common interview questions education

Grades 6-12
School Leaders

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55+ Important Teacher Interview Questions (Plus Answers)

Plus a free printable list of questions.

Printable teacher interview questions on desk.

Getting ready to interview for a new teaching job? You’re probably excited but also nervous. The best way to overcome those nerves is to prepare in advance. Take a look at this list of the most common teacher interview questions and answers. Practice your responses, and you’ll feel much more confident when you walk through that door.

Check out the questions and tips for answering below. Plus fill out the form on this page to grab your free printable list of questions to help you prepare for your next interview.

Remember, though, that interviews are a two-way street. Impressing your interviewers is important, of course. But so is finding out if this school is a place where you’ll truly thrive. That’s why in addition to the most common teacher interview questions and answers, we’ve also included five questions you should consider asking when the opportunity arises. Make your interview time count for everyone involved!

General Experience and Goals Questions
Teaching Experience Questions
Philosophies and Strategies Questions
Teaching Challenges Questions
Community and Colleagues Questions
5 Questions to Ask Your Interviewers

Teacher Interview Questions About Professional Experience and Goals

Why did you decide to become a teacher.

It seems like a trite softball question, but don’t let that fool you. Most administrators are looking for something more than “I’ve just always loved kids.” If you don’t have a substantive answer, then why are you even applying? Schools want to know you are dedicated to enriching the lives of students. Answer honestly with anecdotes or examples that paint a clear picture of the journey that you took to become a teacher.

Why do you want to teach at this school?

Research, research, and research more before your interview. Google everything you can about the school. Do they have a theater program? Are the students involved in the community? What type of culture does the principal promote? Use social media to see what the school proudly promoted most recently. Then, ask around. Use your network of colleagues to find out what (current and former) teachers loved and hated about it. The point of all this digging? You need to know if this school is a good fit for you. If it is a good fit, you’ll demonstrate how much you want the job by explaining how you would get involved with all the amazing school programs you’ve heard so much about!

Which component of your résumé are you most proud of and why?

Pride may come before a fall, but if asked about your accomplishments, don’t be bashful about conveying your worth. Have you won a grant for classroom materials? Share the details and how they helped your students succeed. Did you receive an award for excellence in instruction? Talk about how the application process helped you reflect and grow. If you’re a recent graduate, you can still brag on yourself: Describe your student-teaching experience and how it prepared you for opportunities like the job opening you’re vying for. Small things, like professional organization memberships, can also help you relay your interest in staying up-to-date on the latest educational research and best professional development.

What three words would your peers, administrators, or students use to describe you?

Having been caught off-guard by this prompt at a previous competitive interview, I would encourage you to have some thoughtful options to describe yourself. It’s tempting to say things you think your new boss might want to hear, like intelligent or hardworking , but don’t discount character traits or terms that paint you as a team player among peers and a role model for students. Some options to consider are empathetic , creative , caring , or cooperative .

What are you learning right now?

It’s no secret that successful teachers pursue professional development opportunities whenever they get the chance. Share a PD book you’ve been reading, a recent TED Talk that inspired you, or something new about your subject matter you’ve been brushing up on. Show your interviewers that you’re engaged in exploring new information and always willing to learn.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

Universally, this is probably one of the most common interview questions, and a teacher should definitely be prepared to answer it. With more teachers leaving the classroom than ever before, many districts are going to be looking for educators who are ready to stay put for the foreseeable future. That being said, if your dream is to become a principal, reading specialist, or some other role within the district, it’s OK to mention that. However, it’s probably wise to state that your main goal is to be the best classroom teacher you can be and see what opportunities arise after 5 or 10 years. ADVERTISEMENT

Interview Questions About Teaching Experience

What has been your greatest teaching success so far.

Go ahead and brag! This is your place to share the time you reached a really troubled student, or raised your class’s average standardized test scores by five points, or were voted teacher of the year. Be sure to share how you achieved your success, including any help from others, and what you learned and carried forward with you from the experience.

What has been your biggest teaching challenge? How did you handle it?

Choose a challenge directly related to education that you’ve overcome or are actively working on. Include details about your own evaluation of the problem, help or advice you got from others, and the plan you made to work toward improvement. This question is really all about how you grow and change in the face of adversity.

What experience do you have teaching this age/grade level? What do you like most about it? What’s challenging about teaching students at this age/grade?

If you don’t have any experience at all with this particular age/grade level, this can be a tough question. If you haven’t taught kids this age, but you have worked with them in another capacity, like a club or other organization, use those examples instead. One note: It can be tempting to answer this question by saying, “Well, I’m a parent, and when my kids were this age I …” But remember that parenting and teaching styles are often very different, and your interviewers want to know how you handle this group overall, not just your own children.

Have you ever made a mistake with a student? What happened, and how did you address it?

This is one of those tough but important teacher interview questions that’s more common than you may think. Your interviewer is asking you to be a bit vulnerable here, but be careful with your choice of anecdote. While we’ve all made mistakes when dealing with students, what you’re really looking for is an example where you made a mistake and then addressed it appropriately . Think carefully about a situation in which you didn’t handle things as well as you could have, but you got it right in the end. Explain why you handled it the way you did initially, what caused you to reflect and change your mind, and how the situation was resolved.

Describe a troubling student you’ve taught. What did you do to get through to them?

This question addresses more than just your reluctant learners. This speaks to any discipline measures you’ve had to address. As a teacher, you need to control the classroom and provide a safe space for all of your students. Think about your approach to troubling students and any successes you’ve had in the past.

How do you think COVID-19 has affected today’s students? What changes have you observed, and how have you dealt with them in your classroom?

While these teacher interview questions have only been asked in more recent years, they’re becoming common, so it’s important to prepare your answers. They might actually be easier if you’re interviewing for your first teaching job. If that’s you, feel free to explain that while you don’t have a basis for comparison that others might, your classroom management plan is set up with today’s kids in mind.

If, however, you’re a veteran teacher, take more time to prep for these questions. Many educators have been quite vocal about the negative emotional, behavioral, and mental changes they’ve noticed in their students post-COVID. If you’ve had similar experiences, you can be honest about them. But make sure you explain what steps you’ve taken to address these changes in a proactive and positive way. No school district wants to hire a teacher who is going to throw up their hands and proclaim, “These kids just don’t listen anymore!” Let them know you are going to meet your students where they are and help them reach your high standards.

Tell us about a time when …

Good interviewers ask a lot of questions about your personal experiences. You should strive to weave your experiences throughout all your answers, but especially those that specifically ask for examples of a real-life experience. That’s why it’s helpful to think about teacher interview questions like these in advance.

Try to choose examples directly related to your teaching experience when possible, and steer away from your personal life unless the question directly targets it. (And even then, it’s up to you how much you share about your personal life—don’t overshare!) Even new graduates should have plenty of classroom experience from student teaching or internships. Here are some questions to prepare for.

Tell us about a time when:

You helped a student succeed when they were struggling
A student was being bullied, and how you handled it
You had to make a difficult decision quickly, how you made it, and the consequences of that decision
A student’s behavior seriously disrupted the classroom, and how you handled it
You felt overwhelmed in the classroom, and how you coped
A parent seemed to be doing their child more harm than good, and how you addressed it
A student challenged your authority in the classroom, and how you handled it
You received negative feedback, and how you addressed it at the time and in the future

Teaching Philosophies and Strategies Interview Questions

What is your teaching philosophy.

This is one of the most common, as well as one of the trickiest, teacher interview questions. Don’t answer with a clichéd, generic response. In fact, your response is your teaching mission statement . It’s the answer to why you’re a teacher. It’s helpful if you write out your mission statement before the interview and practice reciting it. Discussing your teaching philosophy is a chance to show off why you’re passionate, what you want to accomplish, and how you are going to apply it in this new position, in a new classroom, at a new school.

What do you think students expect and need from their teachers? How will you meet those expectations?

This can also be a tricky question. Avoid phrases like “Students want teachers to be their friend.” Instead, target specific expectations, like “They want to be supported and feel that their teacher respects their opinions and feelings.” Consider other expectations like a safe classroom environment, the freedom to ask for help when they need it, flexibility under difficult circumstances, and open-minded approaches to teaching and learning.

How does a teacher’s personality affect their success? What would you say your “teacher personality” is?

Again, this answer is all about the wording. Avoid phrases like “I’m the mean teacher” or “I’m the fun teacher.” Instead, be thoughtful about how you present yourself to students and parents. Are you stern but fair? Entertaining but also focused on achievement? Kind but able to control misbehavior when needed? Think about how you truly approach teaching, and be honest. This question will help everyone determine if you’re a good fit for the position.

How do you approach lesson planning?

How detailed are you? What do you do to ensure your lessons meet standards and achieve learning goals? How do you build flexibility into your plans? Do you work from the same set of lesson plans each year or make changes and adaptations along the way? Do you create your own lessons or look for quality resources from others? Your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you prepare for classes, and whether you’re able to adjust and adapt as needed. Need ideas? Take a look at these 30 lesson plan examples.

How do you accommodate different learning styles in your classroom?

First, ensure you understand what learning styles are (visual, auditory, etc.) and how they work. Then, provide examples of differentiating a specific lesson for the various styles. Find more information about learning styles and how to accommodate them here.

Provide some examples of how you differentiate your lessons or learning activities.

Differentiation is a hot topic in education and refers to customizing the content, process, product, and learning environment for various situations and students. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of differentiated instruction , and find examples of differentiated instruction strategies here .

How will you help students prepare for standardized testing success?

Standardized tests are another hot topic, and you’ll likely be asked at least one question about them. Regardless of your own opinions, be prepared to share how you help students overcome test anxiety by preparing well and applying good test-taking strategies .

What are some methods you use to check for understanding as you’re teaching?

It’s one thing to prepare a high-quality lesson plan, but if students are not following along, what’s the use? Explain how your instruction will be responsive to students’ needs. Will you incorporate tech tools for assessments ? Or implement exit slips summarizing what they’ve learned? Do you have a quick-check method, like thumbs-up/thumbs-down, to quickly scan for understanding?

How do you assess students’ progress?

Break out all your knowledge on the types of assessment in education and share how you implement the different kinds in your classroom. Explain the types of quizzes you give because you know that they’re most telling about students’ strengths and weaknesses. Give insight into how you use oral reports, group projects, and seat work to determine who’s struggling and who’s ahead. Tell them about any useful digital assessment tools and how they help. We’ve got lots of useful information about assessment in education here if you need some new ideas.

Describe your classroom management structure.

If you’re a veteran teacher, discuss how you handled your classroom in the past. Give specific examples of things that worked the best and why. If you’re new, then explain what you learned as a student teacher and how you’ll map out a plan to run your first classroom. No matter how long you’ve been teaching, familiarize yourself with the school district’s philosophies on classroom management and discipline. Mention how you’ll incorporate their philosophy and stay true to your own. If you’re unable to find out much about the school’s policies beforehand, ask the interviewer to explain.

Do you have classroom rules? How did you develop them, and how do you share them with students to ensure they’re followed?

Do you create your rules in advance and post them in the classroom? If so, share how you identified the rules worth keeping and enforcing. If you prefer to develop rules with your students at the beginning of the year, explain why and share the process. Get tips on developing classroom rules here.

What behavior management strategies do you find most effective? Least effective?

Do you use charts to track behavior? Give prizes for success, or punishment for rule breakers? What do you do when a student is struggling emotionally? How do you work with parents to deal with problem behavior? There’s a lot to consider here. Take a look at these classroom management strategies if you need some tips.

How do you incorporate social-emotional learning in your lessons?

Many states and districts have added requirements for social-emotional learning to their standards. Explain how you will not only tend to the academic needs of your students but tie in lessons that satisfy the core SEL competencies . Describe how you will help students build their self-awareness and social-awareness skills, how you will support them in building relationships, and how you will give them the skills to make responsible decisions. Find lots of easy ways to incorporate SEL throughout your school day here.

How do you use technology in the classroom?

Technology is at the forefront of education, so your interview is the time to show off that you’re savvy. Talk about why you’re excited to use technology with students. How did you manage remote classrooms and engage students? What technology did you incorporate and use while teaching at home and in the classroom? Your administration needs teachers who are tech-savvy and have innovative thinking around technology, so take a look at our extensive resources for more .

What role do you believe diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives should play in your classroom and in the school?

Questions about DEI initiatives, policies, and mindsets are challenging but have definitely become standard in most teacher interviews. Many school districts want to know that incoming educators are open to having the challenging conversations and doing the difficult work of building anti-racist curriculum and policies. In more traditional districts, interviewers might be on the lookout for teachers whose views might be “too progressive” for the parents in their schools. Answer these questions truthfully. If you feel strongly that anti-racist policies are important and want DEI initiatives to be respected and valued in the district where you work, you should know that before you accept a teaching position.

What are your thoughts about grades?

Grading and assessment are set to become hot topics in education in the next few years. While many feel that we’ve become lax in grading during the pandemic and want to tighten up traditional grading, others are arguing for drastically changing our grading systems . Regardless of what you believe personally about this issue, it’s a good idea to start by knowing how the district you are interviewing in handles grades. You can (and should!) absolutely discuss how you believe standards-based grading to be superior to traditional methods, but make sure you also state that you can and will follow district protocols and believe you can accurately measure student learning in this way.

How will you encourage parents to support their children’s education?

The home-school connection is imperative yet tough to maintain. Administrators lean on teachers to keep open lines of communication with parents. They even see you as a “publicist” for the school, reinforcing the culture, strengths, and values of the school to parents. So, answer this question with concrete ideas. Share how parents will volunteer in your classroom and how you’ll maintain regular contact, providing updates on both positive and negative events. Plus, how will you deal with overinvolved, so-called “helicopter parents” ?

What do you expect from your relationship with school administrators? What support do you hope to receive from them?

Your new principal or team lead wants to know what it’s like to work with you. Will you expect a lot of hand-holding, or are you more independent? What type of supervision helps you thrive? Give concrete examples of ways you think administrators can better support teachers . Be tactful but honest.

What did/do you like/dislike about working remotely?

If you were working or going to school during the pandemic, you’re likely going to be asked about how you dealt with the challenges of working remotely . Be honest. If you hated teaching via Zoom and couldn’t wait to get back to in-person instruction, you can say so. You may want to add, however, that you appreciated the opportunity to learn more about how technology could be used to engage different learners. Similarly, if you loved teaching from home, but you’re applying for an in-person position, you may want to be clear about the fact that while you loved being able to be at home, you love building relationships with your students in person more.

Teacher Interview Questions About Handling Challenges

What is the greatest challenge facing teachers today.

