As we are coming to the end of another interview season, I can’t help but reflect on the process. As a special education director and assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, I have been a member of teams selecting and interviewing candidates for teaching and leadership positions in two districts over the past five years. Based on this experience, I have been invited to sit on a panel at a local college to provide advice to new teachers and graduate students who are preparing for job searches. In my opinion, this is an area that warrants greater focus from teacher preparation programs, including coaching and mock interviews. I wonder how many fabulous candidates are never invited to the table as a result of weaknesses in their application packet. Further, of the candidates invited to the table, I wonder how many are not invited back due to lack of preparation for the interview. I have created a list of seven considerations that I hope will assist you in the application and interview process.
1. The Cover Letter
For most teaching positions (at least in my state), districts receive anywhere from
200 to 400 applications per position, especially at the elementary level. It requires a significant amount of time to evaluate each candidate’s packet. As a result, the cover letter is probably the single most important letter you will ever write. A cover letter that catches a reviewer’s interest and convinces them to review the remainder of the application packet is well-written, allows a glimpse into you as an educator and a person, shows passion, indicates that you have done some research on the district, and connects your beliefs to the vision of the district.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
2. The Resume
The resume should highlight specific activities that set you apart from your competition. What did you do as a grade 4 teacher that you know the district you are applying for would be interested in, is currently engaged in or is moving toward, and would benefit from your specific training.
Common Resume Mistakes
3. The Packet
If an employer asks for certain documentation in your application, do not apply until you have a complete packet. Incomplete packets are typically not considered. To prepare for this, order extra official transcripts, copies of your certification, and copies of your teacher exam results. Ask your references for signed copies of recommendations that you can easily access and provide.
Common Packet Mistakes
4. The References
Your references should be those that have seen you teach and can speak directly to those qualities when possible. It is best to have at least one reference from someone who is or was a direct supervisor. The more well-respected your reference, the greater it will weigh in your favor. If you have more than three references to select from, choose the references that help you shine. Flat and impersonal letters of reference will actually have a negative impact on your application.
Common References Mistakes
5. The Common Application
In my state, most districts use a common application service, www.schoolspring.com. Although this is a very convenient service and allows you to easily apply for multiple positions within seconds, it also makes it more difficult for you to stand out from the crowd. As indicated above, the cover letter should be a major priority for you. It is your first introduction to the district. Consider adding a link to a digital portfolio in the letter, and strategically draw attention to an accomplishment highlighted in that portfolio that you know will be of particular interest to that district. For example, if you know the district adheres to Responsive Classroom, and you have evidence of successful implementation, draw attention to your portfolio by mentioning that in the cover letter.
Common Application Mistakes
6. The Interview
Once you are asked to interview, the real work begins. Research everything you can about the district. Talk to peers who may work there. Visit their website. Visit the state website and review their data. Understand their strategic plan and vision. If possible, watch a few school committee meetings. Build sample questions based upon what you find. Ask a friend or family member to interview you using those questions. Select a few prime examples of your work that make you stand out, and place them and your application packet in a well-organized folder. If a question related to your portfolio piece is asked, weave the document into your answer. Dress professionally and arrive a few minutes early. Shake everyone’s hand when introduced. Take notes during the interview if you need them to maintain focus.
It is important that you remain positive throughout the interview. You may have concerns about state or federal initiatives. You may be leaving a position that was not a match for you. Talk about opportunities not obstacles. Do not throw your current or former employer under the bus. This will cause the team to wonder what you would have to say about their district in the future. Use this one, and possibly only, opportunity to demonstrate how you are a solution-driven, positive, team-player who has the creativity and skills necessary to support the students in achieving success.
