Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time but don’t worry, you’re at the right place! These 10 Tips will ensure you are fully prepared before your interview and pass for your dream teaching job!
 1.   Research the School
The most important step for any job interview, you need to know everything about the organisation from A-Z. There’s plenty of sites you can check out, the school’s website, job sites (Glassdoor, Indeed) and social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, You Name It!).
This is also, for your benefit to know where you will be going; what type of school it is and the advantages you can gain from it.
 2.   Research the location
It is vital to research on the location to gain information about the country, city and the culture. This way you are well informed in the type of area you will be in, the type of culture and you can find basic information such as what type of food is available – halal, vegetarian, vegan, etc. This will allow you to be sure about your decision.
You want to be fully flexible, have complete knowledge of the country as many due experience culture shock resulting in changing their mind.
 3.   Read the job description carefully and be prepared
You want to ensure you have what the school wants for a certain teaching position or you will not be considered qualified for the role. Focus on the mandatory requirements; make sure you have the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience required by the school.
This tells you everything the school is looking for, and in the interview make sure to talk about these topics as this will increase your chances of getting your dream teaching job!
 4.   Know your CV
A lot of the candidates are not able to match their CV which is the worst thing during the interview. You want to ensure your CV is full description of yourself with accurate profile description, education & qualifications, teaching history, interest/hobbies and references as if it doesn’t match you will be not considered for the position.
Be honest and be yourself, don’t lie! As you may come across questions from the employer and hesitate to answer, resulting in looking unprofessional and unreliable; and references will be checked.
 5.   Be friendly but aware
Be professional at all time no matter who it is, whether it’s the receptionist, anyone showing you around or eating lunch with you as you may never know who that person is, it could be the principal. Remember at the end of the day, they’re all watching how you behave!
 6.   Dress Smart
Dress in smart impeccable attire, preferably a brand-new outfit that is comfortable and teacher appropriate. If it’s a video interview, ensure the background is plain – no cats and dogs running around. No jewellery, no bright colours, no strong scents, no crazy hairstyles, polished shoes and cover up any tattoos or piercings. Make sure you are well groomed – this will boost your confidence!
 7.   Attend before given time
At least Arrive 30 minutes before your interview, without any rush or getting late due to weather conditions, traffic delays. Plan your journey well; give yourself more than enough time as they say, ‘First Impression is your Last Impression’.
 8.   Practice a Mock Interview
Your consultant will run a mock interview with you to be fully prepared and you may come across a topic that you need to work on to be 100% prepared and ready for an official interview. This will help you plan and come up with points you need to work on to stand out from other candidates and perform well on your interview.
Consultants at SeekTeachers are very helpful; experts in what they do – you’re safe in their hands. They will help prepare you for the interview and provide you with excellent tips; any information on school and interviewers to nail your interview!
 9.   Prepare few questions
This will be good to discuss at the end of the interview regarding the position, department or the school. Do not ask questions on salary package! It can come across inflexible and your consultant will discuss the salary package beforehand.
Questions shouldn’t be too many and don’t have to be regarding your position but can be about the school such as, ‘Where do you see this school in the next 5 years?’.
10. Don’t be intimidated by the interviewer and the opposer
There’s nothing to be afraid of, at the end of the day, you are being interviewed so they can see if you’re suitable and hire you for the position. This is where you impress the interviewer; be confident and sell yourself! The other candidates are not guaranteed job over you, this is your time to shine and get your dream teaching job!