David Barfield job interview thoughts
March 2007. Advice to my girls as they prepare for teaching interviews.
Work hard on your resume. It is the first thing they will see and may be the only thing if not done well.
What are they looking for:
- Credentials are important. So work hard in school. Work hard on your resume.
- They want someone who will get along and work with others. Demonstrate it somehow (might be one of your key messages to map, see below)
Preparing for the interview
- Sit down and write a list of questions you would expect and how you will answer them (after your interviews, add to the list and think about it). This will allow you to get the best answer, enhancing your presentation but also helping them know you.
- Message mapping – What are the three things (or so) that you want to make sure they hear from you. Work on defining this. You will say it multiple times in your interview so word it was well as you can. Likely you will use them in the wrap up question.
- Write a list of your questions to them – You are there to interview them as much as they are there to interview you. They are only going to hire one person for the position and you are only going to take one position. So write down what you want to know.
Questions they are likely to be asked:
- What else would you like to tell us about you, your qualifications? The sum up question. Tell them your message map.
- Why are you seeking this position?
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- How would you handle the ____ situation
At interviews:
- Look sharp. But you don’t have to over do it. Your dress is not going to get you a job by itself.
- Be comfortable but not casual.
- Be confident but not cocky.
- Be enthusiastic but not fake.
- It is critical to be credible, truthful.
- Be distinctive but not strange. Think about your uniquenesses. Try to give them more than just the pat answer they are expecting.
- Answer every question. If you don’t have direct experience related to there question, get as close as you can or come back to one of your message map points Example. I don’t have any experience in that are but … I have demonstrated the ability to …
- Make sure you understand the question. You can ask them to repeat it if you like (not every question). Take your time answering if you need it, esp for the hard questions (not every question).
Answering hard questions:
- Listen to the question carefully. Take your time answering.
- It is ok to say you don’t know, if you don’t know.
Prepare but trust – You can’t anticipate everything. Relax and have fun, do you best and trust the God.