Teacher Interview Question: Why Should you be Hired Over Other Job Applicants?

Excerpt from Road to Teaching: A Guide to Teacher Training, Student Teaching and Finding a Job:

This question is commonly asked in interviews, along with its variants: what makes you unique? What special skills, talents, or experiences do you have that can benefit the students and/or school? Before going into any interview, you should give these questions serious consideration. Start by reviewing whether you applied any of the strategies identified in this book:

• Increasing your endorsements and certifications (see Strategies 8 and 9)

• Continuing professional development (see Strategy 21)

• Enhancing your work experience through substitute teaching, coaching, or tutoring (see Strategy 11)

• Taking reasonable risks inside and/or outside the classroom (see Strategies 23-27)

• Volunteering in the community (see Strategy 31)

• Building an educational touchstone (see Strategy 34)

• Pursing professional and personal interests (see Strategies 8 and 12)

Yet other ways can distinguish you from your peers. For instance, your personal and professional work experiences outside academia may set you apart. Traveling and living aboard are other valuable experiences that may distinguish you as a unique job applicant.