Teacher interview questions

Teacher interview questions by Michael Cheary If you’re looking for a teaching role that’s top of the class, it all comes down to preparation. No matter what stage of your career you’re in, interviews are always nerve-wracking. Especially if you’re not used to answering the most common interview questions that come up.So how do you go beyond the generic answers, and really stand out to recruiters in the education industry? And how do teacher interview questions differ from the norm?We spoke to the experts at recruitment firm Randstad, who let us in on some of the top questions asked by employers in the education industry â€" and their top tips on how to answer them:Teacher interview questions You’ll know from working in a school already, whether you’ve taught for years or you’re a newly qualified teacher starting out in the education sector, that teaching is nothing if not varied.You’ll often undertake numerous different tasks and experiences, from providing pastoral support and taking p art in extra-curricular activities, to actually teaching.The interview process will reflect just this â€" with a wide range of questions giving you the opportunity to showcase your varied knowledge and expertise to your interviewers.Although it’s by no means an extensive list, some of the most popular teacher interview questions that could come up include:Why do you want to work in this school?Why did you decide to become a teacher?What are your strengths and weaknesses?What do students look for in a teacher?How would you handle a student who always hands in work late?How would you manage a parent who is angry with their child’s results?If we didn’t hire you, what would we miss out on?Why do you want to work in this school?This question may be predictable, but it can be tough to come up with a unique response on the spot.To ensure that you can give an interesting and detailed answer, do your homework and research the school you are applying for. For example, does it offer extr a-curricular activities that you’d love to assist with? Do you identify with its ethos and values?With questions like this one, you can show off your personal skills and attributes, and describe both how and why you are the best candidate for the job.Why did you decide to become a teacher?With this question, it’s important to remember that there’s no right or wrong answer.Everyone will have a different response, as everyone has different experiences. So be honest, give examples and tell stories: were you inspired by a teacher or family member of your own? Did you read something in the news that prompted you to apply?Personal anecdotes will set you apart from other candidates, and show how much you care about the role and the education industry itself.What are your strengths and weaknesses?It’s important to be honest here especially if you have to teach a lesson as part of your interview.Think about your teaching style (e.g. your lesson planning and time management skills), and your soft skills, for example your ability to communicate with students/parents and colleagues. Where you can, always try to give a real life example of where your strengths have shone in the classroom.When discussing your weaknesses, you can also describe to your interviewers how you work to improve them.For example, if your weakness is time management skills, you can suggest methods of lesson planning that you have tried, or are planning to try, to develop your skills.What do students look for in a teacher?This question offers the opportunity for you to show off the qualities that make you stand out from the crowd, and demonstrate how you’ll engage your pupils.Again, examples here will be key. And try to think outside the box. Good communication skills, for example, will no doubt be necessary â€" but they certainly won’t stand out as an answer.Relatability, respect, trust and humour are all better answers here.How would you handle a student who always hands in work late?OK , so this question is a little different focussing on a situation that you will undoubtedly encounter in the classroom.Think about any examples of this kind of behaviour that you’ve experienced and handled in the past. Describe how you would act professionally, whilst keeping your student’s interests as a priority.How would you manage a parent who is angry with their child’s results?Once again, this question requires you to think carefully about all parties involved the pupil, the parent, the school and respond in a manner that considers everyone.You might also want to consider if, and how, you would seek support from other members of your department at school, and how you can work as part of a team to manage the situation.If we didn’t hire you, what would we miss out on?Finally, this is your chance to sell yourself.Outline to your interviewer exactly why they should choose you. Make sure you think about any quality you have that sets you apart from the crowd and makes yo u interesting, so that you leave a lasting impression behind.Finally, always have some questions to ask your interviewer at the end of the interview. This will show that you have prepared well, and gives you a chance to ask anything extra you may want to know about the school, so you can decide if it really is the right place for you.And if you’d like to find out more about what schools look for when it comes to recruiting, getting in touch with a recruitment specialist is always a good place to start.Ready to love Mondays? View all Randstad Education jobs now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Job interview tips