Common Interview Mistakes
7. Ending the Interview
Most frequently, you will be asked if you have any questions at the end of the interview. This is not a “throwaway” question, and may actually be the most important question that you are asked. Although you may want to jump to asking about the next steps in the process, don’t. Be prepared for this question. After you have researched the district, come up with some questions that you are really interested in learning more about. For example, if the district is moving toward BYOD, ask about where they are with the process and how they are going to help prepare the teachers, students and parents. Questions like this show that you have done your homework and that you are interested not only about getting a job, but that you are interested in that particular district. Be genuine, and only ask about what you really want to know. At the end of the interview session, if the next steps are not explained, then feel free to ask that question. Once you return home, send a brief thank you, highlighting one point about why you the best candidate and why the position excites you.
Common End of Interview Mistakes
8. Internal Candidates
Internal candidates should know and understand the vision and then mission of the district more than any other candidate. Over the year, I have found that many internal candidates do not fully understand the importance of being prepared for the interview. I think that there may be a misconception that because the team knows them that they do not need to demonstrate why they are the best candidate for the position. My advice for an internal candidate, is to follow all of the above considerations, but take it to the next level that only an internal candidate could. Demonstrate the professional development and growth since you were initially hired. Highlight positive accomplishments over an and above your job description that you have engaged in to move the district forward. I witnessed a great example of this recently, where internal candidates connected their vision for the position to the vision and objectives of the strategic plan.
Common Internal Candidate Mistakes
One final note, know your digital footprint. You are seeking a position in a school district, and whether or not you agree with it, your private life is not private when you post everything that you do or think during your free time. Conduct a Google search on yourself. Do you like your public image? Will an employer? Again, turning obstacles into opportunities, conduct a makeover of your digital self. Create a professional learning network on Twitter. Join and follow blogs of note. Create a website or blog that demonstrates all of the fabulous talents that you have to offer a district. Remember you may be one of hundreds competing for the same position. Make it count. Connect. Learn. Engage. Shine. Welcome to your new position!
1. The Cover Letter
For most teaching positions (at least in my state), districts receive anywhere from
200 to 400 applications per position, especially at the elementary level. It requires a significant amount of time to evaluate each candidate’s packet. As a result, the cover letter is probably the single most important letter you will ever write. A cover letter that catches a reviewer’s interest and convinces them to review the remainder of the application packet is well-written, allows a glimpse into you as an educator and a person, shows passion, indicates that you have done some research on the district, and connects your beliefs to the vision of the district.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
- Grammatical and Spelling Errors
- Flat and Impersonal
- Is addressed to or mentions a different district
2. The Resume
The resume should highlight specific activities that set you apart from your competition. What did you do as a grade 4 teacher that you know the district you are applying for would be interested in, is currently engaged in or is moving toward, and would benefit from your specific training.
Common Resume Mistakes
- List of experiences that do not help you standout
3. The Packet
If an employer asks for certain documentation in your application, do not apply until you have a complete packet. Incomplete packets are typically not considered. To prepare for this, order extra official transcripts, copies of your certification, and copies of your teacher exam results. Ask your references for signed copies of recommendations that you can easily access and provide.
Common Packet Mistakes
- Incomplete Packet
4. The References
Your references should be those that have seen you teach and can speak directly to those qualities when possible. It is best to have at least one reference from someone who is or was a direct supervisor. The more well-respected your reference, the greater it will weigh in your favor. If you have more than three references to select from, choose the references that help you shine. Flat and impersonal letters of reference will actually have a negative impact on your application.
Common References Mistakes
- Letters are not included in the packet
- Letters chosen are flat and impersonal
- You indicate, please do not contact this employer for a position where you are no longer employed
5. The Common Application
In my state, most districts use a common application service, www.schoolspring.com. Although this is a very convenient service and allows you to easily apply for multiple positions within seconds, it also makes it more difficult for you to stand out from the crowd. As indicated above, the cover letter should be a major priority for you. It is your first introduction to the district. Consider adding a link to a digital portfolio in the letter, and strategically draw attention to an accomplishment highlighted in that portfolio that you know will be of particular interest to that district. For example, if you know the district adheres to Responsive Classroom, and you have evidence of successful implementation, draw attention to your portfolio by mentioning that in the cover letter.
