I managed to score an interview for an entry level lecturer position in my field (Education). I am delighted, this is my dream job and a stepping stone to a great career (PhD, research). I want this so, so badly. Having said that, I haven't interviewed for a job in over a decade, never in a formal setting like this (there's likely to be a selection panel) and I'm nervous. I want to do as much as possible to prepare myself, reduce my nerves and give myself the best chance of getting the job. I would love advice from you guys, both general, and specifically on:
-what kinds of q's will they ask?
-how to respond to q's like 'what are your weaknesses'?
-talking yourself up without sounding like you are bragging - I find this really awkward, and am likely to make a stupid joke if I don't prepare myself
- responding to q's around broad selection criteria (eg qualities that contribute to a positive and productive workplace, being a good teacher) - I'm a nice person and good at my job (teaching for a decade), but what kinds of specific examples should I be giving?
-what to wear? how formal? the uni is fairly casual compared to peer uni's (lecturers don't tend to wear suits). glasses or contacts? suit or dress or jacket/skirt? I'll need to buy something as most of my work clothes are appropriate enough for teaching but not high quality/impressive. I have really long hair that looks messy easily, I'll need to do something there.
-how do I not stuff this up!?!? I believe I would be really good at this job, and I would love the opportunity to do it.
Firstly: Convince yourself that you are a good candidate for the job. Then enter the interview with a straight posture and radiate your confidence in being a good candidate. Sit in an attentive posture during the interview and be interested in what they are telling your.
The questions they ask:
Tell us about yourself. Tell your career or education if you are young. And some personal things only if relevant. e.g. I move to this country/city in year x.
Why are you the right person for this job?
Can you work together with other people.
Can you work independently.
Do you get stressed easily?
What are you good qualities? Answer 3. Think of answering that you are a very organised person, or good with people/children/youngsters, whatever relevant. Tell the truth, but choose qualities that can be relevant to the job. Just name the qualities that separate you from the rest, but don't brag for 5 minutes about it. Maybe name the quality and perhaps name a short example.
You say that you are good at your job. Have you gotten good reviews? Do parents mention you to the school board in some positive way? Name that. Or do you manage to change certain kids from be demotivated to doing well at school? Find an example that shows what makes you a good teacher.
What are your bad qualities? Prepare to have to answer 2-3 things. Try to find things that are sort of true and could be seen as a little negative, but nothing that would be a problem for that particular the job. Like: "I am a bit of an introvert". "I am very direct". This is the hardest part, you don't want to lay out all your most negative things. Or something like "I am a bit nervous when flying, but I force myself to do it anyway." Then you show that you don't have a major issue.
Clothing: a little more formal that what you would expect to wear at the job. If they are very informal, just a nice jacket, combined with some decent trousers/skirt might be enough. Don't dress several grades more formal than what they wear, typically just one grade more formal. Nice shoes (polished). Contacts or glasses shouldn't make a difference. Do what makes you feel good and comfortable, as long as you have decent looking glasses. I think there is a saying that women might be taken more seriously when they wear glasses during an interview.
Long messy hair: wear a pony tail or get it cut so it doesn't look messy. You should look neat, but not outside your comfort sone, as that will add to your nervousness. On the other hand, looking good should give you confidence.
Just be confident and prepare all the questions you can think of. Google for possible questions. Take your time when answering them. Also be prepared for them to let you do a test while you are there (personality test, preparing a presentation during your interview, answering questions about the subject matter).
And be prepared that it is not only up to you. Just ensure that you will make a good impression, but in the end it is up to them and they can choose someone else for reasons outside your control. Therefore, also look for other jobs while waiting for the answer.
If you have a relevant question for the job, you could call them about it. That make them remember your name. But don't call them for irrelevant stuff. Also, when it takes time to get an answer, you might call to follow up. In general, if you don't get an answer fast, you are probably not the first choice candidate.