Remote learning? Hybrid learning? Diversity and inclusion? Social-emotional learning? Engaging parents? The challenges are plenty! Think about your specific school, district, city, and state. What issue is most pressing , and what can you, as a teacher, do to help?

What is the greatest challenge facing students today?

Think about the specific population at the school where you’re interviewing. What major issues do those kids face? Prejudice and intolerance? Parental support? Uncertainty about their futures? Remember to include how you feel you can help address those challenges in your response.

How would you handle a parent challenging your teaching methods/curriculum/classroom management?

Even a district that is going to strongly support its teachers against parent complaints may ask how you will handle such conflicts when they arise. This is a great opportunity to discuss how you stay calm in tense situations. Discussing how you prefer to call parents who are upset rather than emailing, or how you would forward particularly angry emails to a supervisor just to keep everyone in the loop, are excellent ways to show that you are a calm and proactive educator.

What impact does trauma have on student learning? How do you address this in your classroom?

Whew, questions like these are tough. As our understanding of the role trauma plays in learning grows, the need for educators to know about it and how to deal with it in their classrooms does as well. If you’ve received professional development on the topic, this is a perfect opportunity to show off a bit. If not, take some time to learn more about how trauma can affect not only students but the individuals who work with them . That way, you’ll feel more comfortable discussing the issue when it comes up.

How do you cope with stress?

This one didn’t always appear on older lists of common teacher interview questions and answers, but it’s showing up now big-time. School administrators are well aware of the toll teaching in today’s world takes on educators’ mental health and wellness. While they, hopefully, are taking steps to help their teachers deal with the stress and challenges of the job, they want to know if you have coping strategies in place. This is a great place to talk about hobbies, family/friends, and anything else outside the job that you turn to when things get tough. It’s important to note that this is also a great opportunity for you to ask the interviewer what steps their district has taken to prioritize teacher health and wellness.

What’s your least favorite subject or topic to teach? How do you ensure you teach it well?

It’s OK to say that math isn’t your thing, or that you dread teaching Romeo and Juliet to 9th graders! No one expects you to love everything you teach. But they do expect you to be able to approach every topic on your syllabus with knowledge, skills, and a certain level of enthusiasm. Share how you do that with topics that you find dull as dishwater or downright difficult to teach.

How can you meet the needs of a student with an IEP ?

Today’s inclusive classrooms require that teachers know how to meet each child’s unique educational needs, especially those with disabilities. Perhaps most importantly, meeting the needs of students with IEPs (and 504 plans) is required by law. Districts definitely want to hear that you know that and you will be following those legal requirements. Even if you have not worked extensively with special needs students, educate yourself on the process and be familiar with the lingo. Prepare a couple of examples of ways you can differentiate instruction to support their particular needs.

How would you handle a situation in which you believe a student doesn’t need all of the accommodations listed in their IEP?

This is a variation of the last question, and it’s also a bit of a “gotcha” question. It’s important to remember that special education paperwork is legally binding. If an IEP states that a student gets extended time to complete work, preferential seating, or any other specially designed instruction, they have to receive it , or the district has broken the law. An administrator or principal who asks this question wants to know that you are aware of how important following a student’s IEP is and that you won’t ignore things when you don’t think they are needed. Make sure you express that you understand that.

Want to make your answer even stronger? Acknowledge that part of your job as a teacher is to monitor how a student is performing and let the student’s case manager (or whoever is writing their IEP) know if you believe they do not need a particular support or if they need more. This way, you demonstrate a strong understanding of how the IEP works and that you play an important role as a member of that student’s support team.

How will you meet the needs of English-language learners (ESL/ELL) in your classroom?

In many classrooms today, you’ll find students whose families don’t speak English at home. Some of them may be fluent English speakers already, but others will need extra support as they learn the language and stay on top of their other academic subjects. Be prepared to discuss how you’ll deal with multiple languages in the classroom , and how you can communicate with families who don’t speak English well or at all.

How will you meet the needs of the students in your class who are advanced or say they’re bored?

School leaders don’t want to hear canned responses about how you can differentiate; they want you to give some concrete answers and support your ideas . Perhaps you help get kids prepared for scholastic competitions once they’ve mastered the standard (spelling bee or chemistry olympiad, anyone?). Maybe you offer more advanced poetry schemes for your English classes or alternate problem-solving methods for your math students. Whatever it is, make sure that you express the importance that all students are engaged, even the ones who are already sure to pass the state standardized test.

How will you engage reluctant learners?

Teaching in an age when we must compete with TikTok, Snapchat, and other forms of instant entertainment makes this question valid and necessary. How will you keep students engaged ? Share specific incentive policies, lessons you’ve used, or ways you’ve built relationships to keep students on task. An anecdote of how a past student (remember to protect privacy) that you taught was turned on to your subject because of your influence would also help your credibility here.

If the majority of your class failed a test or other assignment, how would you handle it?

What’s your position on test re-takes? What about when just about everyone fails to meet expectations? Is that a reflection on your teaching methods or on the students themselves? Be prepared to defend your position, and explain your plan for moving forward.

How do you feel about classroom observations and walk-throughs?

This one sounds simple, but be careful. It’s fine to say observations make you nervous, but most administrators want teachers who are comfortable with other adults seeing what goes on in their classroom. This is a great chance to talk about how exciting you find it to share all the wonderful learning activities that happen in your classroom with students’ parents and administration, even if you still get a bit nervous when being observed by other adults.

Interview Questions About Communities and Colleagues

Tell us about your experiences with team teaching or co-teaching. do you find it beneficial.

Classroom collaboration is becoming more common, even if you’re not applying specifically for a co-teaching position. Share any experience you have working as part of an educational team, especially when you’ve shared classroom duties. Be honest about how you feel about sharing your classroom with another teacher, and don’t be afraid to ask if co-teaching is expected in this role. See our co-teaching tips here.

Which activities, clubs, or sports are you willing to sponsor if you are offered a position?

While this expectation may be more real for middle and secondary teachers, being the new kid on the block often comes with a conversion of your title from teacher to coach. If athletics isn’t one of your strengths, you can still get an edge on your competition by sponsoring a science club, yearbook, or academic team. You might also share a special skill, like knitting or creative writing, and offer to teach it to interested students.

What do you feel you can contribute to our school’s PLC for your subject?

The days of shutting your door to do your own thing are out, and professional learning communities are in! Go in ready to discuss topics such as common planning, benchmarks, and data analysis. This is a key time to highlight your strengths. Whether you shine in making high-level DOK assessment questions or have a plethora of student-centered activities for your subject, let the interviewers know what you have to offer to your prospective peers and what you hope to glean from collaborating with them.

Have you ever worked with a teaching mentor? Tell us about the value of that experience.

Some schools have strong mentoring programs, pairing new teachers with experienced educators to help guide them as they start their career. Share your own experiences honestly if you have them. If your mentor was a great support to you , share examples. If you felt the experience was less than helpful, share what you wish your mentor had done instead.

Would you consider becoming a teaching mentor? What do you think you have to share with the next generation of educators?

Experienced teachers may face this question, especially when applying to a school with a strong mentoring program in place. If mentoring is new to you, take time to learn about the process . Then consider how you’d mentor a new educator, and give concrete examples in your response.

What do you think is the larger community’s role in education? How would you help your students see their part in their community?

This is a terrific opportunity to work project-based learning (or problem-based learning) into your interview. Share ways you encourage students to address real-life issues in their communities and how those experiences have benefited them. Or talk about a time you got the community involved in a school event or cause, raising money or working directly with students (like tutoring or coaching).

Best Questions To Ask in Teacher Interviews

At the end of almost every interview, you’ll be asked, “Do you have any questions?” This might seem like it’s just a way to wrap things up, but it’s actually one of the most important parts of the interview. In addition to practicing your answers to the most common teacher interview questions, you should prepare a handful of questions to ask your interviewer.

“The way some job candidates handle the portion of the interview where it’s their turn to ask questions has always surprised me,” shares Alison Green, workplace advice columnist and author of How To Get a Job: Secrets of a Hiring Manager . “A lot of people don’t have many questions at all—which is ill-advised when you’re considering spending 40+ hours a week at the job and when it is likely to have a huge impact on your day-to-day quality of life.”

On her incredibly popular Ask a Manager advice website, Green shares 10 questions that will help you find out if you truly want the job you’re interviewing for . “To be fair, a lot of people worry about what questions are okay to ask,” she notes. “They’re concerned about seeming demanding or nitpicky.” You don’t need to ask 10 questions, of course. Choose a few that seem the most important to you. We like these five in particular for teaching positions:

1. What are some of the challenges you expect the teacher in this position to face?

Green points out this can get you information that might not have already been shared. You might learn that parents are overly involved or not involved at all, or that resources are stretched incredibly thin, or that teachers here regularly work 60-hour weeks. This could lead to a discussion about how you’ve faced similar challenges in the past, or it can simply give you some points to think about as you consider the job.

2. How would you describe your school’s culture? What types of teachers tend to thrive here, and what types don’t do as well?

School cultures vary widely, and not all teachers thrive in every environment. Find out if this school will expect you to regularly attend extracurricular events, or if your time out of the classroom is truly your own. Do teachers work closely with admin, or is it more of an “everyone is on their own” atmosphere? Think hard about whether you’re the sort of person to fit in with this school’s culture. This can help you decide if this role is really right for you.

3. How long did the previous teacher in the role hold the position? What has turnover in the role generally been like?

It’s OK to probe a little to see what others’ experiences have been. “If no one has stayed in the job very long, that could be a red flag about a difficult manager, unrealistic expectations, lack of training, or some other land mine,” Green cautions. It’s also worth knowing if you’re interviewing to take over the position a beloved teacher has held for 30 years. Will your school be open to fresh new ideas, or are they looking for someone to match up to a previous teacher’s reputation?

4. Thinking back to teachers you’ve seen hold this role previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great?

Green calls this the “magic question” and has had multiple readers write in to tell her how much it impressed their interviewers! “The thing about this question is that it goes straight to the heart of what the hiring manager is looking for,” enthuses Green. “Hiring managers aren’t interviewing candidates in the hopes of finding someone who will do an average job; they’re hoping to find someone who will excel at the job.” This question shows you really want to be a great teacher, and it might offer you a chance to mention something about yourself that hasn’t already come up in earlier discussion.

5. What’s your timeline for next steps?

While this shouldn’t be your only question, it’s definitely OK to use this one as you’re wrapping up. As Green says, “It’s much better for your quality of life if you know that you’re not likely to hear anything for two weeks or four weeks … or whatever the case might be.” Then, if you haven’t heard anything in that time frame, you can follow up (once only!) to see where things stand.

Get Your Free Printable List of Teacher Interview Questions

Just fill out the form on this page for instant access to a printable list of teacher interview questions. Keep it on file with your résumé, and use it to prepare for your next interview. You can practice answering the questions on your own or give the list to a friend or family member to role-play your answers.

Want to ask for more advice as you prepare for a big teacher interview? Come join the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook to chat with educators near and far!

Plus, check out what to wear to a teacher interview., you might also like.

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11 Questions You’ll Be Asked at a Teaching Interview

Commonly asked interview questions you can anticipate—plus tips and links to resources you can tap as you polish your answers.

Candidate interviewing for a job in an office

Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview appointment for a teaching position at a new school, or for a different position at your current school. This is an important first step, but there will likely be a number of qualified candidates vying for the same spot—how can you distinguish yourself from the pack and land the job?

Your résumé, references, and professional portfolio will help, of course, but it’ll always be the impression you make during your face-to-face interview that’ll get you hired. Luckily, there are only a few types of questions a teacher can be asked, so it’s completely possible to enter a teaching interview confident and prepared.

In addition to questions related to your content area, anticipate that you’ll be asked questions based on your knowledge of and experience with meeting the needs of the whole child. Be ready to explain how you honor and attend to the social, emotional, and academic growth of your students—both individually and as a group. And be prepared for questions concerning classroom management, teacher-student relationships, student engagement, and learning outcomes.

Here are the types of questions you’ll be asked, along with suggestions and links to resources to guide you in preparing your answers and in practicing citing specific strategies and relevant classroom anecdotes.

11 Questions You Should Prepare For

1. Why did you decide to become a teacher? Prepare a brief professional mission statement that explains not merely how you want to change students’ lives but also how your own life is enriched by being a teacher. Also, look up the school’s vision statement and reference how your teaching will reflect those goals.

2. How would you handle a student who is constantly disruptive or defiant? Instead of focusing on how you would react, explain the ways you approach classroom management proactively so that small misbehaviors rarely become chronic or severe. Here are eight ways to maintain student cooperation and courtesy . If the interviewers press you on the original question, this advice on students with oppositional defiant disorder may help.

3. How do you cultivate positive relationships with your students and create a sense of class community? Recount a time you bonded with a student who needed some extra attention and understanding. Show your concern for the emotional well-being of the most vulnerable students and describe your plan for developing students’ social and emotional learning skills . Also explain how you create a sense of empathy and inclusion among your students so classmates support each other on both a personal and academic level.

4. How do you use data to differentiate instruction and support students identified with specific learning disabilities so all students can learn? First, be ready with the names of a couple of data-rich student assessments you’re familiar with. Your interviewers won’t demand that they be the same ones they use, but the fact that you’re aware of testing practices is important. Then, here are 20 differentiated instruction strategies you can use to prepare your answer on how you respond to data . Also, show your knowledge of these 11 learning disabilities and describe a few ways you work with parents and school resource personnel to meet the individual needs of each child.

5. How do you support literacy for all students, including English language learners? No matter their content area, every teacher is a literacy teacher . Explain how you help develop your students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Here are 12 ways to support English language learners in a mainstream classroom.

6. Do you incorporate collaborative and project-based learning? Discuss the difference between cooperative and collaborative learning , and if you have implemented PBL, describe a specific assignment your students worked on.

7. How do you keep your students engaged and motivated, and how do you promote student voice and choice to help them become self-directed learners? Here are 10 engagement techniques that drive student motivation and enthusiasm. Also describe how you create a student-centered classroom that inspires creativity, passion, and purpose.

8. How do you teach 21st-century learners, integrate technology, and guide students to be global citizens? Be prepared to talk about how you teach global citizenship and encourage critical thinking, creativity, and good communication skills. Here are ways to integrate technology into content learning .

9. How do you include parents and guardians in their child’s education? Recount several ways you inform, engage with, and collaborate with parents and guardians—through face-to-face meetings, notes, phone calls, or digital channels.

10. How do you maintain your own professional development, and what areas would you select for your personal growth? You might read books and blogs, watch videos online, subscribe to journals, attend conferences and workshops, or be a member of an educators society in your field. Be ready to talk about the specific resources you use to keep up with the latest trends in education, such as growth and benefit mindsets, flexible seating, flipped and blended learning, STEAM, trauma-informed teaching, restorative practices, mindfulness, makerspaces, and gamification of learning.

