Interview

[TennisPlayer]

I have a phone interview tomorrow.

What are some questions you typically ask at the end of an interview? I know I'm supposed to ask things that I can't find on their website but I'm looking for some general questions.

Also, I still don't have a good response for "what are your weaknesses"? I used to say that "I didn't wait that long for everyone to be quiet and listening before I started giving instruction" but I don't like that response!! Any other ideas and then obviously if it applies, I can keep it in mind :)

[Boxcar]

I sometimes say my weakness is that I put 110% into my work. That is a weakness because my friends get tired of hearing about my new activity ideas. The question is a hard one to answer without making yourself look like a poor job candidate. Another response you can give is: I don't know everything yet. I'm still learning and growing as an educator. You're admitting you aren't perfect while still showing a postive by saying you are learning and growing.

[TennisPlayer]

Thank you :)

[SS Rocks!]

I made it a habit of asking about technology in the classroom, class size, what my schedule would be like when I was interviewing.

[greenfiremajick]

I have a phone interview tomorrow.

What are some questions you typically ask at the end of an interview? I know I'm supposed to ask things that I can't find on their website but I'm looking for some general questions.

Also, I still don't have a good response for "what are your weaknesses"? I used to say that "I didn't wait that long for everyone to be quiet and listening before I started giving instruction" but I don't like that response!! Any other ideas and then obviously if it applies, I can keep it in mind :)

In my telephone interview a few weeks ago, I asked what (in order, pls) were the 3 most important duties/qualities they wanted to see out of me, as a teacher. (After their answer, you back that up, with "I can certainly do that" and then provide a personal story about you've been able to do that in the past)

I also asked about class size, if there would be an aide available, the reading and math programs currently being used, etc.

[Boxcar]

Those are excellant questions to ask. I hadn't thought of inquiring about the top three duties in orders. Kind of turns the tables back on the interviewer. I've been told that when trying to get hired at a center, you are interviewing the childcare as much as they are interviewing you. I suppose that is true, but I haven't reached the luxury of being picky yet...

[jsfowler]

I have only been to one interview...for the job I have now. It was straight out of college and I said my weakness was lack of teaching experience; however, I had great recommendations from my resource teachers (from student teaching) and that I couldn't wait to put all of my ideas and strategies into practice.

I would ask them about the specific classes you would be teaching (grade/subject)

Good luck

[smithmt]

I always encourage my students to ask:

"Why did the last person leave?" (or if you've got moxie, "Why did my predecessor leave?")

here are some teacher specific questions:

"What is an example of how the administration supports the teacher if more is needed beyond their classroom management?"

"What are the additional responsibilities that will be asked of me?"

"Do you have a mentoring program, and could you briefly outline it?"

I also like the idea of asking about instructional technology

good luck

[greenfiremajick]

Those are excellant questions to ask. I hadn't thought of inquiring about the top three duties in orders. Kind of turns the tables back on the interviewer. I've been told that when trying to get hired at a center, you are interviewing the childcare as much as they are interviewing you. I suppose that is true, but I haven't reached the luxury of being picky yet...

"I've been told that when trying to get hired at a center, you are interviewing the childcare as much as they are interviewing you."

Yep, yep!! This is truly how I feel about things, in regards to where I'm going to be teaching...

[julee]

Also, I still don't have a good response for "what are your weaknesses"? I used to say that "I didn't wait that long for everyone to be quiet and listening before I started giving instruction" but I don't like that response!! Any other ideas and then obviously if it applies, I can keep it in mind :)

I know you've already had the interview, so it's probably a moot point (how did it go, by the way!?), but for future reference employers really do want to know what you think a weakness is so that they can know how you'll fit in with the school and faculty. I work part time for a teacher recruiting company (Educators Overseas (http://www.educatorsoverseas.com)), and believe me, employers can see right through the answers that try to make you look good... like so called weaknesses such as "perfectionism", and "never being able to say no". Those answers just make them wonder what your true weakness is, since everyone has one. Instead of fake weaknesses, the key is to pick something that is a real weakness, but isn't so bad as to be a deal breaker. Along those lines, things like "difficulty accepting constructive criticism" or "procrastination" are good because they mean you are still a good teacher, you're just human.

[MsCoffeeLover]

One of my weaknesses that tends to go over well is that I am obsessive compulsive and super duper organized. They see it as an admirable trait, but sometimes it gets the better of me.

I have actually asked questions about the discipline policy, technology (do teachers have their own website to communicate with parents) or SMART boards or tv's with power point capabilities, etc.

Depending upon the tone and the rapport you have with the person, you can tend to find out what their pet peeves are as well as each administrator is different.

You can also ask generic questions. While waiting I tend to be looking over the school report card and ask a few questions in that regard.

[Clix]

As far as weaknesses, think of it in terms of what you're "working on." Explain not only the weakness, but also what you're doing to make improvements.

[Boxcar]

I like the idea of explaining what you are working on. I actually quite odd in that way. I set little goals for myself. For instance, I am working on being a better listener right now. I tend to try and solve problem when sometimes someone just needs to vent.