6 Ways to Save Money During a Job Search

6 Ways to Save Money During a Job Search Starting a new job search can be exciting and a little scary, especially if you’re in between opportunities. If you don’t have money saved up for your time between jobs, you may have to struggle for a few months while searching for your next position. Instead of settling for a job you don’t love because of budget issues, it’s best to stretch your money as much as possible so you can get the job you’ve always wanted. Here are six simple ways to keep your budget in check while you search for your new job. 1. Use Free Resume Resources A great job starts with a strong resume, and if you haven’t updated your resume for years, it’s time to take another look. You can shorten your job search if your resume hits all the right notes. Today, it’s easier than ever to get an effective resume to help show off your top talents and attributes. All you need to do is look through the internet at top career sites offering advice and example resumes. Best of all, most of these are free. 2. Shop Secondhand After polishing your resume, you next need to address your professional wardrobe. You’ll need to look sharp for your job interviews, and a smart suit is the best option for those who are serious about their careers. Unfortunately, suits can be expensive, and if you are struggling to make ends meet, this may be a challenge. Try shopping for interview suits at secondhand stores, like thrift shops or swap meets. You could pick up a well-tailored suit for a few dollars instead of investing hundreds of dollars. 3. Bring Your Lunch Getting a job may also require a lot of footwork and site visits to employers for interviews and job fairs. Avoid the temptation to go out for lunch every day and spend money you probably don’t have. Make it a point to prepare for your excursions each day with a healthy and budget-friendly bagged lunch instead. Shop for supplies at your grocery store each week and save huge on your monthly expenses. Pack nutritious snacks to help keep your job search going each day. 4. Talk to Your Insurance Provider You may also find success in lowering your monthly payments for some of the most important things, such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance. Talk to your insurance agents to see if they offer any special discounts. Many people looking for work are new college graduates. Some agents could help you get a new rate during the few months after graduation. You can also look into saving money by bundling your policies together. 5. Clip Coupons You’ll also need to see how to save money on your other expenses that may pop up every once in a while. With the internet, it’s easier than ever to pay a discounted rate on things when you shop online. Scan favorite coupon sites before you commit to purchasing anything and pay less for your favorite things. This way, you don’t have to feel like you’re struggling during your job search. 6. Transfer Your Retirement Accounts As your search winds down and you get closer to finding the perfect job for your skills and experiences, you’ll need to make some decisions about your previous retirement accounts and other investments. For most employees, you’ll need to talk to your human resources department to get an IRA or 401K transferred from one company to another organization. This way, you can continue to save more money even after you’ve landed a great job. Going through a job search can be tough on your wallet. Don’t let a lengthy job hunt ruin your finances. Instead, follow these tips to keep things going strong.