Common Application Mistakes
- Missing Documentation
- Not Standing out from the Crowd
- Forgetting to personalize your cover letter for each district, or even worse, leaving the cover letter for another district attached to your common app
6. The Interview
Once you are asked to interview, the real work begins. Research everything you can about the district. Talk to peers who may work there. Visit their website. Visit the state website and review their data. Understand their strategic plan and vision. If possible, watch a few school committee meetings. Build sample questions based upon what you find. Ask a friend or family member to interview you using those questions. Select a few prime examples of your work that make you stand out, and place them and your application packet in a well-organized folder. If a question related to your portfolio piece is asked, weave the document into your answer. Dress professionally and arrive a few minutes early. Shake everyone’s hand when introduced. Take notes during the interview if you need them to maintain focus.
It is important that you remain positive throughout the interview. You may have concerns about state or federal initiatives. You may be leaving a position that was not a match for you. Talk about opportunities not obstacles. Do not throw your current or former employer under the bus. This will cause the team to wonder what you would have to say about their district in the future. Use this one, and possibly only, opportunity to demonstrate how you are a solution-driven, positive, team-player who has the creativity and skills necessary to support the students in achieving success.
Common Interview Mistakes
- Not being prepared with information about the district
- Not preparing through mock interview
- Plopping a huge portfolio on the table, especially with the statement, “Here is my portfolio if you want to look at it.”
- Focusing on obstacles rather than opportunities
- Failing to connect your skills to moving the district forward
- Speaking negatively, especially about a previous employer
7. Ending the Interview
Most frequently, you will be asked if you have any questions at the end of the interview. This is not a “throwaway” question, and may actually be the most important question that you are asked. Although you may want to jump to asking about the next steps in the process, don’t. Be prepared for this question. After you have researched the district, come up with some questions that you are really interested in learning more about. For example, if the district is moving toward BYOD, ask about where they are with the process and how they are going to help prepare the teachers, students and parents. Questions like this show that you have done your homework and that you are interested not only about getting a job, but that you are interested in that particular district. Be genuine, and only ask about what you really want to know. At the end of the interview session, if the next steps are not explained, then feel free to ask that question. Once you return home, send a brief thank you, highlighting one point about why you the best candidate and why the position excites you.
Common End of Interview Mistakes
- Asking Next Steps without asking questions of interest
- Asking about step/pay or contract - most likely, this team is not the team that will have that information and this is not the appropriate time for that conversation
8. Internal Candidates
Internal candidates should know and understand the vision and then mission of the district more than any other candidate. Over the year, I have found that many internal candidates do not fully understand the importance of being prepared for the interview. I think that there may be a misconception that because the team knows them that they do not need to demonstrate why they are the best candidate for the position. My advice for an internal candidate, is to follow all of the above considerations, but take it to the next level that only an internal candidate could. Demonstrate the professional development and growth since you were initially hired. Highlight positive accomplishments over an and above your job description that you have engaged in to move the district forward. I witnessed a great example of this recently, where internal candidates connected their vision for the position to the vision and objectives of the strategic plan.
Common Internal Candidate Mistakes
- Assuming that everyone on the interview teams knows what you are capable of or what your vision for the future is
- Stumbling the interview because you did not prepare with a mock interview
- Not asking critical follow-up questions to determine if your vision is a match
- Assuming the job is yours just because you are an internal candidate
One final note, know your digital footprint. You are seeking a position in a school district, and whether or not you agree with it, your private life is not private when you post everything that you do or think during your free time. Conduct a Google search on yourself. Do you like your public image? Will an employer? Again, turning obstacles into opportunities, conduct a makeover of your digital self. Create a professional learning network on Twitter. Join and follow blogs of note. Create a website or blog that demonstrates all of the fabulous talents that you have to offer a district. Remember you may be one of hundreds competing for the same position. Make it count. Connect. Learn. Engage. Shine. Welcome to your new position!
RSS Feed