In discussing your personal growth, explain ways you want to further expand your teaching efficacy—don’t refer to teaching “weaknesses.”

11. What questions do you have for us? Try this: “Please tell me the most important thing you know now as an educator that you wish you knew before you began your teaching career.” The answers you receive will reveal what your interviewers most value about education, and this insight will allow you to tailor your closing conversation to their interests.

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What Do You Love About Teaching?

This question can also be framed in any of the following ways:

Why do you want to be a teacher?
What is it about teaching that is motivating you to leave your current job?
Who was one of your favorite teachers in the past, and why?

Hiring managers want to know that the person applying for the job is qualified and cares about being there. A job such as teaching magnifies the importance of caring because a teacher is there to serve young people. Make sure you emphasize how passionate you are about teaching.

Before the interview, think through what you love about teaching and why you want to pursue a career in that profession. Writing out your thoughts can be a helpful way of processing them. You want to answer your interview questions with solid reasons, concrete examples, and personal stories, where appropriate.

A few common reasons people want to teach are:

They love learning and being in a learning environment
Teaching is a job with a lot of variety
Teaching is a way of serving their communities
They like the creativity and independence teaching offers
They want summers off
They want to make a difference in people’s lives

Questions about your love of teaching are an excellent opportunity to show you are genuine and personable. If you can, share a story about one of your childhood teachers or someone else who inspired you to pursue teaching. Stories have a special way of resonating with people. Whatever you say, let your enthusiasm and passion for teaching be clear in your answer.

2. What Is Your Teaching Philosophy?

Questions about your teaching philosophy focus on what you believe is the purpose of your discipline and the best ways to fulfill that purpose. Write out your teaching philosophy ahead of time so that you can base your answers around it and share your ideas during interviews.

As you explore your teaching philosophy, consider the following:

Why is your area of discipline important to society?
Why does it matter whether anyone learns it or not?
What is your role within your discipline?
And what are your specific teaching methods that support and fulfill your philosophy?

In addition to your beliefs, explain how you will apply your philosophy in the classroom. How do you implement both formative assessment and summative assessment? This will naturally depend on the ages of your students.

Ensure you clearly understand the “how” and “why” of your philosophy. Knowing the “how” will help you prepare for questions about your teaching style and classroom management.

3. What Are Your Teaching Style and Methods?

Explaining your teaching methods demonstrates that you are competent and prepared to be a teacher. This includes:

How do you help students to learn your subject?
How do you help children with various learning styles?
How would you help a student struggling to keep up with the material?

You’ll learn a lot once you start teaching in a classroom, but there are some basics about your discipline that you should be familiar with before you start.

Your teaching methods are the practical side of your teaching philosophy. What assignments will be most effective in helping you achieve your discipline’s purpose? How can you capture your students’ imaginations and bring your subject to life?

People learn in different ways. Some different methods include learning visually, aurally, or kinesthetically. How can you engage all five senses with your assignments? You could do a formative assessment by having students visualize a concept through drawing or painting. Incorporating crafts into lessons is a helpful strategy, especially for elementary teachers.

Musical students will appreciate you incorporating music into the lesson. Some students enjoy being outside or active more than discussing ideas in class. What can you incorporate into the lesson plan to get these students interested? Some Middle school students struggle with transitioning to a new school with no more recess. What activities or projects can you assign that will engage those students?

The team of teachers you work with will be extremely valuable and help you develop new ideas to implement in the classroom. In the meantime, there are many online resources you can browse to get advice about teaching your subject.

4. How Will You Manage Your Classroom?

Knowing how you will manage your classroom demonstrates that, in addition to being competent in your discipline, you can also lead and relate to students well.

Note that classroom management overlaps with teaching style. The more organized you are, the more you will be able to avoid misunderstandings between you and your students.

The interviewer might ask you:

Are you a tough teacher or an easy one?
Has there ever been a time when you had to deal with a particularly difficult student?
If so, how did you handle that situation?

Teachers work with students with varying interest levels in the subject taught. Only some students will be excited about being at school. That’s why you need to be familiar with classroom management.

Classroom management is especially important for Special Education teaching positions. Special ed teachers need to be familiar with strategies for keeping students’ attention and dealing with disruptive students. They also need to explain how they’ll help students persevere with a difficult task.

Use your experience or online research to develop tactics appropriate for the age level and type of student you’ll be teaching. Research beforehand to learn about the disciplinary procedures at your applying school. Then you can tailor your answer accordingly. Know what you would do, and show how your methods fit the school’s philosophy.

For example, if you’re an elementary teacher, you could use non- verbal communication . Every time someone breaks a rule, write one letter of the word “sorry” on the board. Explain to your students that if you spell the entire word, the class will lose a fun activity for the day. This classroom management strategy could be useful for encouraging good behavior.

It’s also a good idea to mention how you would prevent conflict from arising ahead of time in your interview. You can make it a habit to make eye contact with each student throughout the day or greet each one at the beginning, showing you’re happy to see all of them. The more your students know you care about them, the less likely they will act out.

5. What Is Your Greatest Strength?

It’s common for hiring managers to ask you questions regarding your greatest strengths. Your answer to this question demonstrates your qualifications for the teaching position.

Don’t think of it as bragging about yourself. You are objectively explaining how you are a good fit for the school. Why would anyone hire you if you don’t have any relevant strengths?

Before your interview, brainstorm what your best selling points are. Consider them in a professional and personal context.

Has your boss praised you for any achievements in your current job?
What have been your recent successes at work, and what skills contributed to those successes?
Have your coworkers ever pointed out any of your strengths to you? Ask them what they are.

You can ask the same question of your friends and family. Even though these are people you know on a personal basis, they can help you identify your primary character qualities.

For example, if people know you as an exceptional communicator, give recent examples of that strength. Then explain how you’ll use that skill in a teaching context. That skill could be public speaking, setting clear expectations for your class, or contacting parents on time. Whatever you mention, give specific examples from the past and apply them to the teaching position you’re seeking.

6. Why Do You Want to Work in This Job/School/District?

Only go into an interview if you know about the organization interviewing you. Answering this question well shows that you care about getting the job and helps you determine if the job is a good fit for you.

Some common mistakes made in interviews include:

Not being prepared
Giving cliché answers
Seeming bored and not paying attention

Doing your research and thoughtfully preparing for the interview helps avoid the first two mistakes. As mentioned earlier, communicating your enthusiasm for teaching will ensure you don’t make the last mistake.

Find out what you can about the job itself, as well as the school and the school district.

What are the school’s characteristics?
Do the students in that school district have any specific needs you are suited to meet?
Is there anything about the administration’s philosophy that you appreciate?
What is the school doing well that makes you excited about working there?

Researching the position will help you with all of your interview questions. You can use whatever you discover in your answers where applicable.

7. What Is Your Biggest Weakness?

Everyone has weaknesses. This question is an opportunity to demonstrate your honesty and how you learn from your mistakes.

Be prepared to answer a question about your shortcomings.

What is your primary weakness as a teacher?
What do you dislike most about teaching?
What do you find to be the most challenging part of teaching?

It’s understandable if you fear that answering this question truthfully will make you seem unqualified for the position. But you can respond accurately while still presenting yourself as a strong candidate. All people face difficulties in their jobs, and all jobs have aspects to them that are not enjoyable. These are just facts of working life.

One way to use this question to your advantage is by describing how you deal with challenges. Or you had a major weakness in the past that you have overcome. Describe how you did so and what you do differently now.

8. Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

You want to avoid getting to the end of the interview and have nothing to say when the interviewer asks this question. This is another opportunity to demonstrate you care about getting the job and determine whether you want it.

Having questions for the school shows you are sincerely interested in the teaching position. But it’s also a chance to discover the information you cannot get through your research.

If there is anything you’re particularly concerned about, this is your chance to ask about it! Your questions might include:

How would you describe the culture of the school?
What are the students like?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each grade?
Are the teachers supportive of each other?
What are the administration and parents like?
What challenges has the staff faced this year within the school and district?
How does the school relate to the community?

Don’t ask about time off or salary at this point. Questions like that are inappropriate until the school offers you the teaching position.

9. How Do You Incorporate Social-emotional Learning In Your Lessons?

Before you answer this question, it’s important to recognize that many states and districts have now integrated SEL requirements into their standards, showing the increasing significance of addressing students’ emotional well-being alongside their academic growth.

When answering this question, you can emphasize the following key elements:

Balancing academic and social-emotional needs
Core Competencies of social-emotional learning
Building a supportive classroom community
Real-life connections and relevance

You can highlight the importance of tending to your students’ academic needs while addressing their social-emotional development. Acknowledge that creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment fosters optimal learning.

You should explain that addressing the core competencies of SEL, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making is an integral part of your teaching philosophy.

Also, discuss your strategies to foster this sense of community and its positive impact on students’ social-emotional well-being.

For example, you can say that you intentionally incorporate activities that promote self-awareness, such as reflective journaling or mindfulness exercises. Add that you encourage your students to understand their emotions, strengths, and areas for growth.

Students learn to empathize with others, resolve conflicts, and appreciate diverse perspectives through these activities.

10. What Is Your Classroom Management Structure?

The classroom management structure is crucial because it sets the tone for a positive and productive learning environment. It combines the strategies and systems you use to establish expectations, maintain discipline, promote student engagement, and foster community within the classroom.

When answering this question, emphasize the importance of a well-defined management structure and highlight why you believe your structure is valuable to both you and your students.

For example, say you believe your classroom management structure effectively promotes a positive and productive learning environment, establishes clear expectations, reinforces positive behavior, and provides individualized support to help students thrive.

You can also talk about checking the school’s policies and guidelines. Every school may have its specific expectations and protocols in place.

By aligning your structure with the school’s policies and demonstrating your understanding of them, you show that you are adaptable and able to work within the established framework.

11. How Do You Feel About Classroom Observations?

When asked about classroom observations, express your comfort and openness to the process. Classroom observations are valuable opportunities for professional growth and feedback.

Avoid common mistakes , such as feeling nervous or desiring advanced warning, as they may negatively affect your adaptability and confidence.

For example, you can say that you genuinely welcome classroom observations as valuable learning experiences, allowing you to receive constructive feedback, gain insights into your teaching practices, and identify areas for growth.

Remember, expressing your willingness, confidence, and positive attitude toward classroom observations demonstrate your dedication to being an effective and reflective educator. Emphasize your value on feedback and your commitment to ongoing professional development.

12. How Do You Feel About Remote Working?

Approach this question with an open mindset and acknowledge that the school can gain valuable insights about your adaptability and work style through your answer. Even if the school does not teach online, your response can showcase your versatility as an educator.

For example, you can say that remote working has its unique advantages and challenges. While the school may not currently be conducting online classes, discussing your perspective on remote teaching will provide insights into your adaptability and versatility as an educator.

Compare online and in-teaching and highlight your strengths in both environments. Recognize the unique benefits of each teaching environment, and highlight your ability to excel in both remote and in-person settings.

13. How Important Are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives For You?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are not just words; they are crucial aspects of education that promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all students.

Today, questions about DEI initiatives, policies, and mindsets have become standard in most teacher interviews. You must demonstrate your commitment to these principles, be open to engaging in challenging conversations, and do the necessary work to build anti-racist curricula and policies.

Here are some important points you can consider when answering this question:

Acknowledge the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
Highlight your willingness to engage in challenging conversations about race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other aspects of identity.
Express your dedication to developing anti-racist curricula and implementing inclusive policies that actively promote equity and challenge biases.

For example, you can say that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are of utmost importance to you as an educator. You believe every student deserves an inclusive and equitable learning environment where their unique identities and experiences are celebrated and respected.

By embracing diversity and promoting equity and inclusion, you create a space where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Avoid responses that dismiss or downplay the significance of DEI initiatives. If you need help understanding the complexities and challenges surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, focus your response on the commitment to ongoing learning, self-reflection, and actively working towards creating an inclusive educational environment for all students.

14. How Do You Typically Motivate Parents to Support Their Children’s Education?

Motivating parents to support their children’s education is vital for fostering a strong partnership between home and school. When answering this question, it’s essential to highlight proactive strategies encouraging parental involvement.

Emphasize the importance of parent engagement in promoting student success and creating a positive learning environment.

Here are some examples of how you can motivate parents to support their children’s education:

Establish effective communication channels
Share the importance of parental involvement
Offer volunteering Opportunities.

For example, you can say that you actively encourage parents to get involved through volunteering opportunities and invite them to contribute their time and skills during school events, field trips, or classroom activities.

Parental involvement is crucial as it positively impacts student achievement, behavior, and overall academic success.

By showcasing your strategies for motivating parents to support their children’s education, you demonstrate your commitment to creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment that encompasses both home and school.

15. How Do You Assess Students’ Progress?

Assessing students’ progress employs various strategies beyond traditional tests and quizzes. You can mention different types of assessments, such as formative assessment, portfolio reflection, and project assessment.

Formative assessments : These take various forms, such as class discussions, questioning techniques, exit tickets, and mini-quizzes. It enables you to make real-time adjustments to your teaching strategies, promptly address misconceptions, and provide timely student feedback, supporting the learning journey.
Portfolios: These may include artworks and projects to showcase your students’ work and growth over time, enabling them to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement, and actively engage in the assessment process.
Projects and tasks assessment : These require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, allowing you to assess students’ application of knowledge and skills. Projects often provide opportunities for students to showcase their understanding in practical and authentic ways.

When answering assessment questions, discuss different methods you use to assess students’ progress, explain why it matters, and emphasize the importance of ongoing assessment throughout the learning process.

Avoid relying solely on traditional assessments like exams. Be cautious about mentioning only one assessment method without acknowledging the importance of a comprehensive approach.

By showcasing your understanding of different assessment strategies and their role in supporting student growth, you demonstrate your commitment to personalized learning and ongoing progress monitoring.

16. What Are the Greatest Challenges Teachers Face Today?

Approach this question with an understanding that it can be a trick question. The interviewer wants to assess your awareness of the current events and issues impacting the teaching profession.

Here’s how you can navigate this question effectively:

Acknowledge that the teaching profession faces ever-evolving challenges.
Emphasize that you understand the importance of staying informed and adaptable to address these challenges effectively.
Demonstrate your awareness of recent events, advancements, and shifts influencing the teaching industry, such as education policies, technological advancements, social and cultural shifts, or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, say that you believe the teaching profession constantly evolves and various challenges come with it. As an educator, you recognize that awareness of these challenges is essential to successfully navigating them. It is important to stay informed about current events and trends in education as they shape the landscape in which you work.