7 Habits of the Successfully Published, Part 7 Inspiration - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

7 Habits of the Successfully Published, Part 7 Inspiration - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Successfully published nonfiction authors do more than share information; they inspire their readers to take action. Their writing has a contagious enthusiasm and momentum that builds the readers confidence and compels them to take immediate action. Telephone books and dictionaries are full of information, but they hardly inspire! Books that only provide information often die a quick death. Books written with enthusiasm that inspire their readers tend to be evergreen best-sellers that build the authors personal brand while continuing to sell year-after-year. Approaching 40 years of continued success Lets just take one example, Richard Bolles What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Career Changers and Job Hunters. Over 10 million copies of Parachute have been sold. Each year, a new version appears, and each version becomes a best-seller both in terms of its category (Job Hunting) and very healthy overall sales rank. Needless to say, it has created a bullet-proof personal brand for its author, one thatfrom the startallowed him to live the life he wanted while helping others. Why did this book make such a big impression on me over 30 years ago? Like many others, I first read Parachute when I was at a low point. I was trapped in a family-owned business in a field that did not offer many opportunities for upward mobility. I saw the future as a never-ending stream of weekly meetings, newspaper deadlines,   and quibbling over budgets. From the moment I opened Parachute, however, I felt recognized, empowered, and inspired: Recognized. It was like the author knew me and was writing just for me. He understood where I was coming from and the symptoms of my malaise. Empowered. I immediately felt empowered because the process he was describing was logical and simple. It was based on thought-provoking exercises and questions that could be completed as a series of short tasks. Inspired. The combination of the authors humorous, irreverent, and conversational style, and the logic of the process he was describing, I immediately felt a) I wasnt the only one stuck in an existential pit, and b) I could dig my way out, by myself, and build the life I wanted. Writing a brand-building book Perhaps the most exciting aspect of writing is its power to inspire both author and readers. Freedom. When writing an inspiring, personal brand building book like What Color Is Your Parachute, authors are free to write what they want without second-guessing by bosses or committees. Increasingly, with the Internet, authors can take their message directly to their readers, without needing interviews or proficiency tests to prove their qualifications to write a book. Indeed, their book becomes their qualifications. You dont have to be qualified to write a book; your book becomes your qualifications! Win-Win situation. Writing creates win-win situations for both authors and readers. Authors become inspired by not only observing the results that their readers are enjoying, but they become inspired by the increasing page-count of their manuscript as they write it. Suggestions for writing an inspiring book Here are some suggestions to help you convert the information thats already between your ears into the inspiration that your market is waiting for: Style. Store your impersonal, academic voice in the closet. Substitute the voice you would use sharing your ideas at the corner pub with your family and friends. A conversation is more fun than speeches or a graduate-level thesis. Restraint. Avoid telling everything you know about your topic. Include only the most important ideas needed by the majority of your readers to start solving their problems or achieving their goals. (Consider placing details and exceptions in an appendix where they can be accessed when needed.) Youre goal isnt to write an encyclopaedia, its to write a cheat sheet that inspires your readers to take action Engagement. Engage your readers by providing tools for them to immediately get involved; ask questions, offer exercises, and include checklists, and worksheets. Create a feeling of partnership and progress that begins in the Introduction and extends past the appendix. Story. Use anecdotes, case studies, and stories that readers can identify with to personalize and reinforce your ideas. Create composites of different types of readers and illustrate their progress as they followed your advice. Writing, control, and predictability In an uncertain world, there are no absolutes or perfect formulas for success. Theres no guarantee that your book will build your personal brand or help every one of your readers solve their problems and achieve their goals. However, failure to take action on a book that can simultaneously enhance your personal brand while helping your readers represents a definite lack of control. When you dont act on your book idea, youre delegating responsibility for your income and lifestyle to your boss, the economy, the government, or the stars. By taking steps to write and publish a brand-building book, youre gaining control and, at minimum, increasing the likelihood that both you and your readers will enjoy a better tomorrow. Author: Roger C. Parker is a “32 Million Dollar Author,” book coach, and online writing resource. His 38 books have sold 1.9 million copies in 35 languages around the world. The NY Times called his Looking Good in Print “…the one to buy when you’re buying only one!” Roger has interviewed hundreds of successfully branded authors and shares what he’s learned at Published Profitable and his daily writing   tips blog.

