Some will spend hours cramming tomes of information just in case they are asked something obscure, while others will simply wear their best smile and hope that luck is on their side. But somewhere in between these contrasting approaches, you should find the right way to prepare successfully for interview.

The job specification is the key that will provide you with the framework for interview preparation. Ignore it at your peril! You used it well in your job application where you demonstrated through real-life examples ways that you meet each specific criterion. And now you must do it all again but this time instead of writing short sentences about it, you will be discussing this with your interviewers. So what kind of approach should you take in readiness for this? Here are some tips:

• Think of two or three work examples for each criterion on the job specification that you can talk about in detail. If you have evidence, such as lesson plans or evaluations related to this bring it along and ask if they would like to see it.
• But remember not to take too much with you, just a few select examples.
• Be clear about what you actually achieved in these tasks in relation to the job specification criteria; make some notes but nothing extensive.
• It’s easy to go off track, so make sure you keep returning to the job spec to keep focused.
• Be aware of relevant initiatives and legislation e.g. Disability Discrimination Act, Every Child Matters, Education Act etc so that you are able to summarise the main points.
• Be willing to talk about any continuing professional development courses and the impact on your practice
• Think about your approach to behaviour management and summarise this
• Think about how you include and provide for special needs children 

Scott Owen, Senior Executive of Protocol Education, a leading teacher recruitment agency, suggests five ‘do’s and don’ts’ for interview:

Do: 

• Arrive on time, and look the part 
• Relax, smile and enjoy yourself 
• If you are asked to prepare a trial lesson, stick with something tried and tested. Now is not the time to experiment.
• Make sure all of your responses are succinct and to the point. 
• Do ask questions

Don’t: 

• Criticise the school 
• Talk too much or offer too many controversial opinions on education and behaviour 
• Don’t cover up the truth, you could be exposed 
• Don’t take too many examples of work with you
• Don’t feel you have to accept every job offered – Take some time to decide, but not too long!

“As well as all of this, you must not forget to read the last Ofsted report and plan your route to the school so that you arrive in good time,” adds Mr Owen.

On a final note, remember that the school believes that you could be the right person for the job, so have confidence, be yourself and do well.

What is your top tip to prepare for interviews?  Let us know jennifer.beckles@tes.co.uk

Links:
Find out about the latest government initiatives http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/educationoverview/
Dress to impress: the interview http://www.tes.co.uk/2587953