some (hopefully) answers

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some (hopefully) answers
By Newbie

* How long does an interview typically take? I'd like to have an idea so as not to waste their time....I have five interviewing me for three positions (Prek, K, and 2nd)and also wonder if they ask questions pertinent to ALL
the grades I am interviewing for (which could take longer I guess)
- The interviews I've been to have lasted from 30 minutes to an hour. The ones with more people are longer, and it really depends on how many questions they ask. Since you're interviewing for 3 different grade levels, I would think that they'll ask more questions, therefore making the interview last longer.
* How

long before one hears about whether or not they were considered? Would it be okay to ask that question at the end and frame it like I have other applications 'out' and really feel this is my prime choice?

- I wouldn't ask anything about whether or not you're being considered, and don't tell them that their you're first choice for a job. If you tell them you REALLY want to work there, they may pay you less (unless they have a pay scale, I guess); instead, let them know how excited you are to work there and what you like about the school.

* Do they call references before or after the interview? You know, I have EXCELLENT ones, but I have been reading A TON of horror stories in the archives about how people were offered the job and then had it taken from them days later b/c of a bad reference! I have letters from the people who told me to use them as my reference so hopefully no lying will be happening!

- If you have good letters, then I would think people would give good references in person/over the phone too. For my last job, they had talked to my references right before they interviewed me, but I've been to some interviews where I don't think they even contacted references.

* If I make it to the next step, what is it? Do I have another interview with the board, teach a sample lesson, etc? OR, does it depend on the district?

- It depends on the district. I can't remember who all you're interviewing with this time, but if it's at the district level (with HR), then you'll probably meet with principals. If it's with principals, then you'll probably teach a lesson and/or meet with the grade level teachers.