I have a few interviews, and no call backs :huh: I always talk from my heart, answer their questions honestly, and truthfully, so why I am not getting any offers. I have received two rejections letter. It is like they are calling me for interviews, just to be calling. You can see on my resume or application that this will be my first year teaching so what is the problem? Do they just don't like me, or figure I want fit in with their staff or what?
They may just be going with someone with more experience than a first year. Also, sometimes they just have to interview even though they have someone else in mind. I have had interviews that I thought went so well and not been chosen. I had a lot of interviews my first year before I got hired. Oddly, I was chosen over someone with more teaching experience because of my student-centered interview answers! So you never know- keep trying and doing what you're doing!
To lowes48; I agree with TheBaglady. You will go crazy trying to figure out why you were not chosen. You have to find the right fit between you and the interviewer. You only find out why you were chosen after they offer you the job. They want a first year or they don't; they want only B.A.'s or they don't; they want female and not a male; you do or don't fit in with the other department members; you are too young or too mature; they prefer someone from a specific college; they had their candidate but needed to interview one more person, etc. Just believe the right job for you is out there and it is their loss. As a friend told me, she was hired because the interviewer just liked her. Do not let it get to you. Be professional, don't say too much, watch your body language and review the posted interview questions on this site. Good Luck.
Agreed Yes, I used to have an interview at the district level. The interview went extremely well, I said that because at the end the interviewers mentioned that my experience was impressive. But no deal after that. What was funny was 15 days later, there were more than 5 opennings, if not 10, on the district website; however, these 5 positions were all marked with"In-district employees only". So, go figure! And I can tell you that you won't know untill the day you die.
I am sorry and I agree you won't ever figure it out. In the district I'm in and leaving, they knew who was going to replace me, yet they posted it on the website as an open job. The P says they have to ...and they have to interview! What a waste of time and talent. I wish you the best. My certification is in SPED so in some parts of Mississippi, I had a fighing chance. Someone it the teacher recruitment office in MS. told me Teach for America had the delta sewn up! Good luck!
Your thread title is interesting because you may actually not be doing anything wrong. The fact that you got some interviews is probably a good sign that you are doing more right than wrong. I think getting the job is really about being the right fit. As an example, the school I teach at has a few openings for next year and we had 3 student teachers in the spring. From what I could tell, all three did a great job but only one was hired. She was hired because the school needed a 7th grade history teacher to teach history with me next year and she had a history degree. The point is you could be doing everything right but just not be a fit for the schools you are applying to. You really just need to be what the school needs and then you will land the job.
You're getting interviews so you must have a strong resume and cover letter. Check those off your, "To brush up on" list. Now, like others have said, you'll probably never know what made the interviewers choose someone else but you can always ask. If the district is nice enough (and has enough time) to call to inform you they went in a different direction, ask if there is anything you can improve on for your next interview with that district. They may not give you much to go on (think, "we went with a candidate with more experience" or "the other candidate just brought more to the table") or they could give you beneficial advice. Something you can do right now is to brush up on interview questions. Don't memorize your answers but read through so that you are comfortable with any unfamiliar terms and have actual experiences that you can use to help explain your answers. Finally, you mention you've received 2 rejection letters. I know that it doesn't make you feel any better but keep in mind that some of us have received countless letters. Sometimes districts send a letter even if they don't interview you. It doesn't mean you weren't a good teacher, you just weren't what they were looking for. It's like finding "Prince Charming"; you have to kiss a lot of frogs. Sometimes you have to endure a lot of terrible interviews or disappointment before you find the right fit.
Right. There could be TONS of reasons why are haven't gotten hired yet. Just keep practicing your interviewing answers and skills. There have been many GREAT teachers who have looked for years before landing a job. For some reason or another, it just takes some people longer than others to land that job. The fact that you speak from your heart is GREAT! That's what I do. I don't just tell them what I think they want to hear. I also try to give a real life example with each question.
