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Hey everyone,
I have an interview this Tuesday 9th October for a teaching job at a college. I'm seeking some advices from fellow TLers!
To put things into context : Got the call Friday in the morning (got waken up by it actually!), my application caught their interest and they want to interview me Tuesday (9th). Got really excited!
Since Friday, I've been preparing myself to answer different questions. But I was wondering, is this right way to do it? (over-preparation?) (too dangerous because I can be taken by surprise by unprepared questions?
I've been working on a wide range of possible questions, ranging from basic job interview question, to concrete situations in which, as a teacher, I could find myself.
While I'm at it, can you guys lend me a hand and write down some plausible questions? Maybe you'll think of something I haven't!
Do you think knowledge of the College, of its history, mission, etc. are useful? Or do you think that's overdoing it?
I have to do a presentation of 5 minutes on a subject of my choice (obviously, related to the subject that I will be asked to teach as a teacher). Still unsure what subject to take. Oh, just realized I haven't said that the job is about teaching philosophy. I'm hesitating between a classic subject (most of my friends were asked to do it on that subject - Socrates), something more original (but what?), something that interest me alot, or something maybe dangerous (What is Philosophy? - dangerous because the committee may disagree with my definition of philosophy)
Also, for dressing... I'm still debating what I am going to wear. I was thinking a simple gray suit, no tie. Simple white shirt, or blue, or another color? I never was very good with fashion, so not too sure what color goes well with another :S
I also bought a new belted trench coat from Armani Exchange (here's the picture : http://www.armaniexchange.com/product/belted trench coat.do?sortby=&imageName=1521.10280.9308.048 ). Too serious? Too "gray" (since I'm planning on wearing a gray suit)?
Tuesday, I'm hoping to arrive about at least 1-2 hour in advance so I can explore the College and maybe get into its atmosphere, observe the students, etc. Just scared that this could backfire and cause a lot of stress (the interview starts at 11:45, but I have a written test at 10:45)
I've survived the CV phase, so I guess I can count myself lucky. There are 2 other candidates I believe, so I have like 33.3% chance of getting the job :S
Any tips, help, possible questions, questions that you've experienced, are most welcomed!
Thank you all for your support!!
Robert
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Katowice25012 Posts
On October 08 2012 07:36 XenOmega wrote:
Do you think knowledge of the College, of its history, mission, etc. are useful? Or do you think that's overdoing it?
At some point they're going to ask if you have any questions for them, and being able to demonstrate that you're familiar with the college is good. There is also a chance they will ask specifically if you know their history so you might as well have a background in it.
On October 08 2012 07:36 XenOmega wrote:Also, for dressing... I'm still debating what I am going to wear. I was thinking a simple gray suit, no tie. Simple white shirt, or blue, or another color? I never was very good with fashion, so not too sure what color goes well with another :S I also bought a new belted trench coat from Armani Exchange (here's the picture : http://www.armaniexchange.com/product/belted trench coat.do?sortby=&imageName=1521.10280.9308.048 ). Too serious? Too "gray" (since I'm planning on wearing a gray suit)?
For a job interview it's unlikely you can be overdressed or look too serious, so err on the side of too much rather than too casual. I'd probably wear a tie if I was you, and go with a simple solid color. Ask a female friend (your mom if necessary) to help you they should know what you look best in.
I probably wouldn't arrive 2 hours early but 1 isn't a bad idea, if it was me that would help me relax a lot to just hang out on campus for a few minutes. It also gives you a lot of breathing room in case you get stuck in traffic or something.
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United States10260 Posts
always to remember to act like urself and you'll be fine.
as heyoka said, err on the side of too formal, rather than too casual.
good luck!
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I know it is a lot easier said than done, but try to relax. If you're at ease you'll be able to relate to your interviewers as well as come off as a more confident lecturer. Good luck, dude
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For dress, always dress 1 "tier" higher than you would wear day-to-day at work. Suit and tie to the interview sounds perfect.
