Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Students learn art of the interview
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Mock interviews offer soon-to-be graduates practice job interview sessions. The Teacher Education Department at the University of Southern Indiana scheduled mock interviews for pre-teachers this spring with the help of local principals. The mock interview offers a student an interview experience in a realistic setting. Students learn valuable tips on interviewing style and protocol. Mike Taylor of Daniel Wertz Elementary and Lana Burton from Harper School interviewed the USI pre-teachers on February 28 and March 2. Taylor said the mock interviews can instill a confidence for the actual interview. “Students can learn the art of the interview—posture, eye contact, dress, and how to use the interview to sell themselves,” he said. Burton said she participates because USI is a partner with Harper School. She said, “USI sends students to support our after-school program. Now when the partner needs help, I’m available.” She sees it as good practice for the students; practice with a goal in mind to get a teaching job. Taylor said in the mock interview, he watches if the candidate is listening to the questions. Students who interrupt or students who don’t have an answer, but try to invent one, will not do well in an interview. He said, “I’m looking for the candidate who is intentional and purposeful in the interview. If he or she doesn’t know an answer, the better technique is to ask for the question to be rephrased or explain you don’t know.” Burton said she is looking for a teacher who is flexible, willing to learn, and one who gets along with people. Errick Lickey of Evansville is a USI senior who will be going through an actual interview in a few weeks. He is student teaching at Gibson Southern High School and Princeton Community School. His major is social science with a minor in special education and a middle school endorsement. “During the mock interview, I was asked questions I didn’t anticipate,” Lickey said. “I was asked to identify three strengths and weaknesses of my teaching, and I could only think of two. I wrote notes after the interview in preparation for the real interview.” He gained experience preparing a resume and planning his professional look in a suit and tie. “It was a valuable exercise for me.” Lickey recommends participating in a mock interview to other students looking for teaching jobs. Phyllis Bussing, instructor in education, and Joyce Hamon, associate chair of the Department of Teacher Education, arranged the mock interviews for students in the Bower Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services. Kathy Funke News and Information Services 812/465-7050 or kfunke@usi.edu |
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