I haven't read anyone else's reply, BUT don't give up hope. At least you are getting interviews. Sit down and reflect back on the positive things that happened and feed off of those. Remember there are a lot of seasoned teachers who are looking for jobs too, so you have a lot to compete with. Here are some things I heard through the grapevine about; 1.Joking around during an interview is not okay 2. Ask for clarification of a question, IF you are not sure about it. 3. Giggling too much gives out a negative vibe. 4. Never answer your cell phone while inside the office waiting for your interview. The receptionist will tell on you, plus it gives out a signal that you are not 100% there for the interview. LEAVE it in your purse TURNED OFF, or leave it in the car. 5. Never ask for the time and then complain abt waiting too long. 6. Bringing your water bottle or coffee mug to the interview is a BIG NO NO! Drink what you need before you go in and TRASH the rest. 7. Make sure to get the interviewers'names so you'll know who to send thankyou letters to. There were a lot more things, BUT these are the ones I could recall. Good luck and remember to think positive about it all. Rebel1
Oh dear, really? I will be interviewing next year... and I'm a very jokey person. I approach this sort of stressful situation by making a lighthearted joke or two, but always manage to come across as mature and thoughtful... I hope! I've been told I make an excellent first impression, and I've always gotten a job when I interviewed - but I've never interviewed for a teaching position before! Is this a hard and fast rule? Or, is it more the content of the humor that can be a no-no? Obviously, off-color, racist, sexist humor or jokes about "bad" or "dumb" kids would be really awful to use in an interview. But is ALL humor out? I think displaying my cheerful, exuberant personality would be one of my biggest assets? Thoughts??
I don't think joking is that bad. I mean, OBVIOUSLY you shouldn't over do it and they should fit with what you are talking about. I've joked a couple of times in interviews, where it made sense, and got the job.
Try your best to stay positive. As a graduate of May 2009 I've continually hit brick walls. I've had over 60 job interviews and no permanent position. I did however find employment substituting and as a lead preschool teacher at a daycare. I went through several deep depressions wondering, why me? What's wrong with me?! I graduated when the job market went south quickly. It wasn't until this year I realized it wasn't me. I substituted for a long term assignment and a principal hired me on as a full time tutor at the school. Of course, next year looks bleak but I'm still trucking. I know how much it hurts to got the rejection letter. Throw them away immediately. When principals say they will call either way don't always count on it. I've had more than a few say that they would call me back and they don't. I have not personally experienced that wonderful call offering a position but it will happen if you don't give up!
Thanks all for the feedback. I am just so frustrated!!! I have put my all into trying to be a teacher. I subbed all this school year, and worked a part time job just to be in a classroom. I know that there are teachers all over looking. I had another interview yesterday morning so hopefully this one will work out. I am running out of places close by to apply too! I also have some call backs to do.
My husband likes to remind me that when he graduated from college, the market was bad (this was '90). He sent out over 100 applications, and got just ONE call for an interview. They hired him and he has been there ever since. It was luck, in large part...if they had passed him over, who knows how much longer he would have been looking? He has since been named a district and regional teacher of the year...he is an outstanding educator. The point is, he could easily have been one of those people who couldn't find a job for years, but he is great. Just like you are...it is not YOU. It is the market. Keep trying, don't put all your eggs in one basket, if you have to, do volunteer or part-time work on the side that enhances your resume. Keep believing in yourself. The right job is out there!
Thanks, Rainbowbird! I am just so depressed I have so much riding on finding a job this year. I started an alternate route program, and I can't finish unless I get a contract. I have four kids, and I really need to be working some regular hours to be at home with them at night. I subbed this past school year, and it was great but there is nothing like your own classroom. I am mailing off some more packets tomorrow, and looking up some private schools in my area. I haven't gave up, I am just tired!! I got my license when the economy first crash, since then I have added an endorsement hoping it will open more doors for me.
I don't think it's a hard and fast rule at all. I think that a well-placed and appropriate joke here and there can actually help to leave a favorable impression of you. Let your personality shine through! Of course, you must also read the personality of the interviewer. If they seem very stern and straight-laced, you probably would want to mirror that behavior and keep it serious.
You are probably doing nothing wrong. The candiate pool is so wide right now in just about every area.
Update Well guys that last interview paid off. The principal called and asked about my license and told me he would get back with me. I call him Monday, and he said he did recommend me to the board. So today I was soooooo happy to sign a contract, and fill out my paper work.. So happy and scared at the same time!!
lowes, I am so happy for you You worked hard for this! Congrats from one Mississippi teacher to another. Happy Dance.
I've had the same experience--several interviews but no job. I've been told by the interviewers that they just have so many applicants and lots of good teachers are looking for a job. It's a tough market out there. I just try to stay hopeful. Oops just read your last post. Congratulations on your new job. It gives me hope.
