Top Interview Tips for Teachers Moving Beyond the Classroom
You successfully landed an interview for a flexible job in education... Now what? If you’re like many applicants, you might be desperately searching for interview tips for teachers moving beyond the classroom.
Interviews can seem scary, but there are many things we can do to get more comfortable, as well as skills we can develop to help us be successful.
It’s totally normal to get nervous, but don’t let that stop you from making the most of your interview. The Educator Forever team has you covered with our best teacher interview tips and advice.
12 Interview Tips for Teachers Before, During & After The Interview
Whether you’re pursuing flexible or full-time job opportunities in education, these interview tips for teachers will ensure a successful interview experience.
Tips for before the interview
Get into the right mindset and be well-prepared with these tips:
Tip #1: Take the time to research the company or organization.
This isn’t just to position yourself as an ideal candidate but also to determine if this is your ideal fit. There are so many non-teaching jobs for teachers out there, you deserve to work at a place you feel in alignment with. Identify the organization’s values and mission. Jot down what resonates and how your passion and skill set align with their mission and values. This can help you make a more informed decision that truly resonates with your goals.
Tip #2: Know your relevant skills.
Think about what you are really good at and where you shine. How can you translate this knowledge into marketing yourself for this position? You already have many relevant skills and knowledge (even if from a different position and industry). Consider how you can share this.
Taking the time to reflect on your experience can help you build your skills list and own your worth and expertise. Make some talking point notes you can refer back to if needed. While you can’t anticipate every question you’ll be asked, try to think of potential questions. Have a few examples from your experience in mind to share.
Tip #3: Boost your confidence.
A great way to overcome self-doubt or limiting beliefs is to look over letters of recommendation or glowing performance reviews from your career. (Create a folder of these if you haven’t yet!) This is one of our favorite interview tips for teachers stepping into a new role in education because it can really remind you of just how knowledgeable and capable you are.
Read over these prior to your interview. This will remind you of your strengths and areas where you shine. Consider talking to a friend for a boost, or visualize a time when you felt you were shining and successful. Try to carry this feeling with you into the interview.
Tip #4: Calm your nerves right before the interview.
Ground yourself and tune into what you need to make you feel centered. Some ideas include going outside for fresh air, meditating (even just a few deep breaths!), stretching, listening to good music, dancing, lighting a candle, drinking a warm beverage, or putting on your favorite scarf, shawl, or cozy socks.
Tips for during the interview
Approach the interview as a conversation, and try these tips:
Tip #1: Take the pressure off of yourself (but claim your power!).
Remember, you’re not the only one being interviewed! You want to learn just as much about them to see if they’re a right fit for you. Try not to have idealized thinking around your potential employers… The person interviewing you is no less human than you are. While they might have a high-ranking position, remember you’re worthy of getting paid well and having your work valued. You’ve got this!
Tip #2: Approach the interview as your most confident self (but embrace imperfection).
One of our favorite interview tips for teachers leaving the classroom is to imagine you’re already in the position. Interviewing for a curriculum development job, for instance? Be a curriculum developer during the interview. Interviewing for an instructional coaching position? Be an instructional coach during the interview. What would you think, say, feel, etc., as the person in this role?
Having this mindset during the interview or acting as if you’re already in the role can help give you confidence and guide both your answers and the questions you ask. But above all, remember that you don’t need to be perfect. You only need to be yourself.
Tip #3: Enjoy the conversation.
Barbara Walters said, “A good laugh makes any interview, or any conversation, so much better.” While interviews can be nerve-wracking, they can be fun and pleasant. Don’t be afraid to laugh and smile. If you’re enjoying yourself, it might indicate that you’d really like working with the organization. (If you’re not having a good time, perhaps it’s not a great place for you to work or a great fit.)
Tip #4: Consider referring to a “cheat sheet” (if your interview is virtual).
You might consider having your talking points pulled up in a separate window on your screen to refer to if needed. This can remind you of any examples or certain language you’d like to use during your interview. While you don’t want to “read” from your notes, you can use this as a backup to make sure you hit the points you want to.
Tips for after the interview
You sent a personal email thanking your interviewer... What else is there to do? Try to:
Tip #1: Celebrate the accomplishment of completing the interview.
Regardless of the outcome, you have reason to be proud! You used these interview tips for teachers to get well on your way to the career of your dreams, whether it’s this job or another. (If you decide this position/company wasn’t for you, think of this experience as practice for your eventual dream job.)
Tip #2: Take time to reflect on your experience and jot down notes.
No matter how the interview went, reflecting will help you gain clarity and confidence going into the next interview.
Were there any unexpected questions?
Was there something that came to mind that elicited a positive response?
How did you feel during the interview?
If you’re disappointed or wish it would’ve gone differently, feel those feelings. But then investigate further… Was it the right fit? Did you get centered beforehand? Did you think of examples to share? Do you need other ways to describe your experience?
Tip #3: Remember to have a growth mindset.
Mastering the art of interviews is an ongoing skill that you’ll refine and get better at along the way. Try to see each interview as a learning opportunity, and remember that we often learn the most by failing. Keep this in mind with any uncomfortable or unsuccessful interviews.
Tip #4: Think of each interview as another step in the journey (rather than the final destination).
You never know where that step will lead, and it is truly an adventure. Above all, every interview is a chance to make connections and gain skills. Be open to the possibilities that may come from this interview or the next one. There are so many different kinds of flexible jobs in education - the sky is truly the limit!
Wondering how to land an interview as a teacher leaving the classroom?
Sometimes the hardest part of interviewing for non-teaching jobs for teachers is actually getting the interview.
Remember not to self-reject as you’re applying for positions. Check out our past articles about “3 Tips to Stand Out During the Job Hunt” and “Unpacking Education Job Postings for Teachers Outside the Classroom.”
Looking for more guidance? Sign up for the Beyond the Classroom course, designed to support you in finding and landing flexible jobs in education.
In the course, you’ll get support to assess your skills and create impactful resumes and cover letters. After gaining clarity about your skills, you’ll learn more about how to present your experience to help you land an interview and get hired outside of the classroom.
As always, you can contact Educator Forever with any questions!