INTERVIEW THREAD

Everyone interviewing, post your stories here, share ideas, tips, DOs and DONTs.

Silly question

For professional letters of ref, do you need originals for each interview?

Ive had several written already since last year, and one person gave me a few copies (with original/ink signature on each). But I feel terrible asking these people to send me a bunch...

What's the etiquette for this ?

And anyone have a good checklist on what to have ready if you got a call for an interview for tomorrow?

Copies of Certification, Resume, Cover letter. portfolios anyone?

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Anyone else have interview questions please feel free to jump in

Message edited 10/10/2007 6:52:05 PM.

Re: INTERVIEW THREAD

great thread!!! thank god i don't need it, but good luck to all!

i would say you do NOT need copies of references at any interview. i always put the names and contact info. of all my references as the last page of my resume. under that i wrote: "Written references and observation reports available upon request."

I have never had them ask for written references at an interview. they usually just call your references to follow up if they're interested or they will ask you if they need them.

that said, i would have a copy or two handy just in case, and make sure your best letters of reference and/or lesson observation reports are part of your portfolio.

Also, the portfolio is a great idea. i interviewed a lot 3-4 years ago, and they NEVER asked to see a portfolio. it really all depends. the district i'm in now didn't even ask for a demo. lesson all i did was one panel interview in May and was offered the job. it's so hard to say what they want because i know a lot of people do prepare a portfolio and many are asked for a demo. lesson. Every district is different. but, be prepared either way with a strong resume and an even stronger cover letter.... make them want to read your resume. i had more questions thrown at me at interviews from my cover letter than my resume.

Re: INTERVIEW THREAD

Karen- thanks for all the feedback

now as far as cover letters, although I LOVE to ramble on and on in conversation in general Im really NOT much of a "salesperson" AT ALL.
and I hate the thought of "trying so hard" to sell myself

What's a "layout" of a cover letter (or a website to get some )
I mention my experiences, being bilingual and a few other general things, but sometimes I feel like it's all a bunch of BS that they dont wanna hear

I feel like the impression in person, YOU YOURSELF are what gets the job..

Any good cover letter tips ?

thanks again

Re: INTERVIEW THREAD

I have a MINI-portfolio I bring with me with copies of everything.

Cover letter- Emphasize the fact that you are bilingual, energetic, enthusiastic, and organzied.

My cover letter is short and sweet. But then again, I don't have a job

Maybe you shouldn't take my advice

Re: INTERVIEW THREAD

mikeswife, I appreciate any advice, dont be silly

Re: INTERVIEW THREAD

Posted by anna

Karen- thanks for all the feedback

now as far as cover letters, although I LOVE to ramble on and on in conversation in general Im really NOT much of a "salesperson" AT ALL.
and I hate the thought of "trying so hard" to sell myself

What's a "layout" of a cover letter (or a website to get some )
I mention my experiences, being bilingual and a few other general things, but sometimes I feel like it's all a bunch of BS that they dont wanna hear

I feel like the impression in person, YOU YOURSELF are what gets the job..

Any good cover letter tips ?

thanks again