Cracking the Code: Top Tips for Succeeding in School Interview

rTriibe knows that Interviews can often stir up feelings of nervousness and anxiety. However, we understand the importance of making a positive impression and landing that dream opportunity. That’s why we have curated a collection of top tips to empower you during the interview journey. Our expert advice will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to shine brightly. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the interview process and help you approach it with self-assurance and poise. Let’s dive in!

Preparation before your interview:

• Do your research, we would highly recommend going on the school website to familiarise yourself with the schools most recent Ofsted report, the staff list such as who is the headteacher or who is the head of department also any unique characteristics of that school and their specialities. They may also be holding fundraising events and other activities that may be taking place that you could mention in your interview if the opportunity arises. Whilst you are researching the school it is always good to go prepared with a list of roughly 10 questions, some of these questions may be answered through conversation anyway which is why it is important to have so many prepared. Questions can include information about the school or about the role you are interviewing for.
• First impressions are crucial when it comes to interviews, and dressing appropriately plays a significant role in making a positive impact. Your choice of attire reflects your professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the opportunity. To ensure you leave a lasting impression, it’s essential to dress in accordance with the school’s dress code. The above research will give you a sense of their style and culture. Opt for well-fitted and clean clothing that exudes confidence and aligns with the position you’re interviewing for.
• Be sure to plan your route thoroughly making sure you arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview slot. This not only demonstrates your punctuality but also allows time to not be late for unforeseen circumstances that may occur within your travel time, we would highly recommend if possible plan how to get there, pay attention to time to it takes, if its Public transport you are using make you know the schedule and try to do a dry run in advance so you are confident of the journey for the day.
• If you are going to be late or are unable to attend the interview be sure to call your consultant to inform them so they pass this information on or they can reschedule as soon as possible. Leaving this till the last minute could appear to the school as unprofessional and could cost you the job.
• Make sure you have a clear understanding from your consultant of what the job entails.
• Schools may ask you scenario questions and how you would handle the situation be sure to have a think about situations in a school environment and how you may overcome them.
• Analysing your skill set to be able to demonstrate how your previous experience will make you the right candidate for the job.

During the interview:

• Maintain good eye contact and a firm handshake.
• The interviewer will appreciate that you may be nervous so it is acceptable to refer to your notes as this demonstrates that you have came prepared and are keen to make a good impression.
• Other questions you could ask in addition to the school itself and the role you may be undertaking could be about the schools behaviour policy and general culture.
• If you are interviewing for a school that specialises in SEN (Special Educational Needs) provision, it would be valuable to inquire about the typical daily routine within the school. By asking about the structure and activities of a regular day, you can gain insights into how the school caters to the unique needs of its students. Understanding the daily flow of the school can help you determine if it aligns with your expectations and goals. So, consider asking questions such as, “Could you please describe a typical day within the school? How is it tailored to meet the specific needs of SEN students?” This way, you can gather essential information about the school’s approach and ensure it is a good fit for you.

After the interview:

• Please be sure to ring your consultant once you have left the school to give them feedback on how you think it went and if you know when the school will have made their decision to pass this on as well as your consultant will confirm whether you have been successful and with any feedback they might have received.