Avoid using clichéd answers or discussing challenges that have been prevalent for years, such as classroom management or standardized testing. Instead, focus on recent and relevant challenges that reflect the current educational landscape.

17. How Do You Deal with Bored or Lacking Interest Students?

It’s normal to engage bored or disinterested students in class. In answering this question, demonstrate your understanding of your student’s needs and showcase your ability to adapt your teaching style to foster their engagement.

Answer this question with confidence and an understanding of students’ diverse needs and interests.

Here are some tactics you can mention:

Implementing differentiated instruction techniques to cater to students’ diverse learning styles, interests, and abilities.
Providing various activities, assignments, and resources allows students to choose options that align with their preferences and strengths.
Incorporate active learning strategies that promote student engagement and participation. These strategies can include collaborative projects, problem-solving activities, debates, simulations, or interactive discussions.
Establishing connections between the curriculum and real-world situations to make the content relevant and meaningful to students.

Avoid assuming that all bored or disinterested students are the same or that their lack of interest is solely their responsibility. Instead, demonstrate your willingness to adapt your teaching style, provide options, and create an engaging learning environment catering to their needs.

For example, to capture the interest of bored or disengaged students, embrace active learning strategies and encourage them to actively participate in the learning process through group work, problem-solving tasks, or class discussions that promote critical thinking and real-world applications.

18. Describe Your Experience with a Troubling Student

Approach this question in a way that showcases your strengths and demonstrates your ability to handle difficult situations in the classroom. Using a problem-solution approach, you can highlight your problem-solving skills and commitment to supporting the student’s growth.

Here are some guidelines to follow and common mistakes to avoid:

Emphasize the positive aspects of your approach and strategies to address the situation.
Highlight your ability to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment and your commitment to the student’s well-being and academic success.
Refrain from making negative judgments or speaking disparagingly about the student.

Adopt a compassionate and understanding tone, focusing on identifying the underlying causes of the behavior and providing appropriate support.

19. Share One Mistake You Made with One of Your Students And What You Learned From It.

Teachers, like everyone else, are prone to making mistakes. When discussing a mistake you made with one of your students, it’s crucial to highlight how that experience contributed to your growth as an educator.

While answering this question, begin by emphasizing that making mistakes is a normal part of students’ and teachers’ learning and growth process. Reflecting on and learning from these mistakes is essential for professional development.

Describe a specific mistake you made with a student and the valuable lesson you learned. Emphasize how this experience contributed to your development as a teacher and improved your understanding of student needs or instructional approaches.

Conclude your response by highlighting how the mistake helped you become a better teacher and how you have since adjusted your approach to better meet the needs of your students.

By openly discussing a mistake you made with a student and sharing the valuable lesson learned, you demonstrate your ability to reflect, grow, and adapt as an educator. This showcases your commitment to ongoing improvement and dedication to meeting your students’ diverse needs.

20. How Would Your Teacher Colleagues Describe You

This question lets you showcase your interpersonal skills, teamwork abilities, and overall fit within a collaborative work environment.

The opinion of your colleagues matters as it reflects your ability to establish positive relationships, contribute effectively to a team, and create a harmonious work atmosphere.

Here’s how you can approach this question:

Highlight that your colleagues’ opinions are valuable as they provide insights into your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work effectively within a team.
Emphasize that a positive perception from colleagues signifies your potential to contribute positively to the work environment and foster a supportive and collaborative culture.

When answering this question, highlight your strengths and qualities your colleagues would appreciate and value. Choose qualities that align with the expectations and values of the teaching profession.

For example, say the opinion of your teacher colleagues is important to you as it reflects your ability to work collaboratively, contribute effectively to a team, and create a positive work environment.

By focusing on your strengths and qualities that align with effective teamwork and collaboration, you demonstrate your ability to fit well within a new work environment.

Your answer should reflect your positive and cooperative attitude and commitment to building strong professional relationships with your colleagues.

Across the country, teacher shortage is growing. Schools require qualified and dedicated teachers like you. Finding a teaching job and going through the interviews can seem like a lot, but we can help you prepare.

Here is a graph detailing the level of preparedness for interviews among teachers.

We can help you with teacher preparation

can help you get prepared.

By following these teacher job interview tips, you face the application process with confidence.

If you’re struggling with the Teacher Test, take a look at our teacher testing tips and get tips on how to ace that test.

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How to Become a Teacher in Iowa in 2023

August 30, 2023 by astratton

Texas Teachers Certification Areas

Texas teachers currently offers 50+ certification areas:.

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 6–12 (272)
American Sign Language (ASL) (184)
Art EC–12 (178)
Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish (190)
Business and Finance 6–12 (276)
Chemistry 7–12 (240)
Computer Science 8–12 (241)
Core Subjects EC-6 (291)
Core Subjects 4–8 (211)
Dance 6–12 (279)
English as a Second Language Supplemental (154)
English Language Arts and Reading 4–8 (117)
English Language Arts and Reading 7–12 (231)
English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4–8 (113)
Family and Consumer Sciences EC-12 (200)
Health EC–12 (157)
Health Science 6–12 (273)
History 7–12 (233)
Journalism 7–12 (256)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Arabic EC–12 (600 & 605)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) French EC–12 (610)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) German EC–12 (611)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Latin EC–12 (612)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Japanese EC–12 (602 & 607)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Mandarin Chinese EC–12 (601 & 606)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Russian EC–12 (603 & 608)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish EC–12 (613)
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Vietnamese EC–12 (604 & 609)
Life Science 7–12 (238)
Marketing 6–12 (275)
Mathematics 4–8 (115)
Mathematics 7–12 (235)
Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering 6–12 (274)
Mathematics/Science 4–8 (114)
Music EC–12 (177)
Physical Education EC–12 (158)
Physical Science 6–12 (237)
Physics/Mathematics 7–12 (243)
Science 4–8 (116)
Science 7–12 (236)
Social Studies 4–8 (118)
Social Studies 7–12 (232)
Special Education EC–12 (161)
Speech 7–12 (129)
Technology Applications EC–12 (242)
Technology Education 6–12 (171)
Texas Assessment of Sign Communication–American Sign Language™ (TASC–ASL™) (073)
Theatre EC–12 (180)
Trade and Industrial (T&I)

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15 teacher interview questions and how to answer them

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15 teacher interview questions and answers

Make a good first impression.

If you’re an educator, you likely know a thing or two about planning.

Before walking into a classroom, you create a lesson plan and the materials to support it, and you enter the right mindset to engage your students.

Preparing for a job interview for a teaching position isn’t much different. You have to enter into a confident headspace, arrive prepared with copies of your cover letter and resume , and practice presenting information to your interviewer.

As you perform mock interviews in front of the mirror, perfect the responses you’ll give on the big day. While you can’t foresee precisely what the interviewer will ask, you can prepare by studying common teacher interview questions and nailing your answers ahead of time.

Teaching is both a job and a vocation . You likely work in the classroom because you enjoy helping students reach their full potential — and chances are, you already have the skills to match that passion.

Preparing your answers to common questions before a job interview can help you feel confident in the moment and explain yourself in the most accurate and productive way possible. If you aren’t sure where to start, working with a teacher career coach can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint areas to highlight.

Use your job interview to exemplify that care and show potential employers what you can do. Answer honestly about what drove you to this field and tell stories about experiences that built your background. And practice the following 15 typical interview questions for teachers to channel that motivation and sense of vocation into solid answers.

1. “Why did you decide to be a teacher?”

boy-in-yellow-t-shirt-using-imac-interviewing-a-female-teacher

This teaching interview question makes the top of the list because even if the interviewer doesn’t ask you outright, your answer should be evident throughout the conversation. Your passion for teaching should be one of the first things they notice about you.

If they do ask you this question, respond honestly. Tell your unique background story that describes why you came to teaching. Perhaps you had a teacher who changed your life and you wanted to do the same for others. Maybe you observed a need for a particular learning methodology in your district and knew you could make a difference by implementing it.

Make your answer as substantive as possible, avoiding empty statements like “I’m good at teaching” or “I enjoy working with children.” This is an opportunity to explain not only what makes you unique, but what makes you an asset.

2. “How would you describe your teaching style?”

The person interviewing cares about education and students’ futures, just like you do. They want to ensure you’re self-aware enough to describe your teaching style and how exactly it can help students learn. This question allows you to explain your approach and align it with the school’s values.

Preparing well for this question means researching the school’s teaching philosophies and determining how your skills and teaching experience support them. You might find it helpful to write a mission statement that describes who you are, what you do, and why — like an elevator pitch about yourself as a teacher. You can then pull on those points when answering this question.

3. “How do you handle stress?”

Burnout leading to anxiety and depression is an issue for teachers worldwide , according to a 2022 review from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Interviewers want to ensure you have a plan for taking care of your mental health in this high-stress role.

Show your interviewer that you take a conscientious approach to stress management . Describe your support system and what you do in your free time — like exercising , journaling , or meditating — to ground yourself.

This behavioral interview question provides an excellent opportunity to use the STAR method , which stands for situation, task, action, and result. When you respond to a question following this structure, you state the issue, your role, and the actions you took to resolve the problem . You can use this method to describe a stressful work moment and what you did to manage your emotional response in a healthy way.

4. “Could you describe a past or potential lesson plan?”

This question may seem overwhelming, but if the interviewer asks it, don’t panic. If you’re a teacher with extensive experience, think back to one of your most compelling or successful classes and briefly describe the assignment, materials, and pedagogical goals.

If you’re a new educator, describe a class you’d like to give. Use this question as an opportunity to highlight your skills and creativity . Perhaps you’re strong in the arts and use hands-on, visual methods to explain math concepts to early learners. Give an example that showcases both your strengths and your ideologies.

5. “How do you motivate students?”

children-clapping-together-with-the-teacher

To answer this question, start by remarking that motivation looks different for all students. No one method will inspire a whole group, and it’s important to pay attention to everyone’s individual needs to achieve goals .

Then, go deeper. Discuss how you learn your students’ preferences, strengths, and weaknesses, and devise teaching methods to help them on an individual level. It’s also a good idea to drive your message home with anecdotes if you have them.

You could talk about a reward system you implemented or how you empowered a struggling student. You might also provide examples of how you’ve adapted to changes, like new educational settings or remote learning challenges, and learned how to motivate students in shifting circumstances.

6. “How do you continue to learn?”

This is an essential question to ask a teacher in an interview because administrators want staff dedicated to lifelong self-learning and professional development . Throughout your career, you should challenge yourself to implement new methodologies and meet changing standards.

Demonstrate your dedication to bettering your practice by talking about classes you’ve taken, conferences you’ve attended, and books you’ve read. You can also describe any future educational plans, like someday earning a specialized certificate for a certain subject.

7. “How do you accept and implement feedback?”

Teachers are constantly subject to feedback — from administrators observing a class, parents taking note of their children’s progress, and students navigating lessons on a day-to-day basis. Implementing these constructive tips makes you a better educator, but doing so is often easier said than done. Use this interview question as an opportunity to talk about how you’ve grown from advice in the past.

Share an example that shows a change you’ve made, even if this means admitting you had something to improve. Using the STAR method, cite the issue that someone pointed out and explain how you corrected it. Here’s an example: “My students weren’t connecting with a text I assigned for extracurricular reading, so I surveyed the group about topics that would interest them more for upcoming homework. By doing so, I was able to encourage reading consistency and improve students’ enjoyment.”

8. “What’s your experience with diversity and inclusion in the classroom?”

The U.S. Census says that the 2020 population was much more diverse than 2010s , and the numbers will only continue to increase into the 2060s. Educational environments will continue to host more and more students from diverse backgrounds and with different learning styles , and teachers help make these settings feel safe and inclusive for all .

School districts that value diversity and inclusivity want to ensure that teachers work hard to dismantle prejudice and support every student. Express your willingness to promote inclusive policies, and describe ways you’ve previously helped students learn about different kinds of individuals. This could include reading books from authors with diverse backgrounds or even encouraging students to give presentations about their own experiences.

9. “What would you do to include a student with learning differences?”

In the 2021–22 school year, 15% of public school students received some kind of accommodation for a disability or learning difference . And the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that, in 2020, 95% of students with disabilities attended regular schools .

As a teacher, you’ll certainly encounter students with differing needs, and preparing for those moments will help you support them as best you can. Whether you’re practicing your answers for special education teacher interview questions or more general queries, this one is important to keep in mind.

Answer this question by providing an example of a lesson plan you modified to support a diverse group of learners, or talking about a hypothetical scenario of what you’d do if you noticed a student was struggling. And in the same vein, explain how you encourage an environment of understanding in which everyone respects others’ learning styles .

10. “What’s your favorite subject to teach and why?”

unrecognizable-person-holding-a-notebook

While high school and even middle school teachers may stick to one subject matter, elementary educators often teach several. If interviewing for a multi-subject role, demonstrate your niche knowledge by highlighting your transferable skills . You could say that your degree in chemistry makes you an excellent science teacher, or that you use your art skills to encourage creative thinking in your students.

Answer this elementary teacher interview question with an anecdote. Feature a creative lesson plan in a specific subject or a time you were able to help a student overcome a challenge using your unique skills. And if you’re interviewing for a subject-specific role, this is the perfect opportunity to explain why you’re the right candidate for it.

11. “Why do you want to work at this school?”

Your interviewer wants to ensure that you’re a good fit for this institution above any other. This question requires some extra prep work — you should already have a good idea of what the school values or specializes in. Before the interview, do some research on the school. If you’re able, try speaking to current faculty to get a good sense of what makes it unique.

Impress the interviewer by citing specifics about the school you’re applying for. Explain that you want to work there because of one of its stand-out characteristics, like its focus on hands-on learning or its state-of-the-art athletic amenities.

12. “Why should we hire you?”

“Why should we hire you?” is a staple in interviews for many industries, including education. It’s a broad question, and answering it can be unnerving because of its high stakes. This is an invitation for you to coherently argue why they should bring you on.

Stick to an easy-to-follow storyline. Instead of listing all of your skills and personality traits or regurgitating your resume, talk about what most inspires you about this learning environment and how you could add to it. If the school strongly focuses on community and you are a consummate volunteer, explain how you can pass on your values and experiences helping others to students.

13. “How do you build relationships with parents and guardians?”

Parents and guardians are an essential part of students’ educational lives. They help with homework, make important observations about behaviors and learning styles, and motivate their children. Interviewers want to know not only how you interact with parents and guardians, but team up with them to consider a student’s individual needs.

Answer this question with specific examples of how you establish and maintain parent relationships. You could cite frequent check-ins, surveys you use to learn more about your students from their parents, and the ways you incorporate families into activities like presentations or extracurriculars.

