Telephone and job fair interviews are used by school districts to screen applicants and increase the likelihood of selecting the best possible candidates to invite for on-site interviews. This means you shouldn’t take these short, structured sessions lightly. Make it your goal to stand out in a positive way and better your chances of being called in for a face-to-face interview.

The telephone or job fair interview typically consists of four or five questions asked of each candidate. Sample questions include:

• Tell me about your teaching experience (with a particular grade and/or subject).
• Describe a lesson that you have taught that went well.
• Tell me about positive classroom management rules or strategies that you have used.
• Name one accomplishment that characterizes your work.
• Tell me about a challenge or problem you faced as an educator that you resolved successfully.

The Telephone Interview
As you begin your job search, make sure the voice mail message on your telephone is a professional one. This message should not have jokes about partying, loud background noise or a crazy song. When employers call, make the time to talk with them in a quiet environment. If they call your cell phone number, you may ask to reschedule for a time when you can speak to them without distractions.

If there is something in your past education or teaching experience that makes you stand out, make sure to say it in the interview. One student teacher said that she could tell the interviewer was merely going through the motions until she mentioned her student teaching semester abroad. That caught the employer’s attention, and she won an on-site interview and a job.

Job Fair Interviews
The big advantage of the job fair interview is that you are there in person, and your body language, professional attire and enthusiasm can work to your advantage. Always dress professionally for a job fair. Men should wear suits, preferably dark and conservative ones. Khakis with an oxford shirt, tie and sport jacket are also acceptable, but a suit is better. Women may wear a tailored pantsuit or a suit with a skirt. The skirt length should be moderate and conservative—not short or ankle-length. All of your professional clothes should be clean and pressed. Shoes should be comfortable for standing at the fair all day, and must be polished. Looking good is important, but looking professional is key.

You should carry a briefcase with your portfolio and pen and pad for taking notes. You should also bring plenty of copies of your résumé to distribute. If you know ahead of time which districts are at the fair, add personalized cover letters to the résumés and distribute to those districts. Districts will hand out applications, which need to go in your briefcase. You will also collect business cards, which are very important when you write thank-you notes and send follow-up paperwork.

Also, make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before you interview. Don’t look tired. Stay hydrated and upbeat so that employers know you have the energy to interview (and teach) all day. Job fairs, in addition to being tiring, can be stressful. So prepare well in advance to quell nervousness. Remember, schools are afraid that they won’t have the best teachers when they open their doors in the fall. Demonstrate you are one of the best.

On-Site Interviews
Arrive 15 minutes early for an on-site interview and use your best professional language and manners with everyone you meet. An administrator once said he would never hire anyone whose grammar was poor in the interview, or who failed to introduce themselves and be polite to all the support staff. The professional dress code rules for job fair interviews apply to on-site interviews, too, as do the guidelines for the briefcase and portfolio.

As questions are asked, answer according to the PAR and STAR models. Use your portfolio as a visual aid. Be nice. Smile. Share teaching stories that indicate you are qualified and experienced. If the interviewer invites you for a school tour, or to shadow a teacher, say “yes.” Always have plenty of time for the interview and never take a cell phone call while you are there. Make sure your childcare or other obligations are completely covered.

Sometimes a potential employer will ask why they should hire you over dozens of other applicants. Have an answer ready. Being prepared mentally for the interview is paramount. Remember that everyone in the school is listening to and watching you during your on-site visit. So everything you say and do should exemplify your best.

Dr. Mary C. Clement is a professor of teacher education at Berry College, northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. Her research on the hiring of new teachers has received national recognition. She is the author of “The Definitive Guide to Getting a Teaching Job” and “First Time in the High School Classroom.” Both books are available via the NEA Bookstore powered by Barnes&Noble.com.

Continue reading to learn more:

• Part 1: Employment in a Tough Economy
• Part 2: Get Your Paperwork In Order: Résumés, Portfolios, References and More
• Part 3: Crack the Interview Code
• Part 5: Be the Job Candidate You Want to Be