Interviews are probably the most nerve-wracking part of the job application process, but try to think of it as your time to shine. After all, you will be talking about yourself and no one knows you better than yourself!
Sample Interview Questions
Here are some questions I have been asked before in my music job interviews. While some are directly related to music positions, many of these apply to other subject areas and roles too. Try to find specific examples that you can use and be prepared to elaborate on them.
- Go through some of your experiences to date.
- What approach do you use in teaching music?
- What instruments do you play?
- How do you see yourself fitting in with our after school music ensembles program?
- What are your personal views on music education?
- What does a typical lesson look like in your program?
- Tell me about the best lesson you’ve ever had.
- What does differentiation look like in your classroom?
- How do you encourage or guide students to grow and move on from where they are?
- How do you assess student learning and understanding?
- What curriculum/s do you have experience with?
- Describe the ways you have involved yourself in the school/wider community.
- What is an example of a difficult situation you have been in at work and how did you manage/overcome it?
- Describe a challenging behaviour management situation you have experienced and how you handled it.
- What do you want to work at our school?
- For international teaching positions – Why do you want to work in this city/country?
- Questions related to your CV/resume so be prepared to expand on points you wrote.
- Child-protection related questions (I have heard this is becoming more and more common)
Also, in my last job interview, I was asked to do a demo lesson. This was definitely a first for me but don’t be surprised if this is thrown in the mix!
Questions to ask in your interview
I think one thing people often forget is that interviews are a two-way street. It is also your chance to find out whether or not the position is right for you, so you should be asking questions. Here are some that I have asked in the past, but modify them and/or include your own ones relevant to your situation. What do you want to know or find out that you can’t from their school website?
- How often do students have music class and for how long?
- What is the concert and/or performance program like?
- What are the music facilities like/what resources are available?
- What do you think are the strengths of the current music program and how would you like to see it develop or improve?
- What are your expectations of me as the music teacher?
- What professional development opportunities can I expect?
- What would be one of the biggest challenges I might face in my role?
- Here’s an interesting questions one interviewee asked during an interview I conducted – On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy working at your school and why?
What not to ask
Salary, benefits, holidays, things that should be obvious from their school website. Basically anything that gives off a negative impression or might suggest that you’re in it for the wrong reasons.
Also, try not to ask things that are too specific or irrelevant. You can go into specifics if or when you’re offered the position.
What to wear
I believe that what you wear plays a big role in how you feel. Make sure your attire is professional but comfortable at the same time. If you feel good in what you wear, this will help boost your confidence.
Try also to incorporate a bit of your personality into it, whether it’s a certain accessory or tie. This could be one thing that helps you stand out from other candidates.
Finally, whether you’re having an in-person or virtual interview, I recommend dressing up your top and bottom half. I say this because I have heard stories before from colleagues who only dressed up their top half which lead to awkward moments when they needed to get up during the interview. Besides avoiding potentially embarrassing moments, dressing up from top to bottom will help you get fully in the zone, kind of like wearing a work uniform.
Online interviews
All the school interviews I’ve done were via Skype or Zoom. Here are some tips based on my experiences:
- Test your internet connection
- Test your sound and camera
- Check the angle and lighting
- Prepare your surroundings. Make sure you will be comfortable and that your background is not cluttered or messy.
- Have a backup plan. In case the internet doesn’t work properly on the day, think about what your Plan B is.
- Have some water next to you.
- Use sticky notes. For some interviews, I have written key words on post-it notes and stuck them around the edge of my computer screen to serve as reminders or prompts.
- Have a pen and notebook ready. I personally thing this is a nicer way of taking notes during an interview than typing on the computer.
- Avoid disruptions. This includes closing apps or programs that may distract you or make sounds, securing any pets away from your interview space, and telling people you live with ahead of time about the interview.
- Be ready early. If the interviewers don’t run on time, don’t panic or send messages to check (unless of course a long time goes by). If they said they will be there, trust that they will be there.
What to do if you don’t get the job.
I know from personal experience that if you don’t get the job you felt really passionate or confident about, it can be extremely disappointing and upsetting.
But, don’t give up! And definitely don’t blame yourself. Instead, allow yourself to feel what you feel, and then move on. Focus on the positives and think about ways that you can continue improving yourself and/or your job application so that you are ready when your time comes.
Final tips
- Do your homework. Research as much as you can about the school and make relevant/specific references in the interview. This will show the recruiter that you’ve put in the effort and have a genuine interest in their school. It will also help you avoid wasting questions about things you could’ve found out on your own.
- Practice. I found that my saying my responses out loud and writing points down really helped me to become more confident and feel more prepared.
- Be yourself. Staying true to yourself is the best way for candidates and schools to find the right fit for each other.
- Smile! A genuine smile can do wonders like making a good first impression and it might even help to calm your nerves.
Good luck!