14. “How do you collaborate with other school staff to support students?”

Teachers are hardly sole operators. They form part of a group of educators, staff, and administrators responsible for teaching and caring for students. Everyone on the team must implement the same policies and initiatives, ensure student wellness, and observe signs that a child might need additional support.

Describe a time when you learned more about a student by collaborating with a team member. Perhaps an art teacher shared that one of your students was particularly gifted at drawing, and you encouraged this student to foster creativity in other areas, like asking them to illustrate their English homework. Or maybe you were able to help mediate a tense meeting about policy changes between the educators on your team.

15. “What questions do you have for me?”

Many interviews land on this question, and it’s one you should never dismiss — even if you aren’t sure what to ask. This question allows you to learn more about your future employer. An educational environment that’s a good fit can positively impact teacher wellness and happiness , so use this question to determine whether this school is a place where you could thrive.

Consider asking the interviewer about their first-hand experience working in the environment and learning what others enjoy about the place. You could also ask how the school measures teacher success to better understand what the administration considers excellent performance. This is also a good opportunity to learn about a day in the life of a teacher at this school, including schedules and breaks .

Teacher interview questions facilitate a fruitful conversation that discovers whether this work environment is a good fit for you. It’s your chance to explain your passions, your educational background, and the skills you bring to the table — and find out whether your values match the school’s.

Understand Yourself Better:

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

Learn how to reschedule an interview respectfully and professionally

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By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/21/2022

Being a teacher can be one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet…but even with teaching vacancies rising and the number of opportunities increasing , getting those first jobs teaching can be a nerve-wracking experience. Fortunately, nailing that interview for your dream job doesn’t have to be a challenge. By reviewing teach interview questions and answers, you can study and practice your way to success.

Luckily, we’ve pulled together some easy tips for you to keep in mind while prepping for your teaching interview. Plus, we’ve gathered up some of the most common teacher interview questions, along with some example answers.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dig in!

2. Get specific.

This relates directly to the behavioral questions and how you should answer them. Use examples from your own past and skills to illustrate exactly how you have done things in the past.

Also, make sure to embrace both the STAR Method and the Tailoring Method . That way, your answers are compelling and relevant.

3. Get coordinated.

Make sure you draw attention to specific skills you have that are directly listed in the job description. Before you head into the interview, review the desired qualifications in the job description and match those up to your skills. Use that as a guideline for building your answers.

4. Get educated.

As we mentioned above, research is essential. Look into the school you’re applying to and the school district. Do you know anyone working there already? Do you have friends who have children who are students at the school?

Any and all information you get ahead of time will not only help you determine what sort of environment is at the school but if you want to actually work there or not. Plus, coming in with knowledge about the academics, curriculum, sports, and school programs shows initiative.

5. Get cozy.

Be prepared for a possible panel interview. Education interviews are often conducted by multiple individuals and may include the principal, teachers, parents, and members of the administrative staff.

In some instances, there are education committees set up specifically to interview and screen potential teachers.

6. Get honest!

Above all else, always be honest during your interview. Lying your way into a position only hurts you in the long run.

In fact we we wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions!

Click below to get your free PDF now:

Get Our Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet!

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you " word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview .

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10 Common Teacher Interview Questions With Great Example Answers

Now that we’ve gone over these tips, let’s take a look at the ten most common interview questions for teachers. We’ve listed them below and included a brief explanation of each one. Think of them as a study guide to help guide your own answers…but remember…no copying! Make them your own!

1. Why do you want to be a teacher?

This is probably the most often asked teacher question. You want to give an answer that is heartfelt, genuine, and really illustrates why you chose this field. Take time before your interview to really reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Draw from specific examples. Make your response thoughtful, authentic, and honest.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

When I was in third grade, I struggled a lot with reading, which affected my grades and caused me to fall behind. My teacher, Miss Emily, sat me down one day and talked to me about what was going on. I told her how hard it was for me to read, and we discovered together I was having vision problems. She moved me to a desk that was closer to the front and met with my parents to discuss options. Because of her, my parents took me to a doctor, and my astigmatism was diagnosed. Miss Emily reignited my love of learning at that moment. I want to be that teacher…the one who takes the time to really discover why students are struggling and give another child like me an opportunity to learn to love learning again.

2. Why do you want to teach at this school?

This question is another common teaching interview question. Use this opportunity to provide specific reasons why you’re interested in the school by drawing on the information you gathered during your research.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching schools within this district, and I’m very impressed with what you offer here. Between an award-winning teaching staff and a district that is very involved, your school has a teacher-to-student ratio that I think really allows for personalized education. Smaller classroom sizes, like the ones you maintain here, make it possible for me to give each child the one-on-one attention they deserve. On top of that, your after-school science program is exciting to me, and I would hope, should I get hired here, that I might be able to become involved in that as well.

3. What can you bring to our school that makes you unique?

This question is pretty straightforward. Talk about activities you’ve participated in or passions you have that can easily translate into teachable moments and classroom activities that fall outside the usual curriculum that is currently being enacted.

I love science and exploring the natural world beyond the borders of the classroom. For that reason, I started an after-school explorer’s club at my last school. We would go on nature hikes, visit museums, and invite local scientists and biologists to come speak to us about what they’re working on and their research. The response was overwhelming, and I have students who still come up to me years later and tell me how much they loved our club and how it helped inspire them to pursue careers in the sciences. I would be very interested in continuing the legacy of the explorer’s club here.

4. What frustrates you the most in a classroom?

This question allows your interviewers to get to know what it takes to ruffle your feathers and how you’ll behave when faced with that situation. Find a scenario that is fairly common for all teachers, and then explain how you’ve dealt with that frustration.

I have to admit, I get frustrated by the kids who think they’re too cool for school and who float through their day doing as little as possible. The same sentiment applies to teachers who play into that attitude. Rather than turn that frustration into anger or simply ignoring the issue and waiting for a slacker to drift through a year in my class, I turn that frustration into a challenge for both the student and myself. Most of the time, their attitude is a way for them to protect themselves, something they developed to manage the challenges they’re facing outside of school. Sometimes all they need is to know someone else believes in them. By giving them a little extra attention and encouragement, I’ve seen some of the ‘coolest kids’ turn into students who are focused, driven, and ready to turn themselves around.

5. What is your teaching philosophy?

Everyone will have a unique answer to this question as everyone’s experiences with education, and own personal history will determine how they’ve shaped their own philosophy. Take time before you get into the interview to really focus on what your philosophy is and how you apply it every day.

I believe that the best learning opportunities are the ones that the students come up with themselves. For that reason, I spend every lunch hour on the playground with my students and make myself available for them to ask me “playground pop quiz” questions. These questions have ranged from everything from “how is the ice cream we had at lunch made” to exploring the lifecycle of the mosquitos we found in a piece of playground equipment. I love challenging the students to try to stump me, and as a result, they go out of their way to explore the environment around them, making learning fun and exciting.

6. What do you learn about your students to ensure you’re the best help?

This question is tricky because every interview may have a different perspective about how much you need to know. Since that’s the case, it’s best to find an answer that will resonate logically, even if the interviewer has a different perspective on the matter.

Generally, I want to make sure I spend time getting to know each student’s learning style. With that, I can ensure that I use the right range of strategies during core lessons and that I can adjust my approach during one-on-one sessions when the need arises. Beyond that, I also try to learn at least one key interest that each student has, even if it isn’t related to my subject. That way, I can incorporate details that align with those interests on occasion. For example, I can talk about a bakery in math problems with students who love sweets or squeeze information about bugs into practice reading passages for kids who adore science. Overall, it’s an approach that I find particularly useful for engagement, so I use it regularly.

7. If you had to describe your teaching style in one word, what would it be and why?

With this, you need to balance brevity and thoroughness. It’s critical to focus on the “one word” aspect, as launching into a list makes it seem like you didn’t understand the question. Additionally, you want to back up with every word you choose.

If I had to describe my teaching style in one word, I’d have to pick “agile.” No two students are alike, so I know the value of keeping on my toes and pivoting my approach to ensure every child gets an exceptional experience. For example, I’ve taught science classes where some students were visual learning, and others were more tactile. So, I adjusted my strategy to incorporate both, bringing in colorful models that students could view, manipulate, and even take apart. It connected with both types of students, making the lesson more impactful.

8. If you could make one change to a school environment, what would it be and why?

Here, the interviewer is trying to gauge what you view as shortcomings in the broader system. It can be tricky to answer, especially as some responses may seem judgmental. Since that’s the case, it’s best to stick with a somewhat neutral topic, all while ensuring what’s best for students stays at the heart.

If I had the power to make one change, I would make school lunches free for all students. That removes the stigma that comes with being a student from a lower-income family, as no one has to worry about whether they can pay or if they’re on a free meal program or not. Since that’s the case, students who may feel uncomfortable being singled out for being on a free meal program – potentially to the point that they may opt to skip meals instead of getting that attention – don’t have any concerns.

9. How have you integrated technology into the classroom in your past roles?

Today’s students are increasingly tech-savvy, even at a young age. Since that’s the case, many interviewers want to know how you’ve integrated technology into the classroom experience in the past.

At my last school, we were fortunate enough to have access to tablets in the classroom. Along with using them for certain heads-down experiences, I took advantage of the tablets’ capabilities to revamp my approach to engagement. I integrated live polls into many lesson plans, allowing students to participate even during lectures. For example, I’d present a hypothesis relating to the subject and ask students what they think was true based on the four available answers. Then, we’d review the responses and engage in discussions before moving forward. It was a fun way to promote broader involvement, all thanks to the live polling features in the tablets.

10. How do you handle a parent that blames you for a child’s poor performance?

If a child isn’t excelling in school, some parents automatically blame the teachers. Since those conversations can get heated, the interviewer wants to ensure you’ll approach them in a professional manner.

If a parent feels I’m responsible for a child’s poor performance, my main goal is to remain calm and professional during the conversation. I strive to maintain a fact-based approach. After ensuring they feel heard, I concentrate more on working with them to find a solution than anything else. It’s not about placing blame; it’s about developing a plan that’ll help their student thrive. By maintaining that mentality, I find that most parents will pivot, allowing us to dive into the challenges the student is facing and how we can help them together.

15 More Common Teaching Interview Questions

How would you prepare your classroom if it was the first day of school?
How do you evaluate students?
Why do we teach “X” in school?
How do you communicate with parents?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?
What did you love most about your last school, and what did you like least?
How do you use data to analyze student performance and identify areas for your own improvement?
Which subject was your favorite as a student?
Why did you leave your last teaching role?
Tell me about a challenging student you had previously. How did you manage the situation?
Why should we hire you to teach here?
What’s the biggest challenge that students face today?
How do you incorporate collaborative experiences into your learning plan?
What steps do you take to keep students motivated?
How do you handle a disengaged parent?

Do You Have Any Questions For Me?

Questions to ask at the end of a teacher interview.

If you’ve ever been to a job interview, you know that after you spend time answering interview questions for teachers, you will usually be asked if you have any questions of your own.

This is the gold mine question and one that serves two distinct purposes. It gives you an opportunity to get information you might not have been able to gather during your research period while also allowing you one more chance to demonstrate you are the perfect candidate by having a pre-prepared list of questions you’d like answered.

Good questions to ask include:

Can you tell me a little about the culture here at the school?
What is a typical day like?
Are there any qualities you’re looking for in a teacher that were not listed in the job description?
Is there a teacher mentoring program here?
Are there opportunities for furthering my education available here?
What is the average classroom size?
How are the classrooms equipped? Is this a wired school?
What goals and expectations do you have for your teachers?
Are there any challenges the school/district is facing that I should be aware of?
Is there an active PTA here?
How is the relationship between the parents and the school?
Is the school a part of the community?
How does this school handle student discipline?
How does it handle bullying?

Putting It All Together

So, there you have it, tips, tricks, and a study guide stuffed full of teacher interview questions and answers for you to go over and use for practice. Make use of all of the information above.

And as always…good luck!

P.S. Now that you’ve got a good feel for the teacher interview questions you are going to be asked, don’t forget that there are hundreds of non-teacher interview questions that you could be asked in your interview! Thankfully we’ve outlined the most common questions AND given you word-for-word answers in our free PDF below:

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Here's what you're getting:

Word-for-word sample answers to the most common interview questions
Tell me about yourself, why should we hire you?, What's your greatest weakness and more!
Free Access to our VIP resources area

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

15 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

By Sherice Jacob

Published: January 27, 2024

Navigating the job market as an aspiring teacher can be a daunting task . With the right preparation, however, you can turn this challenge into a rewarding opportunity. Let’s delve into the most common teacher interview questions and answers and share effective strategies for formulating answers that will impress your potential employers.

What qualities and skills are hiring managers looking for in a teacher?

Passion for Teaching and Learning

One of the most essential qualities of a successful teacher is a genuine love for teaching and learning. This passion often translates into a deep commitment to their students’ success and a willingness to go the extra mile to ensure every student can achieve their full potential.

Communication Skills

Teachers must be able to effectively communicate complex ideas in a way that students can understand. This extends to communicating with parents, other teachers, and school administrators as well.

Patience and Empathy

A classroom environment often involves a diversity of students, each with their unique abilities, challenges, and pace of learning. Teachers need to be patient, understanding, and empathetic to effectively manage this diversity and foster an inclusive learning environment .

Adaptability

Curriculum plans can change, unexpected issues can arise, and each class of students will have unique needs. An adaptable teacher can handle these changes gracefully and adjust their teaching methods as necessary.

Classroom Management Skills

A productive learning environment requires discipline and structure. Effective classroom management skills ensure that students are focused, respectful, and engaged, which contributes significantly to their learning outcomes.

1. Can you tell us about your teaching background and experience?

This is a common initial question , allowing the hiring manager to gain a high-level understanding of your background and experience. They’re seeking to determine if your skills, experience, and teaching approach match the requirements of the role and the needs of the school.

Start from the most recent and relevant experience, then work backwards.
Mention both formal and informal teaching experiences, including internships, student teaching, volunteering, or tutoring.
Discuss specific accomplishments or initiatives you’ve been a part of, showing measurable impact if possible.
Make sure to mention any experience with the age group or subject matter of the role you’re applying for.

Don’ts

Overwhelm the interviewer with every single detail of your entire career. Stick to the highlights.
Speak negatively about past schools, students, or colleagues.
Assume they have fully read your resume. Summarize your experiences, even if they’re listed on your CV.
Veer off into unrelated personal history or stories.

