Talk and Tips About Interviewing

1
Talk and Tips About Interviewing

• Robert C. McCracken, Ed. D.
• Former Superintendent of Schools
• Giles County, Virginia
• Assistant Professor
• rmccracke_at_radford.edu

2
Talk and Tips About Interviewing

• Radfords Reputation
• Knowledge
• Attitude/Behaviors
• Professionalism/Conduct i.e. lounge talk
• Courtesy
• Network

3
DOs

• Listen and Talk (Balance)
• Bring a Resume(s) Be sure it is easy to follow,
  has current contact information and has past
  employers
• Scan the interviewers to determine if they have
  materials
• Check subtly to determine if theyve read the
  materials or seem knowledgeable about you
• Make eye contact when you speak to the
  interviewer(s)

4
DOs

• Be certain about your current status regarding
  licensure application
• Learn the term Highly Qualified as it pertains
  to your application
• Be ready to respond to a question about your time
  frame for decision-making
• Be HONEST about your application process

5
DOs

• If you bring a portfolio or other materials,
  offer to share and be prepared to say, Ill be
  glad to pick this (portfolio) up at another time
  if you need time to review it
• Think about an electronic version of portfolio
  highlights
• Be prepared to respond to why you are the best
  candidate for this specific job.

6
DOs

• Be prepared to ask professional questions
  relative to the position
• Be prepared to indicate your flexibility and
  willingness to support students in multiple roles
• Be prepared to discuss a specific plan of
  communication with your students parents
• Be prepared to think about the future

7
Dos

• Think creatively, i.e. What would you do if he
  principal gave you 10,000 for any relative
  instructional project, how would you respond?
• Respond to discipline questions with certainty,
  not This is how my cooperating teacher does it
• Think, breathe, and eat SOLs and AYP, regardless
  of your assigned (interview) position
• Know blueprints and curriculum framework,
  regardless of your assigned (interview) position

8
Do Nots

• Dress like youre headed to a night club or a
  date professional is the key
• Show skin
• Display excessive body piercings
• Say I like teaching because I have the summers
  off

9
Do Nots

• Enter into political banter
• Assume to have all the answers
• Offer personal information, i.e. I am single and
  have a child to support, I am gay, I am straight,
  I attend the Methodist Church
• Falsify application, especially regarding any
  criminal records in the past

10
Do Nots

• Over emphasize employment questions UNTIL you are
  identified as finalist do your homework on the
  district regarding salary and benefits BEFORE
  accepting the interview
• Accept the position and then attempt to turn it
  down AFTER you receive a better offer or an offer
  at home

11
Conclusion

• Look, Act and Be Professional
• Know the District BEFORE the interview
• Talk and Listen
• Do a follow-up note to the interviewers (e-mails
  are quick)
• Be Honest

12
Questions

• What questions do you have?