Prepare for a Job Interview

Once you have submitted an application form, transcripts, resume and certification documents you may be called for a personal interview. This is a very important element of the job search. You will have a short amount of time to sell yourself. Be prepared ahead of time.

Tips for Interviewing

Arrive early and dress in a business like, professional manner. Make sure clothes are pressed and shoes are shined. You should be well groomed and avoid wearing too much cologne or perfume. Dressing appropriately is the first step to making a good impression.

Your interview will start the minute you walk in the door. You will meet a receptionist and/or secretary. These people will have an impression of you the minute you speak. Remember to be at your best at all times. Have additional copies of your resume, college transcripts and certification documents available just in case they are needed.

Research the facts about the school system and string program ahead of time. Know how many schools there are, how the grades are divided (e.g. middle or junior high) and in what grade their string program begins. Know who is in charge of the program. Is there a fine arts or music supervisor, orchestra coordinator, or is the program controlled by each individual building principal?

Practice describing your professional characteristics. Think of examples from past jobs, schoolwork, and activities to illustrate important skills. Recalling accomplishments beforehand will strengthen your answers during the actual event.

Every interview will be different, and there may always be surprising questions. Have a friend role play an interview with you. Rehearsing answers ahead of time will help you gain confidence and poise.

Sample Interview Questions

1. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?
   Focus on your academics and experience. This question helps the interviewer know if you will be happy in the position for which you are interviewing, or if you only want to work there until something better comes along.
2. Describe your strengths and weaknesses.
   Describing your strengths in relationship to the job will help the interviewer know you are the right person. Describing your weaknesses lets them know you are human. It is good to admit you have weaknesses, but always follow any response by describing the strategies you are using to strengthen those weaknesses.
3. What age child do you like best and why?
   This helps the interviewer assess how well you know the age level of the students you may be teaching. It also gives you an opportunity to describe your knowledge of each grade level and how their learning styles differ.
4. What are some of the techniques you use to assess students in an orchestra class?
   In this age of accountability, it is important that you have some specific techniques for assessing student progress. These should be based on skills and not related to attendance or conduct issues. Be prepared to describe the types of written and performance techniques you would use to evaluate your students.
5. Have you had any experience handling difficult parents?
   If so, describe how you dealt with the situation. If not, be honest, but acknowledge that you know that situation can occur. Talk about techniques you have learned in education classes or student teaching experiences that you feel would be successful.
6. What kind of experience do you have with technology?
   Most graduates are well versed in the use of email and the Internet. However, of more importance to an interviewer are instructional and assessment programs. Be prepared to discuss any software with which you have had experience and describe how you incorporate this into your teaching.
7. Do you meet deadlines?
   Principals have an incredible amount of paper work to do in their jobs. They want to know that their staff members are capable of completing and returning any information they request in a timely manner.
8. What do you do to balance your life?
   Schools want to hire well rounded and stable teachers. They know that teaching is a demanding job. They also know that people who involve themselves in other activities lead happier and more productive lives.
9. Describe yourself
   This gives you an opportunity to promote your personality and your experience. If the interviewer sees enthusiasm and drive in your voice, he/she will interpret that the same will happen in your classroom.
10. How would others describe you?
    Think about what teachers and former employers have said about you. Being dependable, conscientious, enthusiastic, friendly, creative and hard working send a strong message to the interviewer.
11. Why should we hire you?
    Don’t be afraid to say you want the job. Employers want to hire people who want to be there. Give a brief summary of how your knowledge and experience qualifies you for this particular job.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

When you interview for a job, it is important that you find out details about the position as well as the overall string program. Asking intelligent questions lets the interviewer know that you are serious about the job and want to perform well. You need to know important information to decide if this is the type of job that will allow you to achieve at a high level.

• It is this a new position? If not, why did the last person leave?
• What kind of schedule does the school have – 6 or 7 period day, 4X4 block, modified block, etc.
• How many days a week will you have the students and how long will the classes be?
• Are the classes divided by grade level or ability level?
• When and how are students recruited into the program?
• Are there direct feeder programs, or is their school choice?
• What types of facilities are there for teaching and performing?
• Are school instruments available? If so, what is the policy for providing them?
• What type of orchestra budget is there? Who administers the budget?
• Will you be in more than one school per day? If so, are travel and planning time provided?
• What is your policy for student attendance at concerts?
• What type of opportunities do you provide for staff development?
• Do you have a written job description available for this position?

What Happens Next?

• Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
• Ask if there is anything further you need to do to be considered for the job.
• Ask if there is a target date when the position will be filled.
• Write a follow up thank you letter to all persons with whom you interviewed.