Preparing for an Interview

1. Research and Planning - Find Information about the Employer & Community:

   What You Should Know About the School Board/District & Community?

   • What is their vision statement?
   • How large are they? What is the enrolment of the school district and/or school? How many teachers are employed with the school district?
   • Where are they located?
   • Who the person responsible for hiring?
   • Who is the school district's superintendent?
   • How many school trustees are there?
   • What general/specific requirements does the employer require of all its personnel? i.e.: belonging to a local teacher's association or union and/or do you require a criminal check?
   • What and where are their priorities in providing education in their communities?
   • What special programs or projects are the school district committed to?
   • What are their past, present, and predicted growth patterns?
   • Where is the community? What is its socio-economic make-up and situation?
   
   
   
2. Presenting & Preparing Yourself:

   Many people form their opinion of others based on their first impression. These opinions can be very difficult to change. This makes it imperative that you deliver a positive first impression since you will not have a second chance.

   Dress for Success
   
   • Dress for the occupation; wear to the interview what you would wear on the job. You may even want to dress one step above that depending on the position.
   • If you are still unsure, visit the organization and observe what others in similar positions are wearing.
   • Be careful not to overdress and especially not to out dress the person interviewing you.
   • Pay attention to personal grooming; neat hair, clean and manicured nails, etc.
   • Make sure your clothes are neat, clean, pressed, conservative, and your shoes are polished.
   • Jewelry should be simple and conservative.
   • Avoid heavy fragrances.
   • Sit down after getting dressed. If you are uncomfortable and feel you will tend to "fidget" during the interview,change into something more comfortable.

   Other Consideration for Women:

   • Wear tailored suits, classic dresses (rule of thumb: the higher the position, the darker the outfit).
   • Shoes, bag, and belt should be coordinated in a conservative manner.
   • Avoid miniskirts, heavy make-up, shoes with worn or very high heels, large purses, and clanking jewelry.

   Other Consideration for Men:

   • Wear conservative suits in dark colours or a thin pinstripe, white or light coloured shirts, and conservative ties in red, blue, grey, etc.
   • Shoes should usually be leather, black, and polished.
   • Avoid dark shirts and shirts with crests, logos, or trademarks.
   
   
   
3. Be Punctual:
   
   
   • Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the interview. The interviewer assumes the interview is the best you will ever act so arriving late indicates a trend that will only worsen when you start working.
   • If you are unsure of the exact location of the interview, take a trial run to determine how best to get there, how long it takes, where to park your car, etc.
   
   
   
4. Be Friendly and Courteous:
   
   
   • It is important to be friendly and courteous to all people you meet. You have to be able to fit into this organization's "team" so many times receptionists and others are asked for their opinion of you.
   • Smile, give a firm handshake, and keep a positive attitude