I had my interview yesterday for the Teaching Assistant position and I think I really blew it. First of all I wasn't expecting more than the vuice principal to be there and their was three others ( I knew one of them), and then I didn't shake anyone's hand, and the first words out of my mouth was a big stutter. I just can't believe I messed up so bad. I am so upset. Another big mess up for me! I am never going to get anywhere. First I can't even get a real interview for a teaching position and then when a position finally comes up for a teaching assistant where maybe just maybe I could get my foot in the door and they could see what a good teacher I am, I mess up the interview. Hopefully my education and expereince speak for themselves and i will be one of the lucky two to go to the superintendent, but with my luck I don't see it happening. What is wrong with me that I can't get a job? I am beginning to hate my career choice.
OHHHHH I am so sorry this interview made you so nervous! I think you are being too hard on yourself if the beginning was the only place that you showed it. Don't worry about shaking hands-some do and some do not. I didn't shake hands and I got a job last year. It took awhile for me to get hired (2 years), but it did finally happen. I finally went into an interview thinking "You are hiring me! I've got this job.It is mine and you can't stop me from getting it!!!" and it worked. I was tired of walking in thinking "geeeeeee, I hope you like me and I am the one you pick". I have been there and feel your anguish. Hang in there.
Have you had a "mock interview" with a professional? If not, I would highly recommend going. I was able to land my first job after taking time to do a mock interview with the career services dept. at my college. They videotaped me and critiqued my answers. I was amazed at how much more comfortable I felt after that. If you can not do a a mock interview with a professional, have your friend play the role of interviewer. Then, review the videotape after you are done. Good luck on your job hunt!
Yes I have done a mock interview and have had several interviews this year. i am just not good at interviewing. I get nervous in front of other adults. Put me in front of a bunch of kids and it's completely different. I am not a good public speaker.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Interviewing is tough and stressful! I do slow, deep breaths before I interview to try and help my nerves. The more you practice the interview answers the more confident you will get. I downloaded the interview book by Waxler from this site and it really helped me. (I felt very confident in my interview for the first time.) I've never been a very good interviewer but received many compliments after my last one. To put things into perspective, at least you are getting interviews. Some people have a hard time even getting that far. So you are doing something right! I always initiate shaking hands at the start and end of the interview. I think it shows confidence and eagerness. Also, do you have a portfolio that you use to showcase your knowledge? You also can have a list of items you want to mention in front of you. I use questions (prewritten) at the end of the interview. You need to do what makes you feel comfortable. Good luck and keep your chin up.
I know exactly how you feel. I think I am getting better at interviewing, but it hasn't gotten me a job yet. I am SO different in a room full of kids than I am in front of adults. I wish they could understand that.
