ECTs – Preparing for your first teaching interviews

ECTs – Preparing for your first teaching interviews

Getting ready for your upcoming teaching interviews may feel overwhelming. What questions will they ask? Will you leave a positive impression? Don’t fret; we’ve got you covered with our expert tips for interview preparation!

Feeling nervous before the interview is normal but thorough preparation and having all the necessary information will boost your confidence. Whether you succeed or not, every experience is valuable and contributes to better readiness for the next opportunity!

To help you prepare, we gathered top tips from ECTs we work with :

1. Research the school’s strengths, ethos, and community involvement. Check out their website or social media – many schools are on x.com (Twitter!)
2. Review inspection reports to understand the school’s performance and areas for improvement. You can find all reports by visiting https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/
3. Refresh your knowledge on safeguarding and recall relevant experiences. You will most certainly be asked questions on this.
4. Dedicate time to creating a comprehensive lesson plan showcasing your teaching style and creativity. If you would like our guide to help you plan, please email community@visionteaching.co.uk
5. Anticipate common interview questions and prepare concise, evidence-backed responses. Think about your experience and the areas you feel most confident showcasing your successes.
6. Develop thoughtful questions to demonstrate your interest in the school and role. A good one can simply be, ‘What do you enjoy most about working at your school?’.
7. Dress professionally, offer a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact during the interview.
8. Speak clearly and with enthusiasm, providing evidence of your teaching approach.
9. And finally, try to relax and enjoy the experience! 

Good luck! 

To learn about roles at Vision Teaching in schools across London, please email community@visionteaching.co.uk and we’ll be in touch 🙂