Education & Teaching Interview Questions & Answers

I went to a face-to-face interview with two directors of the learning centre that I was applying for. It started off with a tour of the facilities, which I was shown around upon entry. We then moved on to face-to-face interview questions, where I was sat down at a table with the two interviewers. They asked me questions on a variety of topics, such as my drive to succeed, my experiences with helping children overcome obstacles, and my previous work experiences. I then had to conduct a role play with one of the interviewers where I was trying to sell them, acting as a member of the public on the street, a gym membership for a new fitness centre. The interview concluded with me being taken to the room where the children were doing their after-school learning, and being encouraged to interact with them and ask them questions about the work they were doing, and I was also given the chance to assist them in their learning if they so wished.

Describe an obstacle you have had to overcome in the past where a child has had a lack of motivation for an activity, and you have had to ensure that they became more enthusiastic about the activity.

The interview was to determine if I had the personality that would suit moving to China and teaching English. The interview consisted of questions concerning my motivation behind wanting to do this job, I was also asked how I would handle difficult situations that might occur in a classroom. I was also given a lot of information about the job role and what to expect when moving to China.

How would you handle two or more students that are running around the classroom?

I did not have a telephone interview and I got invited to the Centre Interview. They started off with a tour of the centre and explaining the role of an AD on a daily basis. Then we had an interview with competency questions (a situation with a difficult customer, leadership) and 'why explore learning?" and a general conversation about the role. Then we had the gym role play, which they made me feel very relaxed about and they give you immediate feedback to then do it again. Definitely listen to the feedback and take it on board! Then I had time to work with the children where they will also give you feedback too.

Describe a time where an experience was stressful or de-motivated you.

The day was very relaxed and non-competitive. First met the candidates and had a chance to get to them before the day started. Had a presentation about the history of EL and whats important to the company. Then, our days were all scheduled differently so you would all do things at different times. It involved an interview (scenario-based questions and logistics), presentation (how you can contribute to the 4 visions- drawing on competences and experiences), role play (with a parent at a RMU in a shopping centre), maths and english test (perhaps brush up on basic maths) and then a group activity (action plan to get member numbers up).

After applying online you have a phone interview followed by a a centre interview if you reach the next stage. The final stage is an Assessment Day at their HQ in Guilford. Cardiff and attended the Assessment Day in Guildford. I applied in November and attended the Assessment Day in January but it would have been a shorter time period if I did not have to reschedule around my University schedule. The phone interview was pleasant and quite quick. As long as you have done thorough preparation beforehand, it should not be difficult. Explore Learning's website has everything necessary to learn about the company and see if your values coincide with theirs. By the end of the phone interview, I was told that I had been successful and I was able to choose a centre to have my second face-to-face interview.

I chose a centre close to where I go to university, so don't worry if you are living between cities at the time of application. I received a tour of the centre before the interview which was nice. The interview itself was slightly more intense, I was interviewed by two centre directors. They asked me a few questions then proceeded into the role play. You have two chances at the roleplay after receiving feedback on your first turn. I loved this aspect, it is so important to know where and how you can improve and then make real-time changes.

The day after this centre interview, I received an email saying I have been accepted for the Assessment Day in Guilford (very quick process).

Should you greet and attempt to secure a trial session with a client that has just walked into the centre when you have just been given an important task to complete by the end of your work day?

Be yourself! It is very obvious if you are pretending to be invested in the company when you are not. By the time you have reached the Assessment Day you should feel confident in yourself and how suited you are to the role. The Assessment Centre, its atmosphere, the staff and the activities do give a real insight to life at Explore Learning and I believe that you will be perfect for the job if you enjoy the entire process.

The Assessment Day was an enjoyable experience and I felt as though I was surrounded by people who were all enthusiastic and passionate about the company. It definitely made me want to work here more. It started with an introduction to the company and staff, followed by individual interviews, presentations, role play, group exercise and a Maths and English test. The group exercise is the last thing to take place but the other activities are done in a randomised order.

