to discouraged

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Home : 2001 : August : 21

to discouraged
By j

I have to agree with Jenny and several other posters a little further down on the board. Take charge of your attitude! We know it is frustrating and discouraging--for many of us it took a few years to get a job, and we had
to find ways to compensate in the interim. Some of us subbed, some of us took aide positions, some of us worked in alternate fields. Granted, it wasn't the job we wanted, it wasn't the pay we wanted, etc., but it did give us a chance to build some life experiences and network ourselves to schools. I think you may have to refocus your job approach. In an earlier post, I suggested that

you write back to us and list 5 positive qualities that an interviewer would like about you---please take the time to do so--maybe we could help you overcome your nervousness during interviews that way. You must have a hidden quality that will spark an interviewer's interest and open the conversation naturally. Fill us in-- I am sure we can help. Also, think about how you answer the interviewer's questions--are you not confident in your answers? Do you sound too much like the textbook answer? Do you let your experiences show through? I am serious--type us a few of your responses about discipline, teaching methods, classroom management, etc. Maybe we can help you to refine your answers or clue you into some buzz words that interviewers are looking for.
Tell us a little about yourself--what type of job are you looking for (elementary, intermediate, content area?), what are your interests, what outside talent can you bring to the district, etc. Tell us how you interact during an interview--do you bring a portfolio--sometimes it is easier to have something in your hand to refer to as you interview--don't wait for an opportunity to show it, take charge and use it during your interview--for example, when asked about discipline, immediately turn to your management plan in your portfolio and start talking. It is amazing how less nervous people are when they have something to refer to during the interview process--trust me, I have interviewed many candidates--the ones who show me something prepared, well-written, they leave an impression in my mind more than the ones who just talk. Nervousness in action and words can be alleviated by a presentation on paper, so think about it. Would using a portfolio to guide your interview ease your nervousness? Also, ask for a tour of the building either after your interview or at a later date or even a few days before your interview. The casual conversation that happens when you walk through a building with an interviewer will enlighten him/her into your personality and teaching style. Let something guide you through the process, whether it is a portfolio, a conversation about your interests, a tour of the building, etc. Try something different--the worst that can happen is you never see these people again. The best that can happen is you get a job. So, I am very serious when I say, write back to us and fill us in about you and what you are doing. Let us help you in any way we can and maybe when you go on your next job interview, you will feel more confident, self-assured, and ready to knock them dead!