Education & Teaching Interview Questions & Answers

The interviewers were very friendly and approachable. I was asked questions about the 8 competencies Teach First have. The easiest way to prepare is to come up with two examples of each competency. There were generic question about my motivation to join the program and why I wanted to work with children.

Describe a time you went out of your way for a long-term goal.

Make use of all resources available before the interview, use the time to call them and discuss any concerns; Be open and approachable during the interview; Professionalism is a must. Show leadership skills.

We did a group task about solving a problem in a school. After that, there was a role-playing delivery of a lesson.

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 comprised of 3 different sections and previous to the interview I had been contacted by a Graduate Recruitment officer who had talked me through the different steps which I would go through during the interview process. Upon arrival all the candidates were able to meet and talk among one another. The first stage of the interview process was a one on one interview in which I was assessed on competency based questions and the competencies which were important to the company. This lasted for around about 40 mins and included asking questions in which I had to explain what I would do in certain situations if I found myself in a classroom. The second stage of the interview was a group based task in which we had to have a discussion about which child we would give an award to. This task took about 30 mins. The final part of my interview was to deliver a 7 min lesson to two assessors who pretended to be the age of the children your lesson was tailored to. Following this I was given the opportunity to do a self evaluation of the lesson.

The most difficult questions I was asked was what I thought was the most important competency which the company vales themselves upon as when under pressure it was difficult to remember all the competencies that the company prided themselves upon!

Be confident and make sure you have read up about the competencies. If you don't get offered the job you do get feedback, mine stated my body language was the only thing that went against me during the group interview- competition is very high but don't be put off! I would also recommend to apply early!

One to one interview, a group discussion task in which we were given data and then asked to put forward our own opinions as to why we thought that specific candidate would receive an award and finally a 7 min lesson.

Upon completing the application I was invited for an interview via email (unfortunately I could not attend the initial interview date, however the panel agreed to change the date for me). Upon arrival I was welcomed into the interview room where a panel of three colleagues were waiting for me. They offered me a seat, a drink of my choice and asked several nerve-quenching questions such as "How are you?" and then we proceeded to some friendly banter.

Once the tension had been broken, the panel alerted me that the interview would now officially begin. The first question they asked is one which I am asked by all employers: "Why do you want THIS job?". This question is something that you must spend time preparing for as anyone who brings someone into their business must be assured that it is that particular job role you care about above any other.

The three colleagues took in turn to ask many other typical questions such as "If you were offered the job, what are the positive impacts you would have?" and "Say for instance you were in crisis situation 'x' (relating to the job role), how would you respond and who would you report to?".

If you are reading this and truly seeking valuable advice, mine would be that if you honestly care about the graduate role you are going for: you absolutely must take the time to prepare a portfolio demonstrating what you can bring to the position and how you can make a positive impact. And unless you are going for a change-management consultancy role, never tell the employer how you think they could improve (assume they are happy with the way they do things). There will be plenty of time for your valuable input on change!

The most difficult question that I was faced with during that particular interview was "What are the three most exciting aspects about the job role?". I know this is pointing out the obvious, but make sure you know the job specification inside-out before entering the interview. Luckily I had prepared at least two answers for every question that I could think that they would ask (always prepare at least two).

If you are applying for the company you must get across a friendly and academic approach. You have to demonstrate that you are approachable by students, and that you will also be seen as a professional academic figure. It is also vitally important that you show a full appreciation for the job role and express what it means to you and your career development (preferably a long and prosperous career with the company).

N/A.

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.

No telephone interview: straight to centre interview.

Greeted by one of the Assistant Directors. Was told to take a seat and was given an Explore Learning brochure to look through. Was briefly shown around the centre. (Make sure you have questions ready as they ask you a lot 'do you have any questions' throughout the tour).

Was then greeted by the centre director and had an interview with them both. They asked me why I applied for the role, what I knew about the role, how i' d be suitable for the role, my best achievement etc. No scenario based questions were given to me at interview.

Then had my role play: this I thought went well and not a lot of feedback was given back rather than to ask more questions to get to know the customer a bit better before you advertise your product (gym membership). Took this on board and after my second attempt was told I had done better and that I had took on board the feedback. That it was good that I got to know the customer more personally the second time round and secured a trial day.

Was given 15 minutes with the children; the AD/CD however didn't really assess me as they weren't in the room whilst I was interacting with the children. I enjoyed this part the most and helped many of the children at their computer desks.

What is your biggest achievement?
What is your hardest achievement?

Prepare questions to ask

Make sure you know the role thoroughly; on my feedback on why I didn't get to assessment stage was because I didn't know enough about the role even though I mentioned the four main parts: management, sales and marketing, customer services and teaching throughout my interview (not sure how I would know about it any more thoroughly when I hadn't started the job yet?)

Didn't get to the assessment centre stage