Screening: The purpose of a screening interview is to eliminate unqualified candidates who do not meet the requirements for the position or who would not be a good fit with the organization.

Telephone: Often used in the screening process to determine if the employer wants to invite you to interview on-site. Keys to successful telephone interviews:

• Give the interview your complete attention.
• Treat a phone interview as though you are interviewing in person (be professional, get dressed, etc.).
• Have your résumé and a copy of the job description nearby.
• The employer cannot see your body language; therefore, it is important to communicate your enthusiasm through your words and tone of voice. Stay confident, upbeat, and positive!

One-On-One: Standard type of interview, with one interviewer and one applicant. Your goal in this interview is to establish rapport with the interviewer and communicate your skills and qualifications, as well as your fit for the position/organization.

Group: This type of interview can include multiple interviewers and multiple applicants. It allows the interviewers the opportunity to observe your ability to “think on your feet” and interact in a group setting. The key to this type of interview is to make eye contact with each member of the group as you are speaking and do so in a relaxed and confident manner.

1. Analyze the Position. Review the job description so you understand the required job duties and qualifications. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and background fit the qualifications for the position. Be ready to communicate your interest in that particular grade, school, and district.
2. Research the School/District. Utilize the school/district web sites to learn all you can about the school. Use the school board minutes (typically posted on the district web site) to learn more about the school. Use personal contacts in the school/district to gain additional information.
3. Research the Industry/Career field. Learn about the issues or major news related to the career field.
4. Know Yourself. Clearly define your goals before the interview. Identify your skills, qualifications, experience. Know your strengths as a teacher and why you chose this profession. Be prepared to communicate these topics in a clear, concise manner.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice!!! Know your skills and qualifications and be prepared to talk about them. Use the list of frequently asked questions to help prepare. Schedule an appointment with the Education Career Services Office or MU Career Center for a mock interview to practice your interviewing skills and get feedback.
6. Attend an Interviewing Skills for Teachers Workshop hosted by Career Services to learn more about improving your interviewing skills.
7. Prepare your 60 Second Commercial. Use this strategy to answer the interview question “Tell me about yourself”, to introduce yourself at an education career fair, to network at a professional event, or to mingle at a party.
8. Map out directions to the interview site. If possible, do a trial run to determine what route you will take, how long the drive will be and where you will park.

Women

• WEAR A SUIT! Even though you might think you will never wear a suit again, you should still wear a suit. You may be surprised at how much use you will get out of that suit. Do not have a suit? It is time to buy one. Cannot afford a suit? Borrow one (as long as it properly fits!).
• Pant suit or skirt suit. If you choose to wear a skirt suit, make sure the skirt length is to your knees. In addition, if you wear a skirt be sure to wear skin-colored hosiery – no bare legs!
• Solid color button down shirt.
• Tasteful accessories (small earrings, one ring per hand maximum).
• Keep color-treated hair updated.
• Well-groomed fingernails. If you choose to wear fingernail polish, keep it a conservative color and be sure there are no chips in the polish.
• Makeup should be neat/refined.
• Polished, dress shoes.
• Remember to iron your clothes! If you do not have an iron, borrow one!
• Your scent should leave the room when you do, so go easy on the perfume.

Men

• WEAR A SUIT! Even though you might think you will never wear a suit again, you should still wear a suit. You may be surprised at how much use you will get out of that suit. Do not have a suit? It is time to buy one. Cannot afford a suit? Borrow one (as long as it properly fits!).
• Solid color button down shirt.
• Conservative tie. Avoid cartoon characters, less-than-serious graphics, or theme ties.
• No distracting jewelry.
• Socks must match pants.
• Hair length should be appropriate and hair should be clean and well groomed.
• Well trimmed facial hair.
• Polished, dress shoes. Make sure the color of your shoes matches the color of your belt.
• Remember to iron your clothes! If you do not have an iron, borrow one!
• Your scent should leave the room when you do, so go easy on the cologne.

1. Carry these items to the interview: several copies of your résumé on quality paper, copies of your references, professional looking portfolio to take notes following the interview and carry your résumés/references, directions to the interview site.
2. Leave these items at home: cell phones/pagers, friends/family, bad manners/negative attitude, gum.
3. Upon arrival: arrive 10-15 minutes before the interview, treat the receptionist with respect, check your appearance in the restroom, take along a breath mint, try to relax and take a few deep breaths.
4. Be aware of your disposition. Greet everyone you meet with a smile, good eye contact and a firm handshake. Always be aware of your nonverbal behavior. Maintain a relaxed, but professional posture and a positive tone of voice. Show excitement for the position.
5. Listen and relax! Enjoy the conversation and listen carefully by focusing and giving the interviewer your full attention.
6. Think before you speak. Before you answer a question: take a deep breath, organize your thoughts, understand the question, and clearly communicate your response.
7. It is ok to ask for a minute to think about a question. It is perfectly acceptable to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts before responding to a question. Simply say to the interviewer “May I have a minute to think about that?” Interviewers would rather you take a minute to think about your response and give a well thought out answer, rather than have you ramble on because you did not take enough time before responding. If you are really stumped on a question, it is acceptable to ask “Can we return to that question later?”
8. Be specific and give examples. Do not diminish past experiences. You can provide examples from a wide variety of experiences including: student teaching, academics, career-related experience, volunteer work, activities, etc. It adds to your credibility when you can give specific examples with a few strong points.
9. Be honest! Under NO circumstances is it ever acceptable to lie or make up an example. If you are struggling to come up with an answer, ask for a minute to think about the question or ask if you can come back to that particular question later.

For the Job Candidate

For the Interviewer

1. Collect business cards from each interviewer. This ensures you have the correct contact information if you have questions after the interview and so you can send a thank-you note.
2. Evaluate your performance. What parts of the interview went well? What parts need improvement? Be sure to address the areas for improvement to ensure that it goes better during the next interview.
3. Thank the interviewer. Always write a thank-you note to the interviewer. Send a letter within 1-2 days to each person you met with. If you are limited by time, an e-mail thank you is acceptable. This is your opportunity to remind the interviewer of your great qualities, share something you may have forgotten in the interview and again express your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Sample Thank You Letter