Interview Strategies that Work: How to Get the Job You Want

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Interview Strategies that Work How to Get the
Job You Want

• Jill M. Sullivan, Ph.D.
• Arizona State University
• January 13, 2007
• Arizona Music Educators
• 71st In-service Conference
• Mesa

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Introductions

• University of Toledo study reported that most job
  interviewees have 30 seconds to make their
  impression on their interviewer.

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What to Do to Make a Good First Impression

• Nonverbal communication is key
• Firm handshake
• Toothy smile
• Eye contact
• Breaking eye contact is fine, but dont look
  down.
• Make eye contact with all members of the
  interview committee.
• Sitting - lean slightly forward
• Personal grooming

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Quotes from Music Interviewees

• I would say the number one thing that hires new
  teachers is personality! How you come across
  during your first impression is critical.
• Your transcripts, portfolio, and references are
  very important, but if an interviewer does not
  like what they see at first glance, you wont
  have a chance! Be energetic!

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What to Wear

• According to a survey by American Career
  Executives given to recruiters, fatal mistakes in
  an interview include someone poorly dressed or
  someone with bad hygiene.
• Dress more formal than your typical work day.
• A suit is a winner!
• Men tie and jacket with nice pressed slacks and
  polished shoes are fine
• Women jacket with slacks, skirt, dress,
  pantyhose, polished shoes, closed-toe

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Quote from Music Interviewee

• Even though you may want an elementary
  position, dress as though you are interviewing to
  be CEO of a large company. Every time I wore my
  power suit, I was called back for a second
  interview.

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What to Take into an Interview

• Notepad and pen
• Small briefcase
• Portfolio
• Extra copies of your résumé, reference letters,
  and transcripts

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First Impressions on Paper

• Applications
• Letters (inquiry,cover, follow-up)
• Résumé
• Clear, clean format
• No mistakes
• Laser printed
• Cotton or linen paper with matching envelopes

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First Impressions with People

• Peers
• Faculty Members
• Field-Experience/Observation Mentors
• Student-Teaching Mentors

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Interview Portfolio

• Résumé
• Letters of recommendation
• List of references
• Sample lesson plans with video
• Recital CD
• Video clip with you conducting at a concert
• Classroom rules
• Instructional strategies
• Programs (recital, concerts, student teaching)
• Photographs (professional and personal)
• Philosophy statement
• Student work
• Example of tests
• Rubrics
• Handbook
• Special skills (bi-lingual, Orff certification,
  computer skills)
• Judges comments from large-group festival
• Awards

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Electronic Portfolio

• Burn a CD or give a web address
• Leave CD with the interviewer
• Demonstrates you have technology skills

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What to Say

• According to a survey given to recruiters by an
  executive search firm, another common mistake in
  interviews was people being unprepared.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions.
• Write answers down.
• Practice answering questions out loud.
• Be positive and pleasant.
• Ask questions.

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Questions Asked Most Frequently in Music Teacher
Interviews

• Classroom Management/Discipline
• Teaching and Learning
• Philosophy

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Think in Fives

• 5 intelligent questions to ask
• 5 key points about your background
• 5 interesting points about the school and/or job

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Things to Avoid Saying

• Wait to mention money until the job has been
  offered.
• Avoid negativity toward previous employers or any
  negativity at all.
• Keep your answers short and cogent.
• According to the survey given to the recruiters,
  too much talk was the biggest mistake in
  interviews.

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Types of Interviews

• Screening Interview
• Committees
• One-on-One

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How to Handle Your Nerves

• Be prepared.
• Give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
• Take your time giving a response.
• Act confident regardless of how you feel inside.
• Practice interviewing.
• Try to avoid nervous ticks.
• Getting an interview should be a confidence
  builder. Remember the school called you for an
  interview!

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Mock Interviews

• Ask your mentor teacher and/or a principal to
  give you a mock interview.
• Ask your college supervisor to set this up in
  your student-teaching seminar. Give them the
  questions from my handout.
• Have your local CMENC chapter invite in an
  administrator or local supervisor of music and
  have a panel discussion about interviewing
  strategies.

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Turning Down a Job Tactfully

• Respond in 48 hours.
• Express your appreciation.
• Praise the school district.
• Position didnt match your career goals.
• Indicate how difficult this decision was.

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Top 10 Things Never to Do in an Interview
See interview handout
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Contact Me!

• Jill.Sullivan_at_asu.edu
• www.public.asu.edu/jmsulli/courses.htm
• Ask me follow-up questions or concerns about
  interviewing.
• Share with me questions you were asked that
  werent on my handout.
• Share with me your interview experiences.
• Let me know what part of this workshop was most
  useful to you.