Sample Answer:

“I’ve been in the education field for over seven years. I started my career as a student teacher at ABC Elementary School, where I fell in love with teaching third graders. I then moved on to DEF Middle School, where I worked for four years as a Math teacher. There, I developed a math curriculum that resulted in a 20% improvement in student test scores in one academic year. For the past two years, I’ve been teaching sixth-grade Math at GHI Junior High. I’ve particularly enjoyed the challenge of making math accessible and enjoyable to students who often find the subject intimidating.”

2. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand your motivation for choosing teaching as a profession . They want to ensure that you’re passionate about this field, as this often translates to dedication and resilience, qualities essential in the classroom.

Reflect on your personal motivations and passion for teaching.
Discuss any key moments or influences that led you to pursue teaching.
Highlight the rewards you find in teaching, such as helping students learn or grow.
Give generic answers that could apply to anyone.
Imply that you see teaching as an easy job or fallback career.
Forget to convey your enthusiasm for teaching and its impact on students’ lives.

Sample Answer:

“My decision to become a teacher was greatly influenced by some of my own teachers who made a significant impact on my life, showing me the difference a dedicated educator can make. I was particularly inspired by my high school English teacher, who not only taught us grammar and literature but also encouraged us to think critically and express our ideas confidently. Seeing the transformation in my own and my peers’ learning was really profound. I realized that as a teacher, I could help shape minds and make a real difference in the world.”

3. Can you describe your teaching philosophy?

By asking about your teaching philosophy , the hiring manager wants to understand the values and principles that guide your approach to teaching. This can provide insights into your teaching style, your view of student learning, and how you handle classroom situations .

Discuss your beliefs about teaching and learning in a clear and concise manner.
Mention how your teaching philosophy aligns with the school’s mission or philosophy.
Show how your philosophy translates into practical strategies in the classroom.
Illustrate your philosophy with a brief example from your teaching experience.
Give a generic or vague response that doesn’t differentiate you as a candidate.
Present a philosophy that is inconsistent with the way you actually teach.
Fail to align your teaching philosophy with the age group or subject you aim to teach.
Avoid discussing how your philosophy benefits students’ learning.

“I believe in creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive classroom environment that fosters curiosity and a love for learning. I think it’s essential for students to feel safe and valued, as this encourages them to take risks and participate actively in their learning. I also believe that learning should be student-centered, meaning I tailor my teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students, incorporating different teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles. For example, in my previous role, I integrated technology and hands-on activities alongside traditional lectures to cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.”

4. Who inspires you?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand more about your personal values, motivations, and the type of personalities you admire. The answer can also provide insights into the type of role model you might be for your students.

Choose someone who genuinely inspires you.
Discuss specific characteristics or actions of this person that resonate with you.
Explain how this inspiration affects your work as a teacher.
Select someone without being able to explain their meaningful impact on you.
Choose a controversial figure without carefully considering how it might be perceived.
Give an answer that doesn’t connect to your role as a teacher or your personal values.

“One person who greatly inspires me is Fred Rogers, best known for his educational television show, ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.’ He had a profound respect for children, seeing and valuing them as individuals. His gentle, caring approach to discussing complex subjects always resonated with me. The way he communicated with empathy and understanding, always with the intent of making the world a better and kinder place, is something I try to bring into my own classroom.”

5. Can you provide an example of a challenging situation in the classroom and how you handled it?

The hiring manager wants to know how you handle challenges and conflicts in a classroom setting. Your answer can provide insight into your problem-solving skills , resilience, and ability to maintain a positive and productive learning environment under stress.

Clearly describe the situation, your actions, and the outcome.
Discuss your thought process and decision-making during the situation.
Highlight skills and strategies you used to resolve the issue.
Discuss a situation without focusing on your role in resolving it.
Speak negatively about any student, parent, or colleague involved in the situation.
Overlook discussing what you learned from the situation and how it has informed your teaching since then.

“I can share an experience from when I was teaching at my previous school. I had a student who was typically well-behaved but started becoming disruptive and inattentive. Instead of immediately implementing disciplinary measures, I chose to speak with him privately to understand if there were underlying issues. I found out that his parents were going through a divorce, and he was having a hard time coping with it. After discussing this with our school counselor and his parents, we arranged regular counseling sessions for him. I also gave him additional attention in class and tried to involve him more in group activities to ensure he felt supported. Over time, his disruptive behavior decreased significantly, and he became more engaged in class.”

6. How do you differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students?

The hiring manager asks this question to assess your ability to meet the diverse needs of students in a classroom. Your answer will indicate your understanding of differentiated instruction and how you adapt your teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles , abilities, and interests.

Show an understanding of differentiated instruction and why it’s important.
Share specific strategies or techniques you use to differentiate instruction.
Give an example from your teaching experience to illustrate how you’ve implemented these strategies.
Provide a generic answer that doesn’t show your understanding of the concept.
Ignore discussing how you assess and monitor the effectiveness of your differentiation strategies.
Overlook mentioning how differentiated instruction contributes to student engagement and success.

“It’s important to understand that every student has unique learning styles and paces. In my classroom, I differentiate content, process, and product based on students’ readiness, interest, and learning profile. For example, I might present content through videos, reading materials, or hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles. When working on projects, I allow students to choose their preferred method of demonstrating their understanding, be it through a written report, a presentation, or an art project.”

7. Can you describe your experience with integrating technology into your lessons?

The hiring manager asks this question to gauge your comfort level and proficiency with integrating technology into your teaching. As technology becomes increasingly important in education, it’s crucial for teachers to be able to effectively use it to enhance student learning.

Share specific tools and platforms you’ve used in your lessons.
Discuss how you’ve used technology to engage students and enhance learning.
Mention any training or professional development you’ve pursued to stay updated with educational technology.
Give a generic answer that doesn’t show your personal experience with technology in the classroom.
Neglect to discuss how technology has benefited your students’ learning.
Ignore any challenges you’ve faced while integrating technology and how you’ve overcome them.

“In my previous role, I integrated various digital tools into my lessons. For example, I used platforms like Google Classroom for assigning homework and tracking student progress. I’ve also utilized interactive educational software to make lessons more engaging and cater to different learning styles. For instance, I’ve used Kahoot for formative assessments, which not only helped me gauge students’ understanding but also made learning fun for them. I’ve also used Zoom for parent-teacher conferences, which provided greater flexibility for parents.”

8. How do you assess student learning beyond standardized testing?

The hiring manager wants to understand your approach to student assessment beyond the traditional standardized testing methods. This allows them to gauge your ability to effectively monitor and assess student progress, provide useful feedback, and tailor instruction based on students’ individual needs.

Describe various formative and summative assessment methods you use.
Explain how these assessments help you understand a student’s learning progress and adapt your teaching accordingly.
Discuss how you provide feedback and encourage students to self-assess.
Rely solely on traditional testing methods in your answer.
Overlook the importance of ongoing, formative assessments in monitoring student progress.
Neglect to mention how you use assessment data to improve teaching and learning.

“While standardized tests have their place, I believe a variety of assessment methods provide a more holistic view of a student’s learning. In my classroom, I use multiple formative assessment techniques such as quizzes, class discussions, exit tickets, and learning journals. These not only gauge students’ understanding but also give me immediate feedback to adjust my teaching as needed. I also incorporate project-based assessments and presentations to evaluate students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.”

9. Can you describe a lesson plan you developed and how it was effective?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand your lesson planning skills , how you align your lessons with learning objectives, and how you evaluate the effectiveness of your instruction. Your response will indicate your understanding of effective instructional design and your ability to reflect on and improve your teaching practice.

Describe a specific lesson plan including the subject, the learning objectives, the teaching methods used, and any materials or technologies incorporated.
Discuss how you differentiated instruction within this lesson.
Explain how you assessed its effectiveness and made adjustments, if necessary.
Give a vague or overly general description of a lesson.
Forget to mention how you tailored the lesson to the needs and interests of your students.
Overlook discussing the outcomes of the lesson and how it contributed to students’ learning.

“Last year, while teaching the water cycle in my science class, I developed a lesson plan that combined direct instruction, group activities, and technology. The objective was for students to understand the various stages of the water cycle and the concept of conservation of matter. I began with a short lecture using a PowerPoint presentation, followed by an interactive animation on the SmartBoard. Students were then divided into groups to create their own diagrams of the water cycle using a digital drawing tool. This task catered to different learning styles – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. I circulated around the room, providing guidance and answering questions. I assessed their understanding through the accuracy of their diagrams, their participation in the group activity, and a short quiz at the end.”

10. How do you align your teaching with the Common Core or other state standards?

The hiring manager asks this question to ascertain your familiarity with the Common Core or other state standards, and how you incorporate these into your teaching. It’s important for teachers to align their instruction and assessments with these standards to ensure they are meeting educational requirements and supporting students in achieving these benchmarks.

Demonstrate your understanding of the Common Core or relevant state standards.
Describe how you use these standards to guide your lesson planning and assessment.
Discuss how you use standards to set clear expectations and learning goals for students.
Ignore the connection between these standards and your day-to-day teaching practice.
Fail to mention how you keep up to date with any changes or updates to the standards.
Neglect to highlight the importance of these standards in promoting consistency and equity in education.

“Incorporating the Common Core standards into my teaching is integral to ensuring that my students are on track and meeting the appropriate grade-level expectations. When planning lessons, I first identify the relevant standards for the subject and grade level. These standards inform the learning objectives of each lesson, the instructional activities I choose, and the assessments I use to measure student learning. For example, if a standard requires students to be able to analyze a text’s structure, I would design activities and assignments centered around this skill. I also reference the standards when giving feedback to students and parents, so they understand what is expected and how their work aligns with these goals”

11. How do you accommodate for special needs students in your classroom?

The hiring manager asks this question to gauge your understanding and experience in providing inclusive education. It’s important for teachers to be able to adapt their teaching strategies to meet the needs of special education students and create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.

Discuss specific strategies you use to accommodate special needs students.
Highlight your knowledge of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans , if applicable.
Show your understanding of the importance of communication with special education staff, parents, and the students themselves.
Give a vague or generic answer that doesn’t show your personal experience or understanding of special education.
Neglect to mention how you foster an inclusive classroom environment that respects and values diversity.
Overlook discussing the role of ongoing assessment and adaptation in meeting these students’ needs.

“In my classroom, I adapt my instruction based on the needs of each special education student. If a student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan, I closely follow the accommodations and modifications outlined in it. For example, I might provide extended time on tests, use assistive technology, or incorporate visual aids to support understanding. I also differentiate instruction and use flexible grouping to promote effective learning for all students.”

12. How do you communicate with parents and guardians?

The hiring manager asks this question to evaluate your communication skills and your approach to establishing strong relationships with parents and guardians. Effective communication with parents is crucial in ensuring students’ academic and social success.

Highlight different methods of communication you use.
Discuss how you establish open lines of communication from the beginning of the school year.
Mention how you handle difficult conversations or issues that arise.
Overlook the importance of regular and proactive communication with parents.
Neglect to discuss how you respect and accommodate the communication preferences of different families.
Forget to mention how you involve parents in their child’s learning process.

“At the start of the year, I share my communication plan with parents, which includes regular updates on their child’s progress and classroom news. I typically use emails, newsletters, and the school’s online parent portal to share information. I also schedule parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress in detail. In these meetings, I make sure to highlight positive achievements as well as areas for improvement. If there are any issues or concerns, I reach out to parents promptly and professionally, inviting them to collaborate on solutions.”

13. What are your long-term goals as a teacher?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand your commitment to the teaching profession and your aspirations for professional growth. Your answer provides insights into your motivations, your dedication to continuous learning, and your potential future contributions to the school.

Discuss specific goals related to professional development, student impact, or contributions to the school community.
Show enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning.
Connect your goals to the values or mission of the school.
Provide a generic answer that doesn’t show your personal commitment to growth and improvement.
Ignore discussing how achieving these goals would benefit your students and the school.
Overlook mentioning any steps you’ve already taken or plan to take to achieve these goals.

“I plan to pursue a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction to deepen my understanding of effective teaching strategies and stay updated with current educational research. I also aim to take on a mentorship role for new teachers in the future. I believe that by sharing my experiences and learning from others, we can foster a collaborative and supportive teaching community.”

14. Can you provide an example of a project-based learning activity you have implemented?

The hiring manager asks this question to understand your experience and proficiency in implementing project-based learning, an educational approach that emphasizes student-centered and experiential learning. Your response should demonstrate your ability to engage students in complex, real-world projects that enhance their problem-solving skills, creativity, and knowledge application.

Describe a specific project, including the subject, the project goals, and the steps students took to complete it.
Highlight how the project aligns with curriculum standards or learning objectives.
Discuss the outcomes of the project and how it contributed to students’ learning.
Give a vague or generic description of a project.
Forget to mention how you guided and supported students throughout the project.
Overlook discussing how you assessed student learning during and after the project.

“In my previous role, I implemented a project-based learning activity for my 6th-grade science class around renewable energy. The project objective was for students to understand different forms of renewable energy and their impact on the environment, aligning with our state’s science standards. Students were grouped into teams, and each team chose a type of renewable energy to research. They were responsible for understanding how their chosen energy source worked, its benefits, drawbacks, and its potential impact on our local community. They then created a presentation, including models and diagrams, to present their findings to the class. I guided students throughout the process, providing resources, answering questions, and facilitating discussions. I assessed their learning based on their research, collaboration skills, final presentation, and their ability to answer questions from their peers. The project was a success, and students were deeply engaged. They demonstrated a thorough understanding of renewable energy and developed valuable research and presentation skills.”

15. How do you promote social-emotional learning in your classroom?

The hiring manager asks this question to assess your understanding of social-emotional learning (SEL) and how you integrate it into your classroom. This shows your ability to support students’ emotional well-being and social skills, which are crucial for their overall development and academic success.

Discuss specific strategies or activities you use to foster SEL in your classroom.
Highlight the importance of a positive and respectful classroom environment.
Show your understanding of the five core competencies of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Overlook discussing how you model positive social and emotional behaviors.
Neglect to mention how you address social-emotional learning in your lesson planning and instruction.
Forget to talk about how you support students in developing these skills over time.

“I incorporate SEL in various ways. Firstly, I explicitly teach and discuss SEL skills through various activities. For instance, we might have a weekly class meeting where we discuss topics like empathy, managing emotions, or conflict resolution. Secondly, I integrate SEL into academic instruction. For example, when teaching literature, we discuss characters’ emotions and decisions and relate them to our own experiences. I also make an effort to model positive SEL behaviors such as active listening, empathy, and respect. Furthermore, I create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing their feelings and perspectives.”

Your Next Steps to Becoming a Teacher

From being able to clearly articulate your teaching philosophy to showcasing how you handle classroom challenges, differentiate instruction, and engage parents, your responses will reflect your readiness for the role. The key is to stay focused, authentic, and put the students’ needs at the forefront of your practice.

