1. Be On Time – Better Still, Be Early! Human Resources personnel all say, getting lost or caught in heavy traffic, is not an excuse to be late for an interview”. Not only is it a very poor first impression, it will certainly not have you in the right frame of mind for this important event. Allow lots of time, there will be a comfortable waiting area.

2. Dress Appropriately – It’s A Business Setting. Your physical image is an important part of the process. It builds confidence to know that you look your best. For males a suit or jacket with shirt and tie; for females a dress or jacket and skirt/slacks is appropriate. Avoid chunky or noisy jewelry, and go very lightly on fragrances; in fact, some school districts have already banned them or are already in the process of doing so.

3. Be Prepared – Do Your Homework. If you are being interviewed for a specific position, your preparation will, of course, be geared to that subject or grade. For general hiring interviews, make sure that you have reviewed and become knowledgeable of the school district’s general philosophy and directions. This information is available on any district’s website.

4. Listen Very Carefully To The Questions. It is critical that you answer the questions exactly as they are asked. HR staff report that many interview candidates tend to get off topic or take the interview question in a different direction. It is appropriate to ask for a question to be repeated if you are not certain of the meaning.

5. Stay Focused – Do Not Ramble. Wherever possible use specific examples or your own experiences to answer the question, which will help you to stay on topic. Try to ensure that your thoughts are in a logical sequence and you maintain continuity. A rambling answer could get you out on the proverbial limb with no way to get back on track.

6. Maintain Eye Contact and Keep Smiling. It is very important to maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Focus on the person who asked the question but scan other members of the team; the room setup will make this easily achieved. You may be nervous in the beginning but once you have responded to the warm-up question you will become more relaxed and smiling will be easier.

7. Display Confidence. Eye contact is a number one measure of confidence. There are a number of other things you can do to demonstrate confidence. Present your answers in a firm well modulated voice; a timid sounding response will definitely hurt your chances. Maintaining good posture and demonstrating positive body language are other important features in an interview. Try to avoid nervous gestures such as fidgeting, toe-tapping, drumming fingers, or constantly shifting in your chair.