The individual interviews were similar to ones we've done previously so it was a nice beginning to the day. I did the presentation and role play next. I had the choice of which one to do first, I picked the personal compass presentation first. I did well in my presentation, I was clear, energetic and passionate about who I am, my goals, and what made me suitable for Explore Learning. The role play was more challenging but the feedback I received was very helpful. The English and Maths tests were quick and not too difficult. The group exercise was good but also a bit difficult, only because you want to appear as a team and let everyone have their opportunity to shine, however, you have to put your own best foot forward too. My tip would be to listen well to each other and encourage others to speak as well as speaking yourself.

The atmosphere was incredible, I did not feel as though I was in competition with my peers, rather, we all had similar goals and were looking forward to displaying our capabilities. All the staff were welcoming and in fact, inspirational. The Assessment centre made me want to grow with this ever-growing company.

The initial interview was good. I personally left with the thought that I did not get the job. But that was more my worry and because I really couldn't read my interviewers. Apart from that, the process went smoothly and they made you feel comfortable and the environment is friendly. I also enjoyed the chance to interact with the children during the interview.

The most difficult question I was asked was during my interview on the assessment day. It was my scenario question, which I ended up getting wrong.

My advice to anyone interested in applying is to make sure you do your research into the company and the role you are applying for. Make sure that you show your passion and enthusiasm of the job, but make sure that it is real and genuine. Also be confident in yourself.

You have an idea of what tasks you're going to be doing before you go, but you still don't know what to expect with the people and the other candidates. However, it turned out to be a great day. The interviewers were super friendly and we as candidates were friends by the end of the day. Certain tasks that we had to perform made us more nervous than others and it varied for each person. However, you get it done and you realise you made yourself worry for nothing.

Phone interview.
Book for a date and time chosen by you which is great. Questions were to get to know you and the impact you would have in a centre.

Centre interview
With 2 of the explore team. Included a tour of the centre and interacting with the children. Also a role play which you prepare for.

All questions were to be expected. One that took more thought was "how would your friends describe your leadership style?"

Make sure you do your research. Every member of the Explore Learning team are passionate about the company so make sure you show your passion too! Let your personality shine through and just enjoy it.

The assessment centre was really relaxed and friendly, they really did make me feel comfortable right away! There is lots of time to relax and meet the other candidates, also tea and coffee was available throughout the day. Every candidate had an individual timetable for each activity.
There were many tasks throughout the day including: a third interview, a presentation, a role play, a maths and literacy exercise and a group task. They also took us all out for lunch which was lovely! They give you information about the assessment day well in advance so don't worry, there is plenty of time to prepare for the role play and the presentation.
All in all, the whole day was handled brilliantly and I think every candidate felt at ease throughout it.

The interview process was in three stages - phone interview, centre interview and assessment day. The phone interview included many of the generic questions - why Explore Learning, why this role, what can you bring to Explore etc. They asked situational questions in all face-to-face interviews so for that just remember the customer always comes first.

The centre interview consisted of a face to face interview, a sales role play and around ten minutes interacting with the children. The face to face interview asked similar questions to the telephone interview. The sales role pay you should prepare for in advance, and they are really looking for you to engage with the customer, so ask loads of questions. For example my role play was for a gym free trail, so ask questions around their fitness, what they are looking for in a gym etc, and then cater the information to their needs. As for the children exercise, they just want to see how you interact, so just be friendly.

All interviews were very relaxed and friendly, as they wanted to see your personality and passion shine through. So prepare for it as you would for any other interview, by researching the company values and illustrating with examples how you are like that yourself. I'd say the key thing for success with Explore Learning is to show enthusiasm and passion for education and children - helping children reach their potential. Also, they are looking for team players and people willing to learn, so demonstrate this in group exercises.

The main tip for succeeding with Explore is you personality and enthusiasm. They want team players and so are watching you even during the break sessions, to see how you interact with others. Despite feeling that I did not do my best, I got the job with Explore, as they said my friendly team player attitude, enthusiasm and willingness to learn all shown through .

