Forums
/ Role / Student teachers

Interview questions galore! (it was a 45 min interview and a school council interview!)

Last post 10/02/12 at 04:52 by quynh012012, 15 replies
Post started by izipink on 10/05/08 at 14:41

Rate this topic

All Topics
Select colour:
  • izipink avatar
    Offline
    1
    Posted by: izipink 10/05/2008 at 14:41
    Reply
    Joined on 28/11/2005
    Posts 79
    Hiya just had an interview (at an independent school) and got the job YAY!!!

    Thought I'd share some info which might be useful for people on the hunt for jobs...

    In preparation for the teaching part of the interview, I asked whether there would be TA support, to be emailed a class list of first names and details of numbers of chn with SEN/EAL so I could differentiate more appropriately (and be prepared for any tricky names!) I'm not sure all schools would be happy to share this info but it showed that I was thinking about such things.

    I created a colourful name badge for myself which they liked.

    I also created a portfolio too but didn't end up referring to it and was kicking myself about this afterwards! (I used it at a pool interview and it really helped because I was confident talking about the lessons/resources/photos included and it acted as a visual prompt for me, the interviewers said they thought it was impressive and a good idea.)

    The questions:

    How do you think your lesson went?

    Why you are applying for this particular post/school?

    Why did you get into teaching?

    What is the relationship between teaching and learning? I paused for aggeeees to think about this one...

    What can you bring to the school?(extra curricular)

    What would I see when I walk into your classroom?

    What behaviour management strategies have you used/seen in use?

    What are your strengths?

    What would you need support with during your induction year?

    What types of assessment would you use?

    How would you describe yourself in three words?
    (which was tough!)

    Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years time?

    Have you had much experience interacting with parents?

    that's about it really...

    There was also a school council meeting which was observed by the head, questions included:

    What's your favourite subject to teach?

    Do you use house points?

    What would your class rules be?

    What would you do if there was a naughty child in your class?

    And randoms like what is your favourite country/colour?

    Hope this will come in handy for anyone preparing for interviews...

    wishing you all the best of luck!
  • pepperg avatar
    Offline
    2
    Posted by: pepperg 10/05/2008 at 16:37
    Reply
    Joined on 01/10/2007
    Posts 131
    I know this sounds like a silly question but how long did you spend talking for each question. I've been told that I didn't extend my answers enough but it felt like I was talking for ages on some of them. And how did you answer the question about yourself in 5 years? Thanks
  • izipink avatar
    Offline
    3
    Posted by: izipink 10/05/2008 at 17:17
    Reply
    Joined on 28/11/2005
    Posts 79
    I spent about 3 minutes on each question...but it seemed like hours! (especially as I took quite a bit of thinking time for some of the questions)

    maybe a way to extend your answers would be referring not only to your practice but good practice you've observed? Do you have a portfolio? I found that having something visual I was familiar with...my plans/assessment/chn's work etc.in my hands meant my thoughts were much clearer and I could talk for much longer about specific things and back up what I was saying with evidence.

    I answered the '5 years time' question by saying I would like to be a literacy co-ordinator (hopefully before 5 years time) and that I would like to be a mentor to a student, as I feel I would do it well...also 5 years on I would still be learning too (waffling about how we're always learning) and that a student could bring new ideas with them...lol!

    hope that answers your question...

    good luck :)
  • pepperg avatar
    Offline
    4
    Posted by: pepperg 11/05/2008 at 11:54
    Reply
    Joined on 01/10/2007
    Posts 131
    I was an absolute dunce in my first placement and didn't collect photo's/work etc. Obviously going to do that now but it is a bit late.
    I think my answers are just really jumbled and rubbish. Need to get some sort of structure to them. Just really unsure as to what they want to hear. Really down on myself at the moment as you can tell, just let 2 fab jobs slip through my hands and I'm finding it difficult to improve it.
  • fairy_nuff avatar
    Offline
    5
    Posted by: fairy_nuff 11/05/2008 at 12:58
    Reply
    Joined on 31/07/2007
    Posts 127
    Thanks izipink - really useful info - should help me prepare for interview on Wed - I also have an interview with student forum and wasn't sure what that would involve so thanks.

    Good luck in your job
  • izipink avatar
    Offline
    6
    Posted by: izipink 11/05/2008 at 18:22
    Reply
    Joined on 28/11/2005
    Posts 79
    Pepperg, don't be disheartened, the right job is out there for you! Also, if you don't have photos/chn's work etc. don't worry...you could just use a few good plans, lesson evaluations and any resources you made.

    Your welcome fairy_nuff! Good luck for Wednesday! (Honestly, the student council part is nothing to sweat about...they just want to see how you interact with chn)
  • columbianrifraf avatar
    Offline
    7
    Posted by: columbianrifraf 06/02/2009 at 16:12
    Reply
    Joined on 05/11/2008
    Posts 1

    Thanks for the questions they are really helpful, I have my first interview ever on Wednesday and really want to make a good impression.

     
  • Mrs Chem avatar
    Offline
    8
    Posted by: Mrs Chem 23/02/2009 at 20:19
    Reply
    Joined on 20/08/2008
    Posts 54

     Just bouncing this back up as I have an interview tomorrow and have found the questions here really good preparation.

  • smartiemonster avatar
    Offline
    9
    Posted by: smartiemonster 02/03/2009 at 17:22
    Reply
    Joined on 23/02/2004
    Posts 41

    So waht was your reply to the Teaching/Learning question?

  • joeyb31 avatar
    Offline
    10
    Posted by: joeyb31 16/05/2009 at 12:39
    Reply
    Joined on 10/12/2006
    Posts 130
    ooh those are nice questions, I have an interview on monday and am swotting up! I think the teaching and learning one is the most tricky, could you tell me a little about what you said?
Back to top

Sign up – it’s free!

  • Don’t miss out on the latest jobs
  • Connect and share with friends
  • Download thousands of resources
  • Chat in the forums