the typical ones everyone asks. Do your research about the school district. That will give you some ideas on what to ask. Here are a couple that come to mind:
1. What's the biggest challenge a substitute teacher faces that a full time teacher doesn't?
2. As a substitute, are you looking for a babysitter or someone to teach?
3. What are your expectations for a substitute teacher?

Good Luck my friend.

I wouldn't use the term sub at all. Show up in a suit, and treat it like a permanent position interview. A lot of LT jobs are gateways into permanent ones, and trust me, they are looking for a qualified individual who can pull their own weight, not some retired woman with grand kids at the school who has covered various classes throughout the week in the past for $50 a day.

 

[GowerND11]

I wish I could rep you all or buy everyone a beer! Thank you all so much for the support and great help! I have been a substitute at another school district for a year, but never had to interview so this is a bit nerve-racking. I'm currently reading up on their website about the Mission Statement and will be looking over some of my old education textbooks about philosophy just to refresh my memory.

No matter what I cannot wait for this interview to finally get the taste of one and build off of it. I will let everyone know how it goes tomorrow, and hopefully I'll be able to say soon I landed an LT position as that will certainly help my resume towards landing a contract position.

 

[koonja]

If you get a weird question, don't get stumped by it. Just have an answer, doesn't really matter how you answer.

I had an interview for a professional job that started at 60K.

One of the questions they asked was 'what are man holes for?'. I was shocked, but said without hesitation that they're for the TMNT so they can fight crime.

They want to know you can think on your feet. Practicing for particular questions is useless IMO. But interviewing/communication/talking are one of my strengths, so TIFWIW.

 

[GowerND11]

Oh I also forgot to mention for Steelhead that it is for Secondary (Social Studies).

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Ok. Definitely talk about how you have always been fascinated with history, studying it is a hobby of yours, and make it "come to life" in the classroom through engaging lessons.

*this is huge too: talk about how your lessons are cross-curriculum. They will want to hear about how you are incorporating math and reading skills into your daily plans.

 

[ACamp1900]

I wish I could rep you all...

You can...

just sayin'

 

[GowerND11]

You can...

just sayin'

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[Black Irish]

If you get a weird question, don't get stumped by it. Just have an answer, doesn't really matter how you answer.

I had an interview for a professional job that started at 60K.

One of the questions they asked was 'what are man holes for?'. I was shocked, but said without hesitation that they're for the TMNT so they can fight crime.

They want to know you can think on your feet. Practicing for particular questions is useless IMO. But interviewing/communication/talking are one of my strengths, so TIFWIW.

That's freaking hilarious! Reps to you.

 

[GowerND11]

The interview went well. I feel I may have talked too much, but not an insane amount. Feels really good to finally have one under my belt and to know that I was one of ten people being interviewed out of 100 people who applied really excites me. Looking forward to next week when the district decides. Thank you all again for the tips and encouragement!

 

[Redbar]

The interview went well. I feel I may have talked too much, but not an insane amount. Feels really good to finally have one under my belt and to know that I was one of ten people being interviewed out of 100 people who applied really excites me. Looking forward to next week when the district decides. Thank you all again for the tips and encouragement!

Keep us posted, good luck, man.

 

[koonja]

Talking too mich >>>>>> not talking a lot IMO.

 

[RuntheBall]

Hope you did well on your interview GowND. I had one recently and didn't get the job, but it was good practice, and kind of enjoyable. I like talking to new people.

Anyway my update is that I am now (under) employed. Finally.

Hope they decide you are their guy, but if they don't it certainly isn't the end of the world.

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[NDFan4Life]

You had better luck than I did, GowND11.

The job I was going to interview for was cancelled due to a hiring freeze.

 

[GowerND11]

So I'm bringing my own thread back here a year later. Yesterday I was hired as the new US History teacher at Northern Vance High School in Hernderson, NC. I'm pumped to say the least.

I will be moving down there in August, and if anyone knows the area I'd love to know more, since I was only down there Tuesday and yesterday for the interview and don't know much about the area. Any help would be great.

 

[Cackalacky]

I have spent only time there on vacation but it is a fantastically beautiful area. Lots of stuff to do outside of work. I won't be much help regarding places to live etc. Go tubing on the Green River. Visit Asheville. Lake Lure, Lake Junaluska, and the Nantahala and Pisgah forest are very good camping and hiking.

Are you going to be a football coach too? Cuz that is pretty standard for Carolina high schools.

 

[GowerND11]

I have spent only time there on vacation but it is a fantastically beautiful area. Lots of stuff to do outside of work. I won't be much help regarding places to live etc. Go tubing on the Green River. Visit Asheville. Lake Lure, Lake Junaluska, and the Nantahala and Pisgah forest are very good camping and hiking.

Are you going to be a football coach too? Cuz that is pretty standard for Carolina high schools.

Thanks, I'll be checking all of that!

I told them I am interested in being a coach in any capacity with football, basketball, and/or baseball. I've been coaching basketball and baseball the last two years, but would love to move into football. Time will tell.

 

[Cackalacky]

Thanks, I'll be checking all of that!

I told them I am interested in being a coach in any capacity with football, basketball, and/or baseball. I've been coaching basketball and baseball the last two years, but would love to move into football. Time will tell.

Haha. No it will be pretty quick. You will be coaching football in no time.

 

[Irish#1]

So I'm bringing my own thread back here a year later. Yesterday I was hired as the new US History teacher at Northern Vance High School in Hernderson, NC. I'm pumped to say the least.

I will be moving down there in August, and if anyone knows the area I'd love to know more, since I was only down there Tuesday and yesterday for the interview and don't know much about the area. Any help would be great.

Congrats!

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

Thanks, I'll be checking all of that!

I told them I am interested in being a coach in any capacity with football, basketball, and/or baseball. I've been coaching basketball and baseball the last two years, but would love to move into football. Time will tell.

Congrats on the job AND the move. Your willingness to move for the job you want is huge and set you apart in the school's search.

Thousands of kids graduate with teaching degrees every year. Way too many sit there and say, "I'll only take a job in my home town" or "my home state" and "I will not move." Good for you. Go kick ass.

 

[A Pac]

Congrats from a fellow history teacher. If you ever need any ideas/interesting information just ask. I know a ton of cool stories abou history that you won't see in text books. I've come to find that much of the info can be bland (industrialization, imperialism, etc.) so cool facts and stories really liven up the material.

 

[Fbolt]

alcohol induced answer deleted

 

[NDdomer2]

Interview tomorrow. Not sure how it is going to go but would require picking up and moving closer to campus/family etc. (All positives)

Excited and nervous as it isn't exactly the best timing for what's going on in life but I owe it to myself to go hear what they have to say/offer.