The assessment centre was very relaxed, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. We had a face to face interview, a personal compass presentation (on who we are and where we plan to go), a sales role play and a group exercise. You have to prepare the presentation and sales role play before hand. With the sales role play you are trying to book a free day trail for Explore Learning with a parent - main tip here would be to ask questions to get to know the customer. For example, ask their names, do they have any children, childrens ages, how are they doing in school etc. I struggled with this task as I found these questions were to probing and personal to ask someone straight away.

In the group task we had to represent a charity, and debate why each of our charities deserved funding. This task was pushed for time, but the team demonstrated diplomatic behavior, as we all listened to one another and bounced off eachother when presenting back to the interviewers.

The initial interview was informative. I learnt lots about the centre that I visited. I spoke to the existing Assistant Director about her role and was encouraged to ask questions and find out more. Explore Learning really just wanted to find out more about me; my passions and interests. The sales role play was fun and clear, immediate feedback was given.

The most difficult question was "is this the end for your teaching career, why?"

Be sure to have a good knowledge of the company. Prepare for the sales role play by predicting questions that you might be asked by a potential customer. Enjoy yourself and be confident in your own experience. Get a feel for the company by talking to others as much as possible

The assessment centre comprised of a written task (maths test and English test), a 5 minute presentation, a sales role play, an interview based on my cv and skills and a group activity.

The interview was conducted in a very friendly manner, in the formal and prestigious setting of the University of Portsmouth's Business School. The interview lasted approximately 45 minutes and was split between the panel asking a few short answer questions and then asking the interviewee to elaborate and describe some previous experience and skills.

What makes you stand out from the other applicants? - Hard to judge the calibre of other applicants and therefore hard to pick which strength of yours best highlights what distinguishes you from them

Preparation is critical. The feedback I received from my succesful interview was that the panel were impressed and struck by how targeted and in depth my research of the role and my supervisors had been prior to the interview. It is easy to state that you are passionate about a role, the people you want to be working alongside, and the institution, but it is very easy for this to come across as predictable and uninspiring unless you have put the effort in to obtain the knowledge to back up your claims.

There was no assessment centre.

The interview took place at a local Explore Learning centre. You undertake an initial interview with the Centre Director covering your background and transferable skills and then receive a tour of the Centre.

Following this you are required to interact with a number of children whilst they go through their work for the day. This is nothing to worry about and the kids are happy to discuss their work and progress. My best advice would be to simply enjoy this process and be as natural with the children as possible.

Most of the questions were relatively straightforward and typical fare although they will vary depending on your background and experience. There were no trick questions or attempts to catch you out, just be clear on your motivations for the role and your ability to handle the sales aspect.

"What techniques would you use to sell Explore to passers-by in a shopping centre?"

Make sure the role is for you and use websites like graduate-jobs.com to fully research it. I realised about half way through the day that the role was not exactly what I had expected nor something I would be interested in pursuing and thus struggled to motivate myself to take the group activity etc seriously, especially knowing I had spent the best part of £100 to attend the interview! I felt the management side of the role had been exaggerated and that the long term development I had hoped for wasn't really available at Explore. However if you enjoy working with children and basic sales work it seems this could be a fulfilling role.

If you read up carefully on the role and the values of the company you should be fine. Little practical experience is required and your attitude is the most important factor. When undertaking the sales role-play, make a real effort to get to know the person you're speaking to and make sure to ask lots of questions.The recruitment staff were all pleasant, friendly and tried to put candidates at ease so don't worry beforehand about nerves.

An initial presentation on the company from the recruitment staff is followed by one on one interviews and a presentation that you will have prepared before hand. This can be done via whichever medium you prefer but the majority of candidates created powerpoint presentations. You then perform a sales roleplay, attempting to book a passer-by in for a free trial with Explore. There is also a simple maths and English test which requires no revision.

After this you go out to lunch with the other candidates and members of the explore recruitment team. Finally you return to the office for a group presentation.

The day was fairly well organised and had a relaxed atmosphere. There is a lot of down time between tasks to speak to other candidates and refreshments are provided. There are no expenses paid for travel however, which given that all assessment centres take place in Guildford is not ideal. Several candidates had come down from the North of England and had to pay considerable fees for train tickets and accommodation.