SHINE THROUGH AT INTERVIEW! (source: Teachernet)

You've won yourself an interview, but after the care and time spent on completing the application forms and crafting that all-important supporting statement, make sure you do yourself justice. By keeping a few points in mind it is — believe it or not — possible to enjoy the time you spend at a school for an interview.

An interview is not simply a chance for a school to select a teacher from a group of candidates. It is a chance for you to select a school that will be well enough equipped to support you — especially if this is to be your first teaching post and you will be going through your induction period. This is a make-or-break year and effective professional development could make all the difference as you launch your career.

Once you have received an invitation to an interview, take time to prepare in order to give yourself the best possible opportunity for success:   

If you are as sure as you can be that this is a school in which you might like to work, accept the invitation as soon as possible.

Be sure to eat well before the big day to ensure that your blood sugar levels don't fluctuate wildly, and if ever you feel anxiety rising, do some deep breathing.

Plan your route to the school and buy any tickets for public transport in advance to save time on the day.

Keep up to date with the big issues in education by visiting websites such as TeacherNet, the DfES, Eteach, Education Unlimited and the BBC. 

Take a look through the Hay-McBer study into teacher effectiveness on TeacherNet. This will give you some good ideas and background information for some of the questions you may be asked.

 What to wear? It's worth putting time into considering what will make you most at ease on the day. If possible avoid wearing a brand-new outfit just in case it's not as comfortable as it seemed when you tried it on. 

It's not always necessary to wear a suit but your look should certainly be smart. Trousers are acceptable for women, as are toning separates. Wear a jacket in order to look like you've made an effort.

Pay attention to finer details such as hair and nails.

Be moderate in your use of accessories. You don't want anything to distract from your skills, abilities and appropriateness for the job.

Above all, remain optimistic. Someone will get this job and there's no reason why that can't be you!

Your portfolio A portfolio is a great way of adding weight to what you say in an interview by offering something concrete for interviewers to draw information from.

An A3 folder with plastic inner pockets is a good format to use.

Include items that reflect the breadth of your experience such as photos of displays you have developed, examples of pupils' work and your assessment of it and examples of your short-term and medium-term planning. 

On the day

Once the big day has arrived, let all your anxieties go and aim to enjoy the experience. You'll give yourself the best chance of success if you can harness your confidence and go for it!

Remember that all conversations you have on the day with school personnel and even with pupils could be reported back to the head.

Make a mental note of those people you are introduced to on the day. You should meet at least everyone you will be expected to work closely with, especially members of the senior management team and your immediate line manager. You may also have the chance to meet your induction tutor.

If you meet other candidates, don't regard them as the enemy. Interact when you get the chance as this will almost certainly ease nerves. 

Body talk What secrets will you give away with your body language? While it's important to appear natural, do be aware that certain postures can give distinct messages. 

A relaxed posture when seated is best. Don't cross your arms or legs as this can appear defensive and protective.

Be aware of any habits you have such as chewing on nails, drumming your fingers or jigging your legs. All of these actions reveal that you are suffering from nerves.

Maintain eye contact when listening and responding to questions. If, as is most likely, you are interviewed by more than one person, don't miss anyone out.

Avoid fiddling with your hair or clothing.

Don't forget to smile: the panel needs to see that you are personable and friendly.    

Questions, questions& The questions you are asked and the ones you pose yourself will be the opportunity for the panel to gain valuable information about you. Above all, show enthusiasm in your responses. Think about your tone of voice and don't be afraid to express your passion for the job.

If you are unsure how to respond to a question, ask the questioner to repeat it. This will buy you time and ensure that you answer the question asked.

Avoid colloquial language.

Answer questions honestly and if you really don't know what response you should give, say so.

Be aware of the difference between closed questions and open questions. The former usually require one word or phrase answers. For example, 'How long have you lived in the area?'. The latter will require you to give more detailed answers but remember, it's better to be concise than to ramble!

Whatever questions you are asked, however probing they may be, there is always a way of expressing yourself in a positive way. For example, when asked about your perceived weaknesses, you could respond that you are aware, through personal reflection, that you would like to develop your assessment skills, rather than saying 'I'm useless at assessment'.

Aim to give examples to illustrate your responses whenever appropriate. Personalise what you say so that the panel can imagine you interacting with their pupils.

Don't end the interview without knowing how much you would be paid. It's perfectly acceptable to raise this issue.

Getting through the practical Most schools now ask candidates to take a small group of pupils, sometimes even a whole class, for a teaching session. The aim is to assess not only your teaching skills but also how effectively you can communicate with the pupils. 

If you are told there will be a practical session as part of your interview, make sure you know what this will entail — how long you will have to teach, what topic you should prepare and approximately how many pupils you will be teaching.

Don't feel that this lesson has to be a real showcase. It's always better to see a low-key lesson executed superbly than an all-singing, all-dancing affair fall apart at the seams. Employ techniques you are familiar with and you know can work and above all, be prepared.

If the practical session comes before the panel interview, refer to it if possible, perhaps by way of observation on the behaviour of the pupils (if it was good): mention how much you enjoyed it. The vast majority of schools offer the job to the successful candidate on the day and expect an immediate response. This usually works well, but if you are offered the job and genuinely need time to consider the offer, requesting 12 or 24 hours to make your decision is reasonable. Make sure any verbal acceptance you give is subject to written confirmation.

Good luck!