Top Tips for Improving your Working Environment

Top Tips for Improving your Working Environment Top Tips for Improving your Working Environment We spend many hours of our life at work, so it is no wonder that your working environment can have an impact on your emotional well-being. How your job and work environment affect your everyday mood, enthusiasm and productivity is a hot topic right now with employers. Many employers are now taking positive steps towards improving office spaces and working environments for their staff. Lets take a look at how making changes in your workplace can help to boost the well-being of staff, reduce sickness absence and improve overall productivity.Get to know your work colleagues betterIt is hard to believe that not so long ago a lot of companies had a no talking rule on the shop floor. Interacting with your co-workers was firmly discouraged in the belief that it is a waste of time that should be spent on work. A lot of company bosses grew to resent the fact that they were paying their staff for wasting time on non-productive tasks such as talking with each other. How very short-sighted of them!Luckily, many of these toxic bosses have long gone from the workplace, and now smart business owners understand better that creating a good working environment where staff can interact and support each other is healthy and results in greater overall productivity.Having a positive and friendly attitude towards your co-workers can affect everyones performance for the better.Knowing that each team member has a supportive and helpful network around them means they can turn to a trusted co-worker if they are struggling with a task. This can help them resolve their issues quicker and more effectively and allow them to feel good about solving a problem.Brighten up the atmosphereYour office or workplace lighting can have a significant impact on your mood and attitude at work. Most offices have windows that let in natural light, but some may have heavy drapes or blinds that block out a significant proportion of natural light and prevent it filtering into the office environment.Exposure to natural light helps to improve workers energy levels and moods, so the more natural light you can let into your office the better! Ask your boss to have any window obstructions removed so that light levels can be improved. If you cannot raise natural light levels through your windows for whatever reason, then talk to your boss about having the indoor lighting changed. Look at blue-enriched bulbs that have been proven to help reduce fatigue and eye strain, while at the same time boosting brain activity for better thought processing and problem-solving.Your office décor can also affect your mood and motivation at work. Warmer tones and hues are said to create a calm atmosphere, so consider using natural earthy tones in areas where staff rest and take a break, such as staff rooms and kitchens. Using warm and calming tones allows staff to chill and refresh their minds during their breaks. Then they can return to work regenerated and refreshed for their next work session.Encourag e better communicationsIn a lot of company infrastructures, there has always been a feeling of them and us, meaning those workers in the office or on the shop floor didnt feel comfortable talking to or mixing with management. This can be a great shame in most cases because if a boss becomes unapproachable, how can they have any idea about what is happening in the office or on the shop floor.There should be no disconnect between management and their regular workers. There should be a level of respect that crosses every employment line, so encouraging good communications between all workers can go a long way to improving your working environment.Improved communications can involve all workers sharing the same staff room or kitchen, regardless of their seniority. Having an open-door policy where any employee is free to talk directly to the boss should also be encouraged.Most companies have regular staff appraisals and meetings with their line managers or supervisors.A system where each employee is recognized and is given feedback about how their work contributes to the greater business as a whole can create a more inclusive environment. This can create a positive atmosphere where each employee feels truly valued and appreciated at work.If your company doesnt already have a system like this in place, suggest to your boss for this to be adopted. They will see the benefit of your suggestion and will gain from it too. It will also help to paint you in a positive light and mark you out for more responsibilities, promotion and of course a pay rise! previous article Rose Gold Resume | The Free Template of The Week next article Spice Up Your Resume with Cabaret | The Free Resume Template you might also like6 Online Gigs You Can Do During Coronavirus Outbreak (To Offset Your Lost Income)

Think Like an Executive Resume Branding Pro Build Your Personal Brand - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

