Step 1

Research

How well you have researched the organization/district demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm, and is a critical factor in the interview process. 

What to research:

• Recent news articles
• History and potential growth of district
• Educational trends 
• Student demographics
• Statistics of pupil achievements
• Organizational structure and key names
• Location and community resources
• Use of technology
• School board minutes
• District and school mission/vision
• Instructional program and learning objectives

Where to research:

• District/organization website
• Internet search engines
• Professors
• Your network
• Local newspaper articles
• Education journals
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Visit the school

Step 2

• Know your skills and talents.
• Understand areas of improvement.
• Know your résumé and the job description inside and out.
• Create a list of 5-10 “selling points” related to the position and the district/organization.
• Understand and practice using the Problem Action Result (PAR) technique
• Dress for success by planning your interviewing attire
• Map out your interview destination and know where you’re going, and know how long it will take to get there.
• Items to bring to an interview: directions to the interview site, padfolio, name(s) and title(s) of interviewer(s), extra copies of your résumé, references, portfolio (not required), a writing utensil, copy of position description and a bottle of water.
• Prepare questions to ask the administrator/interviewer to show your interest in the position or district/organization.

Step 3

Practice

• Call Career Services at 920-403-3040 to make an appointment for a mock interview
• Rehearse your Elevator Pitch
• Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend
• Practice your handshake with a friend
• Participate in MIRT (Mock Interview Relay for Teachers) in the spring of your senior year
• Practice answering interview and behavioral-based questions.

Step 4

• Arrive 10 minutes early.
• Give a firm handshake.
• Show enthusiasm and confidence, and smile.
• Keep a positive attitude about former cooperating teachers, employers, supervisors and co-workers.
• Be aware of your body language.
• Avoid slang, profanity, lying, and filler words such as “um,” “like,” “ah” and “you know.”
• Do not inquire about salary, bonuses or benefits in your first interview.
• Remember to ask questions to show your interest.
• Ask the interviewer when you can expect to hear back from them.
• Express your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for their time.
• Ask for a business card from each interviewer to ensure you have their name and address so you can send a thank-you note.

Step 5

• Send a thank-you note or email within two business days; send a separate, individualized note to each person who interviewed you.
• Evaluate your performance to address areas for improvement.
• If one to two weeks has elapsed since the date the interviewer said they would make contact, it is appropriate to make a follow-up call to express your interest in the position.
• View a sample thank-you letter