How to have a successful telephone interview!

Schools, as a rule, will have read your resume/CV, references and listened to your pre-recorded interview before they contact Bluewave to organise a more formal discussion with you. At this time, we will call you immediately to arrange a suitable time for the interview to be carried out.

Interviewing over the telephone can be difficult as you do not have the benefit of meeting your interviewer directly and gauging facial expressions or body language. There is also the possibility that you may be on speakerphone for other colleagues to listen in/take part in the interview. Therefore it is essential to speak up and express yourself clearly.

Top tips for you to employ to ensure you complete a successful telephone interview:

1. Be on time to take the call
2. Take 10 to 15 minutes to focus on the upcoming conversation before the interviewer calls.
3. Always make sure that you are in a quiet place without distractions-one where you can speak freely.
4. Always have a copy of your CV/resume in front of you. Many times the interviewer will ask you questions in reference to career history or projects detailed on your resume.
5. When asked a questions, try to give tangible examples from your own experiences
6. Research the school - go on to their website, read their latest OfSTED report www.ofsted.gov.uk
7. Always know with whom you will be speaking, as well as that person's title and functional responsibility.
8. Vary the intonation of your voice
9. Sound enthusiastic about the school
10. Always have a list of questions - what is your whole school approach to classroom management? What extra curricular activities do you offer? What is a typical day like?
11. Be positive from beginning to end
12. Create a strong finish by proposing to the interviewer some well prepared questions.
13. Finish your interview by reaffirming your interest in the position

Example interview questions you may be asked:

1. What is your approach to classroom management?
2. Why did you become a teacher?
3. Give me an example of a good lesson, explaining why it was a success
4. Give me an example of a lesson that did not go well, explaining what you learnt from this experience
5. Why do you want to teach in the UK?
6. How do you pitch a lesson to ensure it is suitable for all attainment levels?
7. Have you ever had to make a 'boring' topic seem interesting and accessible? How?