I have another thread about my dilemma and wanted to make another thread concerning interviews I have had 10+ interviews and only 1-2 principals/interviewers who I got "good vibes" from. Everyone else seems very judgmental and I feel like they make up their minds from the moment they meet me. I find a couple of women interviewers eyeing my outfit/hand bag in ways that make me feel they are judging. They also watch my hands (I talk a lot with my hands). I feel that I interview well. I study for days before an interview about answers to questions. I also am very friendly and make sure to say thank you/have a nice day, all that stuff. I am constantly updating my interview outfit, and it is completely professional. I feel that the way I look/act may have something to do with it. People say that I am super friendly/nice, but the people who really know me say I am super fake. Another thing. I have braces. Does that matter? they are the clear kind, but you can definitely tell I have them. I was so hoping I would have them off before this process, but I honestly feel that they have something to do with not looking professional.
Braces shouldn't matter, but "fake" might. If I were interviewing someone who came across as "fake", their resume would be off the table the minute after the interview was over. Why do you think that they are judging your outfits and handbags? What types of outfits and handbags are you typically wearing/using? If your hand gestures are a distraction, it could impact how they perceive you. If they are paying so much attention to your hands that they aren't listening to your answers, they might not connect with you or remember any of what you have to say. I need more details.
I never intend on being fake, however, I do tend to exaggerate a little it, such as "OMG its such a beautiful day/your hair looks amaaazing", and I think to a lot of people that comes off as fake. I don't, or try not to at least, act like that at interviews, but I smile at everyone and I give compliments such as how nice or organized the building or classroom looks. Maybe it sounds fake? I get the looks like they are sizing me up, which is expected, but I also expect them to be professional about it and not so obvious. There is nothing special about my outfit or handbag, but I feel like they are looking to see any slight flaw. For my first few interviews, I brought my big Coach bag because I brought my tablet and portfolio with me. It was a neutral color, but I stopped carrying it and decided to bring a small leather bag instead. I'm glad that braces shouldn't matter. I was worried that was the main reason I wasn't getting any offers!
I dunno....If you're noticing some sort of negative judging happening at multiple interviews, I'd think that the most likely causes are a) there is something about you or how you're presenting yourself that is inviting negative judgments, or b) you are projecting and there is no negative judging happening at all. I think that what you're describing as "fake" does seem fake. I think that it also seems a little juvenile and unprofessional. It seems like there is a better way to engage in small-talk before an interview than with OMGs and amaaaaazings.
Those comments would definitely seem fake to me and it would be a turnoff to me. It would depend on how the rest of the interview went too. I always check out what people are wearing. I'm just genuinely curious and I think clothes can carry a message. I would work on better chit chat. The weather is a safe albeit boring option.
I would work on your small talk. Don't go overboard with it. Be genuine with your compliment or stick with the weather or another neutral topic. If you feel people are looking at your hands while talking, then work on limiting that as well. I talk with my hands however during interviews I try to keep that to a minimum.
It sounds like you have really rehearsed and practiced your questions. I might suggest that you let that go and go into future interviews without over-preparing. It doesn't work for everyone, but I prefer to wing it. Questions really boil down to just a few main topics (classroom management, lesson planning, assessment, philosophy ect.)
I'd still study my answers to be confidently prepared, but instead of trying to push out your answers, give yourself time to think about what you are about to say, give them the appropriate eye contact, and speak naturally without the OMGs and AMAZINGs. If you happen to become enthusiastic about something, such as if they ask what they think about a certain thing, just mention something calm like "I loved it", plain and simple. When I was asked how do I like teaching third grade (I was currently doing an LTS in a third grade class), I mentioned that I loved it, it's a pleasure teaching my class during a time where I had to be a leave replacement (teacher quit, they needed a sub). Show your enthusiasm in a more natural way. And believe me, I talk with my hands too…I'm GREEK! I try to minimize that in interviews, though. Takes a lot of work and practice. If I can do it, you can. Still study your answers, but take it down a notch. They love people with confidence who seem like they naturally know their stuff. Believe me, I needed a lot of practice.
