After a string of disappointing interviews, with some very rude administrators who never responded either way, I have an interview set up for tomorrow. They called yesterday and I have been studying their district and campus websites for the last 36 hours. I think that it would be a great fit for me (close to home, smaller district, well-managed, etc) and I would LOVE to work there. The P didn't mention what the position is, but HR lists 3 openings with no specified grade levels. Honestly, I don't even care what grade or subjects! The school seems amazing and any grade or subject would be fine with me. I had almost written off the district because I had applied a month ago and hadn't heard a peep. It turns out they were closed for the last 3 weeks! I am SO ready for this interview. This WILL be THE ONE!!! I have my outfit all picked out and ready to go. This will be interview number 12 this year. Hopefully it will be my last because I will get it and be done
First interview question: You've listed several good reasons why they're a good fit for you. Now give us some reasons why you're a good fit for them.
I have used the curriculum that the school uses this past year and am confident in my ability to teach it. I have also used similar approaches to test preparation that they use. When I researched the school I found that they have a diverse faculty, some who have always taught and some who are career changers like me, which shows me that I will fit in and we can all collaborate using our different backgrounds and training. I also have a passion for teaching math and science (2 of the 3 open positions) because I struggled with both subjects in school because I was only taught one way. I can identify with those struggling students and am always aware that I have to teach things in multiple ways to reach all of my students.
My interview went really well! They have 3 open positions (4th ELA-R/SS, 4th math/science, 3rd math/science). I was so nervous at the end that I forgot to ask how their process will be, so I'm going to ask in my thank you email later tonight. The committee seemed to like my responses and the P was very impressed by my TAKS scores. Fingers crossed I get this one!
Please also consider handwritten Thank You. I always have a blank note and pre-addressed and stamped envelope in the car which I mail on the way home.
I already dropped the handwritten note in the mail, but since I stupidly forgot to ask about the timeline, I'm also going to send an email to say thank you and ask about the timeline.
I got a call this afternoon for a second interview!!! They wanted to meet with me tomorrow morning, but I already drove home last night (4 hours) and would have to leave before dawn to make it in the morning. When I told the P, he offered to do a skype or phone interview. I chose the phone because my webcam is broken. Woo hoo for a second interview!!! I feel really good about this one. He said that we would be specifically talking about classroom management because I talked about that being my greatest weakness this past year. I have already made out a list of my procedures and talking points. I'm nervous to do a phone interview because I usually rely on facial expressions to know whether to stop talking or elaborate more. Any suggestions?
I have read that if you smile while talking on the phone, the emotion will come through and you will seem more enthusiastic even though they cannot see your face! Good luck!
My interview went really well this morning. I had to take the call in the business center at my apartment clubhouse though because they decided to re-roof my apartment building today (of all days!!!). It was a pretty good interview and I was able to clarify some things and give more examples. They are hoping to make a decision today and will call me if I'm hired. If I don't hear anything by Monday then I can assume I didn't get it.* *I have never really understood this practice. It is not that hard to pick up the phone and call me and say "Thank you for your time. It was a difficult decision, but we have decided to go with another candidate. We will keep your resume on file. Thanks again." Even if they don't want to do that, at least send me a letter or email to let me know. The whole not letting me know at all just seems weird.
Good luck and at least they were upfront about the fact that they would not call if you didn't get it. Kind of gets rid of the guess work and anxiety. Crossing my fingers!
Glad it went well! Did you hear the small comments that someone mentioned before? I hope you hear good news!!! And I agree about the whole not letting people know thing. My P has a habit of waiting until someone has been board approved before sending a letter, but that can be weeks. I think its mean!
After my answers the P or the teachers would usually say something like ok, good, great, etc. It was nice being able to elaborate on things from the previous interview. This is my 4th second interview this year and this was the first one where they actually followed up on things said in the first interview. Fingers crossed!!!!!
I too never understand why they don't let you know. I once had a district that I followed up with tell me that I would be getting a letter in the mail to let me know of their decision. I must not have gotten the job. . .2 years later & I still don't have the letter. Guessing I didn't get the job. Oh well, I got another job, that same summer.
No word today I hope that they call on Monday. Does anyone else now HATE the weekends because of all the waiting? I feel useless on the weekends because there are no new postings and no news! This is the complete opposite of how I felt at the end of the year when I practically lived for the weekends. I keep dreaming of the day when I don't have to spend all summer job hunting and can actually enjoy my time off (A girl can dream can't she...)
I said the exact same thing today! I hate weekends, I feel like I am spinning my wheels. Maybe they will call first thing Monday morning.
I'm in the same boat. I had my interview this morning so I'm trying to distract myself this weekend. I hope we all get the jobs!
