How to Prepare for a Middle School Job Interview

Make a good impression at your middle school job interview.

Interviewing for a middle school job is an exhilarating and nerve-wracking process. With a little preparation, though, you will be on your way to a satisfying career working in a middle school.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of resume
• Copy of school district application
• List of references
• List of questions to ask

Instructions

1. Create a portfolio to take to the interview if appropriate. If you are a new college graduate, you can include some of the essays or lesson plans you wrote for your degree. If you are already in the education field, include samples of materials you created. Other items to include, if available, are a copy of your resume, a copy of the school district application, your transcripts, award certificates, letters from references, photographs of your classroom or of you working with students, student work and/or anything else that provides a visual representation of your accomplishments as a teacher. You should also include any specific documentation showing previous work with middle school students.

2. 

   Ask previous employers to send a letter of reference on your behalf.

   Ask your references to send letters to the school district on your behalf. It is best if these arrive before the interview and give additional information to the person who will interview you.

3. 

   Visit the school before your interview if possible.

   Learn about the district and community where you will interview. In an interview, you will likely be asked how you would relate to the student body. It is helpful to have a general sense for the type of school it is and the type of students you might have so you'll be able to describe how you would fit in.

4. Research the middle school's format before your interview. Some districts use a "middle school" concept, which involves team teaching and special groupings of the student populations. Other schools function more like a traditional junior high school. Become knowledgeable about the district's format.

5. Find out the district's strengths. Is the district known for its sports program? Does it have a good academic reputation? This kind of information will help you make small talk with the interviewer or answer the inevitable question you might be asked: "Why are you applying at our school district?" It never hurts to tell the principal or interviewer how impressed you are with his district.

6. Investigate the district's challenges. If the district is in a high-poverty area or has documented academic problems, the principal will likely ask you how you would face such challenges. Before your interview, think of a clear answer to such a question, and be able to describe in detail how you would meet these challenges. If you have specific experience working in similar conditions, be prepared to describe your experiences.

7. Consider your own strengths as a teacher. What have you accomplished? What type of teacher are you? What are your passions? Plan how you could make these known to your interviewer during the interview. The more specific you can be about any of your attributes or experiences, the better. The interviewer will be less interested in what you think you can accomplish and more interested in what you have already done.

8. Practice answering common interview questions. Some examples are: Why have you chosen to enter this profession? What experience have you had in a similar position? Where do you see yourself in five years?

9. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member. This will give you a chance to think on your feet before the actual interview. Become comfortable answering a wide range of questions.

10. Learn the principal or interviewer's name and its proper pronunciation. Nothing is more embarrassing than mispronouncing an important name.

11. 

    Wear proper attire to make a good first impression.

    Buy a proper outfit for the interview. Looking professional is a key part of the interview. You will be partially judged on your appearance. Your interview outfit should be slightly dressier than the clothing you would wear to work at the middle school.

12. 

    It is time to look your best.

    Groom your hair and fingernails. Now is the time for a haircut or manicure.

13. Research the route to the interview. You want to be on time. Getting lost and being late will not make a good impression.

14. 

    Confidence is an important part of any interview.

    Build a positive mindset. Know that you have something special to share with the school district then calmly, clearly and confidently communicate this at the interview.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know anyone who works for the school district where you interview, ask if she is willing to put in a good word for you.

• Turn off your cellphone before the interview.

References

• Northwestern State University: Middle School Concept
• Indiana University Undergraduate Career Services: Common Interview Questions