Remember, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but about inspiring curiosity, fostering a love for learning, and helping students develop essential life skills. By demonstrating your commitment to these principles, you can prove your potential as a valuable addition to any educational institution.

The good news is that it’s easy to get the guidance you need on your next steps. From creating a stellar resume and preparing for your interview , take your next steps with confidence!

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40+ Common Teacher Interview Questions (with Example Answers)

Teacher interviews are a whole new level — apart from academic qualifications, you need to show passion and skills to prove that you can handle this impactful role well.

I know this because I spent the first 10 years of my career teaching, and I’m here to help you get better at interviews, fast.

You need to come across as trustworthy and student-focused, but also show you understand the school culture and values and that you’ll contribute to their success. All that with a single goal — get to the demo lesson and show them how it’s done.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

The exact requirements of the job and what to highlight in the interview
A list of 40+ most common teacher interview questions
Ten sample answers to make your own
Five bonus tips to nail the interview

Looking for only a list of common interview questions for teachers? Here are the top 10 questions to expect:

Tell me about yourself.

What inspired you to become a teacher, how do you engage students who seem disinterested, what teaching methods do you prefer and why, describe a challenging teaching experience and how you handled it., tell me about a successful teaching strategy you implemented..

Discuss a situation where you collaborated with other teachers and administrators.

How would you handle a situation where a student is consistently disruptive?

Imagine your students performed poorly on a test you believed they were well-prepared for. what would you do, if a parent disagrees with your teaching style, how would you handle it.

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Big Interview: the best interview preparation tool

Don’t waste days compiling overused interview techniques. Get original answers to every single question you could expect.

Understanding the Requirements of a Teacher’s Job

In your interview, you’ll need to show your skills in classroom management, lesson planning and preparation, assessments, committee and team meetings, admin work, and professional development.

There are three technical skill areas you want to focus on:

Subject matter expertise . Show that you have a strong understanding of the subjects you’ll be teaching and that you can convey the knowledge well.
Pedagogical skills . You’ll get questions about lesson planning, teaching strategies, assessment methods, and classroom management.
Technical proficiency . They need to see you’re comfortable using new technologies and tools.

You also need to show you have the relevant soft skills like strong verbal and written communication, empathy, and patience. Don’t forget problem-solving — 9 times out of 10, the committee will ask you about dealing with academic and behavioral problems in the classroom.

What’s the teacher hiring process timeline like?

A typical teacher interview takes place face-to-face, at the school you’re applying to.
You could meet a principal, superintendent, counselor, another teacher, or have a panel interview with 3–4 school members.
Apart from the typical steps in the interview process such as the resume review and interview, you may be required to do a demo lesson with a group of students or a simulated lesson with the interview panel.
There’s also a mandatory background check.

Need some tips on writing your teacher resume? Get them here: Teacher Resume Examples + Writing Guide .

Common Teacher Interview Questions and Sample Answers

Below are the most common interview questions for teachers, with example answers you can use as inspiration, and tips on what to highlight in your answers.

Basic Interview Questions for Teachers

Sample answer:

Tips on how to answer:

Don’t forget about this question! “ Tell me about yourself ” is a common opener for any job interview.
If they phrase it as “Walk me through your resume”, don’t take it literally and repeat what they already know.
Use the Present-Past-Future formula to structure your answer. Start by explaining your current role, then rewind and briefly mention your experiences that helped you get to where you are now. Then explain how this role and this school align with your plans and wishes.
Focus on aspects directly linked to teaching and education, and avoid overly personal details.

My love of storytelling and teachers who made a difference. Growing up, literature provided me with a sense of connection, empathy, and understanding of the world around me, very often in situations when nobody else could. I was lucky to have exceptional literature teachers throughout my academic journey. Their influence showed me the profound impact a passionate and dedicated teacher can have on students’ lives.

Ultimately, it was the desire to share my love of literature with young people, show them how literature can raise important questions, help practice critical thinking and also provide a sense of comfort in difficult times. I also love it that I can provide a sense of direction to students, as well as support them to find their own voice through writing and analysis.

Be genuine and share a heartfelt story about what inspired you to choose a teaching career.
Connect your motivation to the impact on students’ lives.
Show you can personalize the approach to meet the needs of the particular student.
Show that, whatever your tactic, you always have the end goal in mind — student success.
If possible, relate methods to positive outcomes and student engagement.
Show you can guide them beyond the academic results/achievements.

Although you’ll face more specific interview questions about working with students or designing a lesson plan, make sure you’re prepared to answer these other interview “classics”:

Why should we hire you?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want to work here?
Why did you leave your last job?
What motivates you?

Behavioral Interview Questions for Teachers

Behavioral questions typically start with “Describe a time when…” or “Tell me about a…”, followed by a past situation. To answer them well, you need to be ready to recount a relevant similar experience from your past.

The STAR formula will help you organize your thoughts into concise stories that highlight your skills. But more on this approach later.

Here are the behavioral questions that often come up in teacher interviews:

A few years back, I had a student who was clearly bright, but just couldn’t seem to get engaged in class. He was disruptive, refused to participate, and distracted everyone else. Detentions didn’t work, so I knew I had to try a different approach. I sat down with him one-on-one, and it turns out he was really frustrated with the curriculum, and thought the lessons were quite outdated. So I took what he told me and used it to adjust my approach. I adapted the lessons, brought in more recent examples, put him in charge of some projects, and noticed he did well when given extra responsibility. I started assigning him small leadership roles in group projects, and that really made a difference.

Over time, he became way more involved in class, his behavior improved dramatically, and his grades got a lot better, too. He even started mentoring younger students, which was awesome to see. This whole experience was a big lesson for me. It taught me just how important it is to empathize with your students and understand what’s really going on with them, so you can tailor your teaching to their individual needs.

Tips on how to answer:

Focus on the positive outcomes of your actions. Explain the positive change in the student’s behavior, engagement, or academic performance.
Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you adapted your teaching methods to meet the individual needs of the student.
Emphasize the importance of building relationships.

I love incorporating simulations and role-playing activities into my history classes. For instance, during a unit on the American Revolution, my students took on the roles of key figures like colonists, British loyalists, and soldiers. They researched their assigned roles, debated their perspectives, and even recreated key events like the Boston Tea Party. The level of engagement was off the charts. The kids were completely immersed in the experience. They weren’t just passively absorbing information, but actively participating in a history lesson. They were arguing, compromising, and making decisions based on their understanding of the events and the motivations of their characters.

The impact on their learning was incredible. They developed a much deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of the American Revolution, as well as the perspectives of different groups involved. The goal of the lesson was absolutely achieved since it helped students hone their critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Oh yes, and a subsequent test resulted in a 20% increase in straight As.

Role-playing games and simulations like this have become staples in my teaching toolkit.

Explain how your strategy encouraged students to participate and become more active.
Use numbers or percentages to demonstrate the positive impact of your strategy.
Show how your strategy helped students develop skills that are valuable beyond the classroom.

Discuss a situation where you collaborated with other teachers or administrators.

A while back, our school decided to put on a big production of “The Wizard of Oz.” It was an ambitious project, and I knew we’d need everyone’s expertise to pull it off. As the English teacher, I partnered with my colleagues in the art and music departments, as well as a few dedicated parent volunteers. We split the work based on our strengths. The art teacher was responsible for the design of the set and costumes, creating a visually stunning and whimsical Land of Oz. The music teacher worked with the students on the iconic songs and musical numbers, while I focused on adapting the script and coaching the actors. The parent volunteers were invaluable in handling the behind-the-scenes logistics, from building props to managing ticket sales.

The final performance was more than we had hoped for. The students truly shone on stage, the audience was completely captivated, and the whole school community came together to celebrate our shared success. For me, this experience highlighted the power of collaboration, the importance of recognizing and leveraging everyone’s unique strengths, and the sheer joy of creating something amazing as a team.

Choose an example where you collaborated and worked together to achieve a common goal.
Explain your specific role in the collaboration and how your expertise or skills contributed to the project’s success.
Show you can resolve conflicts in a collaborative setting.

Situational Interview Questions for Teachers

Situational questions are easy to spot — they usually start with “What would you do if…” or “How would you handle”, followed by a hypothetical situation.

If you encountered the given scenario in your career so far, you can treat them as behavioral questions and base your answer on real-life experience.

Show that you understand the underlying reasons for the behavior.
Emphasize a constructive, respectful approach to discipline.

I wouldn’t point fingers. Instead, I’d take it as a sign that something in my teaching approach or the assessment itself didn’t quite click. First, I’d take a good, hard look at the test results, analyze everything including specific questions that most students missed, and try to establish a pattern to the errors. This would give me some clues about where things may have gone wrong.

After that, I’d ask my students for honest feedback about how they felt about the test and what they found challenging. I’d use those insights to develop my future strategies.

Based on what I find out from analyzing the results and talking to my students, I’d take action. Maybe it means reteaching certain concepts differently, offering extra support to struggling students, or even adjusting the way I assess their understanding in the future.

The key is to see this as an opportunity for growth, both for my students and for me as a teacher. It’s a chance to reflect on my practices, learn from my mistakes, and come back stronger.

Show that you’re open to student feedback.
Focus on your commitment to continuous improvement.
Talk about solutions.

I’d first schedule a meeting with the parent where I’d actively listen to their feedback, ask clarifying questions, and try to understand their perspective. I believe that explaining my teaching philosophy and the rationale behind my approach could help them rethink their attitude. Besides, I’d share examples of how my methods have benefited students in the past, while encouraging an open discussion about any research or evidence that supports my practices.

That said, I’d be willing to adapt and make adjustments if necessary, that is, if the feedback from the parent was genuinely constructive and based on good reasoning.

Ultimately, my goal would be to find common ground and work collaboratively with the parent to create a positive and supportive learning environment for their child. I believe that students can thrive only when parents and teachers work together.

Show that you value parent perspective and understand their concerns, even if you disagree.
Show you can stand your ground and advocate for yourself and your teaching methods and philosophy.

Get a full guide on situational interviews: Situational Interview Questions: Sample Answers and Tips .

Based on my personal experience and conversations I’ve had with ex-colleagues, here are some more common questions you can expect:

How did you get into teaching?
What’s your teaching philosophy?
How would your students and colleagues describe you?
What do you like/dislike the most about teaching?
What are the strengths that helped your teaching career?
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a teacher?
What about teaching in our district appeals to you?
How do you communicate and build relationships with parents?
For what reasons or issues would you reach out to communicate with parents?
When and how do you typically engage counselors?
What do you think is the most difficult aspect of the profession?
How do you evaluate students and what grading system do you use?
What methods do you use to assess student learning beyond traditional tests and quizzes?
A student always finishes their assignments early. How would you deal with the free time they have?
How do you work with students who perform below grade level?
Describe what experience you have in modifying lesson plans for students with special needs?
Imagine that a student is consistently late to your class. How would you handle the situation?
If the majority of your class failed a test, what would you do?
How do you implement technology in your lessons?
What would you do if a student refused to do the work you assigned?
What are the rules of your classroom? How do you establish and reinforce them?
What’s your approach to discipline?

Role-Specific Interview Questions for Teachers

In the interview, you’ll also get questions related to the specific subject you’re teaching, different educational levels, methodologies, or recent trends.

To do well, make sure you prepare for the more challenging questions and highlight the importance of thorough research on the school’s curriculum and values.

Here are some examples to give you a broad idea of what you can expect:

Questions for elementary school teachers

How do you incorporate social-emotional learning into your daily classroom activities?
Can you describe an activity you’ve designed that helps develop foundational skills in math and reading?

Questions for high school teachers

How do you keep students engaged in a subject they might find challenging or uninteresting?
Describe how you prepare your students for standardized tests and college readiness.

Questions for special education teachers

Tell us about a time when you adapted your teaching methods to accommodate different learning disabilities.
How do you collaborate with general education teachers to ensure inclusivity and equal learning opportunities for all students?

Questions for science teachers

What techniques do you use to teach complex scientific concepts to ensure student understanding?
How do you incorporate hands-on experiments into your curriculum?

Questions for PE teachers

Describe your philosophy on physical education and its role within the broader educational environment.
How do you motivate students who are reluctant to participate in physical activities?

Questions for art teachers

Can you share an example of how you integrate other subjects, like history or math, into your art lessons?
What methods do you use to assess student progress in a subjectively evaluated course like art?

Bonus Tips for Answering Teacher Interview Questions

Here are some tips to help nail those tricky questions and show your unique value better.

Use the STAR method for storytelling

When answering questions about your experiences, use the STAR method to keep your answers focused and engaging.

STAR is a 4-step approach that works great for all questions that require you to tell a story.

Situation: Set the scene by briefly describing the context of the situation.
Task: Talk about the goal or challenge you were facing.
Action: Outline the specific steps you took to address the situation.
Result: Discuss the outcome of your actions and how it impacted the students or your colleagues.

Let your passion shine through

Teaching is more than just a job. Let your passion for education and working with kids and young adults show through in your answers.

Share what inspires you about this profession and drives you to be a better teacher. Maybe it’s witnessing those “aha!” moments when a student finally grasps a concept or overcomes a learning obstacle with your help. Or when you see them get progressively better in an area they initially struggled with.

Be specific and genuine in your responses, and, whenever possible, use examples from your experience to make a point.

Focus on the positive & proven

When discussing your experiences, always highlight the positive outcomes you’ve achieved. Don’t just tell them what you did — frame it around the results and the difference it made. Such as:

Test scores improving
Engagement increasing
A shift in students’ attitudes towards learning

Be specific and use quantifiable data whenever possible.

Back up your claims by sharing anecdotes about students or talking about specific projects or lessons that led to exceptional results. This way, you’ll present yourself as a reflective practitioner who can analyze and improve their teaching methods.

Research the school

Start with their website. Dig into their mission statement, values, and educational philosophy. Find out what their priorities are and what kind of learning environment they strive to create. Look for information about their curriculum, extracurricular activities, and special programs.

Next, check out their social media. This can give you a glimpse into the school’s culture and community. Look for photos and posts about events, student achievements, and teacher highlights. You might even get a sense of the school’s personality and how they communicate with parents and the wider community.

Getting familiar with the school will serve two purposes — you’d be able to give better, more informed answers, and also show them that you took the time to explore, meaning — you’re genuinely excited.

Practice for the interview

As a teacher, you’re probably not afraid of being in the spotlight, but that’s when you control the classroom and make the decisions. Once the roles are reversed, and you’re put in a less powerful position, it’s easy to lose focus and panic.

Mock interviews are a great way to get more confident and increase your chances of getting the callback. You can practice on your own by recording yourself on your phone. This is useful because you can rewatch the recording and make corrections. You can also use interview simulation software like Big Interview to practice.