Think Like an Executive Resume Branding Pro â€" Build Your Personal Brand

10 Job Interview Bloopers And How To Correct Them - CareerAlley

10 Job Interview Bloopers And How To Correct Them - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. A mans errors are his portals of discovery. James Joyce Author: Carole Martin, The Interview Coach Im sure youve sat through movie or TV bloopers at the end of shows and laughed at the mistakes the actors make during the filming of the show. If I could put together a film with bloopers that people make in interviews it might seem funny as well but not when it happens in real life to you! How do you avoid bloopers? First you become aware of what some of the pitfalls of interviewing are and then you prepare and practice so that it wont happen to you. Here are 10 of those very pitfalls to watch for. 1. Poor non-verbal communication slouching fidgeting lack of eye contact Its about demonstrating confidence standing straight, making eye contact, and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning, or a quick ending to your interview. 2. Not dressing for the job or company over casual Todays casual dress codes in the office, do not give you permission to dress as they do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well groomed, above all. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call and find out what the company dress code is before the interview. 3. Not listening only worrying about what you are going to say From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not listening turning up your intuitive you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what they said. Observe your interviewer and match that style and pace. 4. Talking too much telling it all even if its not relevant Telling the interviewer more than they need to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting; matching your skills with the requirements of the position, and relating only that information. 5. Being over-familiar your new best friend is NOT the interviewer The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. The level of familiarity should mimic the demeanor of the interviewer. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview, and to ask questions, but not to over-step your place as a candidate looking for a job. 6. Using inappropriate language you guys know what I mean Its a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics, or sexual preferences these topics could get the door slammed very quickly. 7. Acting cocky being overconfident king of the hill Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism, and modesty. Even if youre putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, over-doing is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved. 8. Not answering the question asked jumping in without thinking When an interviewer asks for an example of a time, you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only dont answer the question, but you miss an opportunity to prove your ability and tell about your skills. 9. Not asking questions a missed opportunity you will live to regret When asked if they have any questions, the majority of candidates answer, No. Wrong answer! It is extremely important to ask questions. It demonstrates an interest in what goes on in the company. It also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview, and asking for additional information. 10. Appearing desperate Please, please hire me! Its a tough job market, and you need a job! But, when you interview with the Please, please, hire me, approach you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three Cs during the interview: Cool, Calm, and Confident! You know you can do the job, now, make sure the interviewer believes you can, too. Everybody makes mistakes thats what makes us human. We can laugh at ourselves a great deal of the time when we get tongue-tied or forget someones name even our spouses. But in the interview you want to be as prepared and polished as possible. If you do make a mistake, consider it a human error and learn from the experience. In the meantime do your homework and get prepared. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/job-interview-bloopers-and-how-to-correct-them-79148.html About the Author Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her FREE 9-part Interview Success Tips report by visiting Carole on the web at http://www.interviewcoach.com Good luck in your search.Visit me on Facebook

How a Receptionist Resume Sample Looks

How a Receptionist Resume Sample LooksOne of the most common mistakes that people make when creating a resume for their future job is choosing to use a receptionist resume sample. This may seem like a good idea because it's supposed to be easy, but before you begin to make any decisions about whether to include this type of resume or not, you must fully understand exactly what this resume format entails. While the examples are intended to give you an idea of how they would look, remember that no matter what these samples are supposed to do, you should never apply them as a perfect example of how your particular qualifications should look.First, you must take the time to get your resume to that stage where it can begin to be evaluated. The resume format that is used with a receptionist sample is one that includes a first page that lists all of the duties that your job involves, followed by a second page that list your personal details and a third page that list your contact informatio n. If you want to learn more about how a receptionist resume sample looks, you can find them online. However, you will likely see many examples of this form being used with people who have finished college, because these types of resumes are often used to show applicants that they should be able to handle a job without much help from their college education.The format in which a receptionist resume sample works is that you first list all of the responsibilities of the job that you're applying for, then go on to list the requirements of each position you are interested in. Most of the time, a receptionist's job is to check people, so a first page should look something like this:General Support - makes sure to put this as the first page because it's also where you list your name and contact information. Since your job will involve working with customers, this is where you list your name and contact information. To make sure that your qualifications are clear to the reader, you should mention this on the first page as well.Skills - add these to the list as well because these are required skills. Some of these skills can be listed on a separate page or even be listed separately if they are skills that you possess. These skills may include a variety of things like customer relations, sales, or administrative skills. However, these skills should be listed on the first page in order to create a more cohesive resume.Personalities - consider including this in your resume as well because it's a skill that could be included. You may include things like your hobbies and interests on this part of the resume. This should be a part of your resume because you will be asked about this during the interview process. It is important to know what you like to do and who you like to do it with as a candidate.Contact Info - you can place this on the web page if you want to. However, if you place it on the resume, it will be right at the top of the page. If you don't include it on the page, then chances are there won't be any room left on the page for anything else.These are the major parts of a receptionist resume sample. Make sure that you keep them in mind when creating your own resume because they're important elements to consider when creating a resume that will make you stand out from the rest of the competition.