Simply put, no one likes to feel as if they are being played, and that can cover everything from insincerity, being too glib, hitting all the buzzwords without giving a real sense that you embrace what they stand for, and yes, too much concern about what you are wearing. There is a line between ostentatious and well dressed, and if you feel that you are being scrutinized at every interview, perhaps you should try and get an honest opinion about whether you are wearing the outfit or the outfit is wearing you. Compliments should be genuine, or they should be shelved. 'Fabulous hair' is over the top. 'Would you mind if I asked where you get your hair cut?' Said quietly, one on one is sounding more authentic. Hands? Well, if too distracting, tone it down. Personally, I get the feeling that you are too concerned about how they perceive your clothes and accessories, and not nearly as concerned about whether your skills are what they are truly looking for or whether you are a good fit. I hope it is immaturity since that is something that should improve over time. People respond to warmth, empathy, and genuine concern. Too polished sometimes gives the impression of a performance, and who has a clue what the actor is really like behind the facade? These are just impressions from your posts coupled with life lessons and experiences. Let me give you a head's up you haven't even considered yet - if the adults in the room are reading you as fake or a phony, kids will come to the same conclusion 100 times faster, and they aren't tolerant nor do they respond well to that behavior. Kids need it real, warts and all. My observation from the cheap seats. I sense that you really do want to teach, and maybe losing any hint of phony or fake will get you where you want to be!:unsure:
My dad interviews people quite frequently (in the audio visual industry, but still, professionalism is required with his company, with clients like Bank of America, the United Nations, Citigroup, etc.) for his job. The most important thing to him is how someone comes dressed to an interview. If they come with a pierced nose, ripped jeans, and a faded/worn t-shirt, he will interview them, but throw their resume out right afterwards. Braces or other orthodontics don't really matter. The balance must be found between sounding rehearsed and loose during the interview.
The 'most important thing' generally isn't how one is dressed...it's about giving a polished, professional and personal impression of oneself in BOTH appearance and interview. What you wear is the first impression an interviewer gets of you (and let's face it, you only get one chance to make that first impression) but being able I speak genuinely and confidently about your education, experience, philosophy are what 'closes the deal'. It's not your braces that are potentially causing you problems. Stop trying so hard to be 'liked'. Relax and let people see the genuine you. Bros, the description of your dad's hiring practices is disheartening....especially given his industry attracts artists, non-conventional creative types...How would he (or you) react if he learned someone discarded your application package so cavalierly?
Also, too over-rehearsed and being too nice and junk makes you look desperate. Principals want a can-do attitude, not someone trying too hard to make an impression. And braces, no one judges that. You'll be fine.
I reread your post to see if I missed something, and once again was struck by the fact that those people who know you best would call you a super fake! Braces don't matter, they are superficial and temporary at best. Find a way to be real and truly warm, not acting as if you care. Good luck.
The only people he outright goes "Nope, not hiring" are the ones who come in with outrageous hair, with tattoos all over (like sleeves and head tattoos). His company mostly hires labor for audio visual shows (with an occasional party). Usually, the people who he gets an odd feeling from are those who tend to fail the drug test, or go "hey man do you test for weed"
That's a bit different than ' The most important thing to him is how someone comes dressed to an interview. If they come with a pierced nose, ripped jeans, and a faded/worn t-shirt, he will interview them, but throw their resume out right afterwards.':unsure:
To minimize talking with your hands, bring a pen with you and hold it in both hands (gently/casually) ...it will help occupy and steady your hands so they're not all over the place while you talk. Don't bring/wear overstated items, like a Coach bag with giant C's all over it. Stick to a simple, basic bag.
I talk with my hands about 40% of the time and it doesn't hurt me. I get that it just shows passion. I'm not conducting a sympathy but they do move quite a bit. Bold two is super cold. If the people who know you really well say you come across fake then that's what it is and not Cs all over your purse saying Coach. No one knows if it's the original or a very nice outlet knockoff or whatever. Something in your complements and what you say comes across fake. You say your outfit looks professional but maybe it's too Vogue type of professional. Again, I doubt it's in your clothes but how you present yourself. If my friends say I come off as fake then I'm pretty much a fake person and need to do something to respecify that. Clothes and braces are way at the bottom of the judgmental list. Just my :unsure:
I'm also wondering what kind of handbag you have that would get you "looks". If you don't have a simple one then just ditch it altogether. I never have taken a handbag into an interview. I just kept keys in my pocket or brought a professional type bag like a briefcase. Practice not talking with your hands but I don't see how something like that would not get you hired.
Well, I know its been awhile, but I got hired!! I was called the Wednesday before the week school started. I started Thursday (after the call) and it has been just a whirlwind of preparing for and starting the school year. I cant even believe it! I got the job at a school about 10 minutes from my house. It was actually the school I started this thread about. Turns out I guess they liked me. Still got a lot to prove but I am working hard.
Yay!!!!! Well depending on the school, if there's a dress code, stick to that. If not, dress casual but conservative. But dress professionally for the first week I don't think they'd care about that coach bag on the job
