Purpose of the Interview

• To find out more about you
• To allow you to find out more about the job/the organisation or the school

Before the Interview

• Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes.
• Why are they conducting the interviews?
• Why are you being interviewed?

Preparation for the Interview

• Read any literature about the school – the School Prospectus, etc.
• Remind yourself why you are interested in this job.
• Think what skills/knowledge/interests you have to offer.
• Prepare some questions to ask.
• More advice about preparing for interviews...
• Guardian Article 'The Perfect Interview'...

Meeting the Panel

• Be polite to everyone you meet.
• Shake hands warmly.
• Smile, this will also encourage your interviewer.
• Try to relax, sit back with an upright position.

Golden Rules of Answering Questions

• Always be positive.
• Never offer derogatory information about yourself.
• While you are talking continue to look at the interviewer.
• Make it clear that you know what you are about.
• Don’t pretend to know something that you don’t or try to answer a question you haven’t understood. Ask for clarification.
• Do speak clearly, and NOT TOO FAST.
• Don’t fidget, and try to avoid mannerisms.

Responding Positively

• Don’t ramble – aim to keep your answers no more than 3-4 minutes long. Of course avoid them being too short.
• Use examples. Back up every assertion with a concrete example.
• Remember the job description.
• Pause if you need to.
• Don’t lie. Be as honest as you can. You can and should put positive spin on the truth.

DO

• Answer the question that is asked and do not volunteer irrelevant information.
• Keep your answers concise and concentrate on the facts NOT opinions.
• Speak clearly and confidently.
• Constantly remind yourself that YOU ARE SPECIAL.

DON’T

• Try to be too clever.
• Lie, pretend or give evasive answers.
• Lose your temper, get flustered or panic.
• Criticise.