School Staff Shuffle: Acing Your Teacher’s Interview

It’s that time of year… Contracts are ending and teachers are quietly – or not so quietly – looking around to see if the grass is greener on the other side of the schoolyard fence. This year it’s a little different though. Because of the pandemic, the pool of candidates is basically limited to those already in the country, meaning administrations not only need to retain their best staff, they need to try and poach everyone else’s. So, if you’re currently playing expat-educator musical chairs, here are a few ways to ensure that you aren’t standing when the music stops.

Take another look at your resume: But not for the obvious reasons. When a school is short-staffed they are looking for candidates who can wear multiple hats, at least in the short term. So even if you’re interviewing for the homeroom position put your other interests and qualifications down no matter how minor they may seem. Your summer spent directing a play in college might help land you the job, and a higher paycheck, if they don’t currently have anyone to run the after-school thespians society.

Don’t wait for the job post: Does your quiz night buddy love their school? Does your running partner always rave about how great their head of department is? Even if they don’t know of an opening, almost every school has one. It can’t hurt to ask if they will pass along your resume. I always take a candidate who was recommended by a current staff member more seriously. It usually means they would be a good fit for the school culture and have a demonstrable work ethic, or at least one somebody is willing to vouch for.

Have prepared questions: about something other than the benefits package. Yes, you can and should talk about salary and PTO but that shouldn’t be the only interest you show. I hate when a teacher doesn’t have any questions about the school, community, or curriculum. It tells me they didn’t do any research or due diligence, and it gives the impression that they are just looking for a paycheck. Show that you took a little initiative: “I saw on your website that your debate team placed first in their division, I used to love debate. Is there any way I could assist the team next year?” or, “I read that one of your students raised money last fall for x charity, will you be expanding that program this year?” Questions like that tell me an immense amount about a teacher. Their interests and abilities come alive in a way they never will on a CV and they also let me know that the candidate is tapped into both the education and the foreign community.

Consider more than the paycheck: Yes, your bottom line matters. But it’s not the only thing that does. Ask about other teacher’s experiences at the school. How are the staff supported? Will you regularly be expected to work weekends and holidays, do you get messaged constantly on days off, are other staff members happy and energetic, or is it a “workin’ for the weekend” kind of vibe in the lunchroom?

Watch your words: No matter how much you hate your current principal or how badly you believe you have been treated, this is a small community. There is a good chance someone in that interview room knows the person you are talking about. Even if they don’t, they are bound to wonder what you might say about them when you move on to your next school. Be kind and gracious and remember what your mom said: “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Negotiate: There is room to negotiate but know what is important to you before you walk in the door. If additional time off over Christmas is important, ask for it. If a higher salary or free tuition for your child is at the top of your list, put it out there and see what they say. But don’t ask for the moon and the stars and be professional and courteous in your request. Despite the seller’s market …

You don’t hold all the cards: Yes, Beijing schools need good teachers, badly. But visa restrictions are worldwide so it’s not exactly easy to hop on a plane to another country right now. Walk-in prepared, with a positive attitude, and show them why they should want (not need) to hire you.

Leave on good terms: if your current school has treated you well consider letting them make a counteroffer. If you don’t want to stay, resist the urge to leave scorched earth on your way out the door. Be professional enough to do your job well to the end of your time and try to have a transition plan in place. Even if you don’t like your admin or a fellow teacher, there are other members of the staff, not to mention students who will be affected by your departure. Don’t make more work for them. Even if you don’t care about them personally remember how small the world of foreign teachers is. The person you leave holding the bag today could be holding your resume as they interview you for a job next year.

This blog was originally published on our sister site, Jingkids International.

READ: Stranded Nomad: How Foreign Teachers Can Use a Summer in China to Their Advantage

Images: Unsplash