For the questions themselves, there's no such thing as overpreparation -- go over the common interview questions (there are a million of them online), and write out and rehearse answers. What you actually say in your answers is less important than being relaxed and actually *having* an answer. If you're the kind of guy that can wing it, more power to you....but at least give some questions a read so you won't get caught off-guard. Be ready for the standard strengths/weaknesses questions, the where do you see yourself in 5/10 years, how long do you see yourself here, what made you want to apply/work here in the first place questions. I've never had an interview anywhere that didn't ask those at the *bare* minimum.
For any questions that do stump you related to the job, always wind it back around to working your best for the students, because without the students, none of them would be there, and it's important to shape the minds of the future. They'll eat that up with a spoon.
For 'blindside' questions (I've had plenty of interviews with a boss who likes to think he's smarter than everyone, and just makes up a nonsensical question at random, just to see if he can break the interviewee), take a deep breath and think for ~3 sec for an answer. If you can't, come up with something immediately, ask them, "Can you elaborate on that?" or some kind of clarification. It can buy you some time to think of something, and if they like you, they'll probably lead you down the path of what they want you to say.
Above posters also absolutely right -- relax, and be yourself. Don't work yourself up over it. Come in prepared, answer honestly (easier when answers are rehearsed!), and don't stress out, and they will react positively.
As for the presentation, they're not going to be looking for you to give them a lesson on the deeper meaning of life or anything. They want to know that you're competent in the material, and can speak for 5 minutes about something, clearly, with energy, and give off a presence of actually knowing about the subject, while being able to keep the audience engaged. Talk about whatever you want, preferably something simple and easy that you have a LOT of experience with, throw in an anecdotal story relating it to your life, maybe a joke or two, and you'll be golden. Be knowledgeable and engaging, that's all you really need for that part.
TL;DR -- Prepare, but don't stress. Be friendly, be a little funny, and prove that you know your stuff and that you'll get along well with everyone.
Good luck!
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best way to answer questions is to know enough about yourself so that if someone asks you a question, you should know yourself well enough to be prepared to answer it because after all, the job interview is partly about the initial meeting between employee and employer
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Wow, thank you all for your replies!
Quick question : Gray suit with ??? shirt?
Most people say white on my Facebook. Agree, disagree?
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On October 08 2012 12:40 XenOmega wrote:
Wow, thank you all for your replies!
Quick question : Gray suit with ??? shirt?
Most people say white on my Facebook. Agree, disagree?
A white shirt is fine. Wear whatever is comfortable and you think looks good in a mirror. You're not going to be impressing anyone with your fashion based on the question, and we don't know what your wardrobe is, so go with something simple and be confident.
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I have a job interview on Tuesday too! Seems like the above posters covered basically everything. Try to establish a connection with the interviewer. Make your answers more like a discussion. Good Luck!
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On October 08 2012 16:16 The_LiNk wrote:
I have a job interview on Tuesday too! Seems like the above posters covered basically everything. Try to establish a connection with the interviewer. Make your answers more like a discussion. Good Luck!
Big day in 1 day  Or less than 24 hours! Stress time!
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Do you think knowledge of the College, of its history, mission, etc. are useful? Or do you think that's overdoing it?
research and have some knowledge so you can respond if they ask any questions related to the above. don't initiate about the above unless you think it has an important influence on your wanting to work there.
I have to do a presentation of 5 minutes on a subject of my choice (obviously, related to the subject that I will be asked to teach as a teacher). Still unsure what subject to take. Oh, just realized I haven't said that the job is about teaching philosophy. I'm hesitating between a classic subject (most of my friends were asked to do it on that subject - Socrates), something more original (but what?), something that interest me alot, or something maybe dangerous (What is Philosophy? - dangerous because the committee may disagree with my definition of philosophy)
choose something you are passionate about and not something you think they might be impressed by. allow your passion to show through.
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Just remember that at an interview, its not just the interviewers job to test you, its also up to you to test the interviewer. Take the opportunity to learn a lot of about the job and school ask good and relevant questions. Even if you don't get the job, if you ask the right questions you can walk away knowing more about the field (which can help you with future interviews).
Other than that, be interested and interesting. Don't treat it like a right/wrong test, but as a discussion where you can explain your answers and opinions. Oh, and don't lie (too much) or be phony, because interviewers can spot that. Just be you.
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EPT
