Interview Strategies that Work: How to Get the Job You

Want

Jill M. Sullivan, Ph.D.

Arizona State UniversityJanuary 13, 2007

Arizona Music Educators

71st In-service Conference

Mesa

Introductions

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

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 don’t look down.Make eye contact with all members of the interview committee.

Sitting - lean slightly forward Personal grooming

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 won’t have a chance! Be energetic!

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

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.”

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

First Impressions with People Peers Faculty Members Field-Experience/Observation Mentors Student-Teaching Mentors

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

Electronic Portfolio

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

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.

Questions Asked Most Frequently in Music Teacher Interviews

Classroom Management/Discipline Teaching and Learning Philosophy

Think in Fives 5 intelligent questions to ask 5 key points about your background 5 interesting points about the school

and/or job

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.

Types of Interviews Screening Interview Committees One-on-One

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!

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.

Turning Down a Job Tactfully Respond in 48 hours. Express your appreciation. Praise the school district. Position didn’t match your career goals. Indicate how difficult this decision was.

Top 10 Things Never to Do in an Interview

See interview handout

Contact Me! Jill.Sullivan@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

weren’t on my handout. Share with me your interview experiences. Let me know what part of this workshop was

most useful to you.