Big Interview software comes with a list of questions that you answer on camera. You get in, record yourself, and once you’re done, you get AI feedback on 12+ criteria like the relevance of your answer, pace of speech, use of filler words, or body language.

If you’re a Big Interview user, you can practice if you go to Interviews , then Practice Sets , then By Industry , and then select the Teaching Profession . You’ll be able to choose a more specific set to practice: College Professor , K-12 Teacher , K-12 Teacher Level 2 , and School Administrator .

Summary of the Main Points

Teacher interviews are tricky because you need to adapt to the role switch — you’re the one being evaluated. The pressure to do your best can get to even the most prepared candidates.
To do well in a teacher interview, you need to know what key skills they’re looking for — classroom management, lesson planning, passion for the subject, problem solving, enthusiasm, and knowledge transfer skills.
You should highlight your student focus, but also show how you will contribute to the success of the school.
The questions will vary depending on the exact courses and grade levels you’ll be teaching, but will typically be a mix of general interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and role-specific ones.
Most of the interview will be centered around behavioral and situational questions, where you need to recall a specific situation from your past career or say how you would act in a hypothetical situation.
Before the interview, don’t forget to research the school and practice your answers, body language, and delivery, ideally through mock interviews.

How to respond to interview questions with limited teaching experience?

You need to emphasize your transferable skills, experiences, and potential for growth. Even if you haven’t had formal teaching experience, you probably have skills that are relevant. Mention the times you worked with children or youth, and focus on your willingness to learn. When you get behavioral questions, try saying: “I haven’t had that experience so far, but here’s how I would approach it”, and then say what you would do in that situation.

What are the most challenging questions a teacher might face?

Questions that involve uncomfortable situations and problem-solving, such as: “How would you handle a student who continuously misbehaves?” Questions that deal with cultural competence and diversity, like “How do you promote an inclusive classroom environment?” or “How have you adapted your teaching methods to support students with special needs?”

What questions should a candidate ask at the end of a teacher interview?

What are some of the school’s strengths and areas for growth?
What opportunities are available for professional development for teachers?
Have you set any programs in place to promote positive behavior and student engagement?
How does the district address emergency preparedness and crisis management?
Can you describe the collaboration between general education and special education teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners?

What’s the appropriate attire for a teacher interview?

To show respect for the teaching profession, it’s best to opt for formal business attire in neutral, inconspicuous colors. You want to be moderate — make sure your jewelry is minimal, your hair (and facial hair) groomed, your nails clean and neat, and your make-up natural. Your attire should reflect professionalism and confidence.

What are the best practices for researching a school or educational institution pre-interview?

Start by visiting the school’s official website and look for their mission statement, programs, extracurricular activities, and recent news or announcements. Check their social media and online platforms like GreatSchools, Niche, and SchoolDigger for reviews and ratings from students, parents, and staff. You’ll learn a lot about academic performance, campus culture, and community engagement.

Bojana Krstic

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67 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

June 22, 2024

There’s no way around it: job interviews are always nerve-wracking. But as teachers always say, “Practice makes perfect.” The only way to steady the nerves and ace the test is through preparation. If you’ve brainstormed your best responses to the questions that most often come up, you’ll be able to head into the interview with an abundance of calm, confidence, and poise . Whether you’re an experienced teacher changing schools or a new teacher just beginning your career, we’ve got you covered. The teacher interview questions and answers below will help you think through all the things that make you a great teacher and a perfect fit for your future school. In this article, we cover:

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers—General Questions
Teaching Experience Questions
Handling Conflict and Challenges
Workload Management
Supervision and Growth

Elementary Teacher Interview Questions

Special education teacher interview questions.

Behavioral Questions
Wrap-up Questions
More Resources

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— General Questions

1) so tell me about yourself….

The most dreaded question! It’s difficult to know where to start with such a broad query, but open-ended questions can be a great opportunity to focus on the information that serves you best. This isn’t the right place for your full life story. Instead, before the interview, brainstorm a brief narrative overview of your professional experiences, highlighting roles and skills that are most relevant to the position. To wrap up, explain what you’re seeking in your next position, future goals, and why you’ve applied to this particular job.

2) Why did you decide to become a teacher?

Likely the most important teacher interview questions to nail your answer to, arriving at a strong answer might require more reflection than you think. You’ll want to say something more than “I love kids.” Think back to your own favorite teachers, formative learning experiences, and moments that helped you discover your passion for sharing knowledge. Offering a meaningful anecdote can help you stand out.

3) Why do you want to teach this age group/type of student?

To help generate an answer to this question, it might be helpful to first think about why you don’t want to teach other age groups. Then, think about your future students’ developmental and behavioral needs and offer an answer that shows you understand and enjoy working with that particular grade. If you haven’t taught before but have worked with kids that age through volunteering, tutoring, or other work, mention those experiences. If you’re applying to teach special education, this is a great time to explain why you’re drawn to students with different needs.

4) Why do you want to teach this subject?

One of the most common teacher interview questions, this is a great place to show your expertise and passion for the subject. Share a memory of what first drew you to the topic, an anecdote from a meaningful class, or an example of your favorite lesson plan. It’s also a great idea to discuss relevant educational background, favorite books on the subject, and your ongoing learning.

5) Why do you want to teach at our school?

Answering this question well will require some research. Consult the school and district websites to learn more about their student demographics and initiatives. For private schools, look up their mission statement and specialty programs. If you have contacts in the district or at that school, reach out to ask about school culture. Showing you understand the school’s specific priorities and needs will go a long way.

6) What makes a great teacher?

Rather than listing a few abstract adjectives like “compassion, care, and resilience,” offer a few examples of impactful teaching from your own education or classroom experience. Make sure to connect the skills and attributes you mention to your own teaching practices with a follow up sentence like, “That’s why I always make sure I do X in the classroom.”

7) What, in a few words, is your teaching philosophy?

Avoid cliché students like “I want to help kids succeed” or “Children are our future.” Instead, consider your personality and unique approach to teaching. Are you a community-builder who loves to teach students how to collaborate? Do you specialize in lifting struggling students up? Do you prioritize creativity? This question allows you to give a brief overview of your individual strengths as a teacher with key examples.

8) What do you love learning about?

This question gives you a chance to demonstrate your zest for knowledge. Mention a recent book, documentary, or newspaper article that fascinated you. For bonus points, explain how you would share this knowledge with your students.

9) What are your hobbies outside of the classroom?

No need to pretend you live and breathe work. Hopefully, your interviewer will soon be your colleague, so sharing some of your interests and pastimes will help them get to know who they’ll be working with. Sharing that you play soccer on the weekends or love travel photography will help your interviewer connect with you and show you have healthy ways to unwind after a long week in the classroom.

10) What role do diversity, equity, and inclusion play in the classroom?

Diversity statements are most meaningful when they’re personal and specific. Before your interview, think of at least one example to share from your personal or professional experiences that illustrates the power of DEI in education. Offer a general statement about why DEI measures are important to you and to kids, and then back your statement up with relevant examples.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Teaching Experience Questions

11) what’s your favorite thing about teaching this grade level.

With this question, it’s smart to show you understand both the delights and challenges of working with a particular age group. Share at least one thing about this grade level that brings you joy and one challenge (like early literacy, AP exam stress, or senioritis) that you enjoy tackling head-on.

12) How do you include parents and guardians in students’ education?

One of the most common teacher interview questions, we recommend offering examples of ways you maintain clear and consistent communication with parents about topics like grades and upcoming deadlines. But don’t forget to also discuss how you communicate with parents when issues and conflicts arise.

13) What are 3 adjectives that past students would use to describe you?

In your response, there’s no problem with listing one predictable adjective like “strict” or “hardworking.” But this question is also a perfect opportunity to show what makes your classroom different from other teachers. If you let your interviewer know you’re a “PowerPoint queen,” “grammar nerd,” or a “class cheerleader,” they’ll have a much clearer sense of what makes you you .

14) What type of classroom culture do you cultivate and how?

Similar to the teaching philosophy question in the “General Questions” section, this is an opportunity to highlight your unique strengths with key examples. If you aim to cultivate active learners, explain how. If you aim to spark student curiosity, offer examples of your successes.

15) How do you track and assess student learning?

Test scores, grades, and tracked data will be your primary method of assessing student learning, particularly if you’ll be working at a public school. If you haven’t taught before, mention any relevant experience you have working with data. If you have taught before, discuss your usual strategies for organizing and presenting data and explain how you use data to differentiate student needs by group.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Handling Conflict and Challenges

16) what has been your biggest teaching challenge to date how did you handle it.

It likely goes without saying that you should choose an example that shows your ability to learn and grow. Perhaps you struggled with behavioral issues in your first year of teaching or faced high levels of student apathy. Share a memory of a classroom challenge, explain how you solved or improved it, and reflect on how you plan to continue addressing the problem at your new school.

17) What are some of your core classroom rules? How do you ensure students follow them?

For this question, it’s best to offer examples of rules that are unique to your classroom. Just about every teacher will require students to raise their hand before speaking, but this is your chance to share creative ways you design, communicate, and implement rules.

18) What’s your approach to student discipline?

Since you’ll likely be interviewing with the school principal, it’s not wise to say you send every troublemaker straight to the principal’s office. Your interviewer will want to hear you’re able to effectively and consistently handle disciplinary issues. Share your go-to classroom management policies and at least one key example of a time when strategic discipline improved your class dynamic.

19) If the majority of your students failed a test or assignment, what would you do?

A question that asks you to demonstrate a high level of self-awareness, your interviewer will want to hear that you pay attention to your own successes and failures as a teacher. Every teacher has a lesson plan flop now and then, but a great teacher takes responsibility and ensures students master the material.

20) What are the biggest challenges students face in our current education system?

To show you’ve done your research, offer an answer that is relevant to your future school’s student demographic. Whether you focus on budget shortfalls, inequity, student apathy, or another issue, it’s wise to show that you know challenges differ between public and private schools, by region, and age group. As you answer, be sure to explain how you help students face these challenges.

21) What are the biggest challenges teachers face in our current education system?

With this question, your interviewer isn’t asking you to vent. Instead, they’re asking you to show an understanding of the challenges professionals face in your field. You might choose to speak about student behaviors, parental involvement, budget cuts, teacher workload, or any other topic. The most important thing, though, is to discuss how you cope with these challenges.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Workload Management

22) How do you balance teaching duties and grading?

23) How do you balance teaching and data collection?

24) How do you plan your lessons?

25) What organizational skills and tools do you use regularly?

The four questions above are all getting at the same core query: are you organized? As you answer these questions, be sure to be as specific as possible about the skills and tools you use to keep yourself organized. Do you start every morning by writing out a to-do list? What about using an app to manage your workflow? Do you use a Pomodoro timer when you grade? Filling your interviewer in on your organizational style will help them see how well you manage a heavy workload.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Supervision and Growth

26) What resources do you use to continue developing as a teacher?

27) What support do you hope for from school administrators?

28) What would you like to learn from a mentor?

The three questions above are all about your level of independence and your willingness to learn. Demonstrating that you’re self-reliant but open to feedback can be a delicate line to walk. As you answer these questions, be frank about weaknesses you hope to work on, offer examples of ways in which you’ve invested in your own growth, and mention a few areas you hope to continue improving through self-study and mentorship.

Although teaching varies greatly by grade, most elementary teacher interview questions will cover the same ground as other grade levels. You can expect to encounter additional questions on topics like:

29) Your ability to teach foundational early education topics like reading, phonics, and basic math

30) Age-appropriate classroom activities that make learning fun

31) Age-appropriate discipline strategies

To answer these elementary teacher interview questions well, you’ll want to illustrate your understanding of young children’s unique needs. If you haven’t taught before, offer examples from babysitting, volunteering, or other positions. If you’re an experienced teacher, share examples of your most effective lessons and activities.

Most special education teacher interview questions will cover the same ground as those geared toward general education teachers, but special education teachers can expect additional questions on topics like:

32) Gathering and tracking data on student behavior and needs

33) Handling students in distress

34) Interpreting and complying with complex policies

35) Your understanding of disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders

To prepare to answer each of these special education teacher interview questions, brainstorm relevant examples of times you’ve utilized these skills. If you haven’t taught before, offer examples from school, volunteering, or other positions. If you’re an experienced teacher, discuss your typical approach to special ed students.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers—Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are one of the most common types of teacher interview questions. An exercise in personal reflection, these questions ask you to share a memory or two that speak to your ability to handle job-specific duties and challenges.

You might be asked to give an example of…

36) A time you made use of technology in the classroom.

37) A time you worked collaboratively with a colleague.

38) A time you made a challenging concept easier for your students to understand.

39) One of your most successful lesson plans.

40) How you motivate students to learn.

41) How you encourage student creativity.

Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers (Continued)

42) Something you do to encourage social development in your classroom.

43) Something you do to encourage collaborative skills in your classroom.

44) A lesson plan that asked students to engage with real-life issues.

45) An accommodation you’ve made for students with different learning styles.

46) An accommodation you’ve made for students from different cultures and backgrounds.

47) An accommodation you’ve made for non-native speakers.

48) How you’ve handled a mistake with a student.

49) How you’ve handled a mistake with a parent.

50) How you handle student disruptions in the classroom.

51) One of your weaknesses and what you’ve done to improve it.

52) A time you helped a struggling student succeed.

53) A time you intervened when a student was being bullied.

54) A time you had a difficult conversation with a parent. How did you handle the issue?

55) A time you had to make an important decision quickly. What did you do?

56) A time you addressed a student with ongoing behavioral problems.

57) A time you said “no” to a student. How did you handle it?

58) A time you said “no” to a parent. How did you handle it?

59) A time you had to juggle competing responsibilities.

60) A time you struggled to meet an important deadline. What did you do?

61) A time you disagreed with a supervisor.

62) A time you received negative feedback from a teacher or supervisor. How did you respond?

63) A time you received competing instructions. How did you proceed?

64) A time you had to learn a new skill quickly. How did you do it?

As you can see, experiential teacher interview questions can run the gamut. Some will ask you to share examples of the things you excel at. Some will ask you to reflect on your biggest professional challenges. When discussing challenges, be honest—everyone makes mistakes and faces struggles—but be sure to provide stories that demonstrate your learning and growth. With each question, make sure to provide detailed, vivid stories that will help you stand out in your interviewer’s mind. As a final addition, explain how what you learned from your experience will aid you in your future role.

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers— Wrap-Up Questions

65) where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years.

Of course, we all want to say, “I see myself winning the lottery and retiring early.” But this question is asking you to demonstrate your investment in teaching and your future goals. If you hope to be promoted to school administration, this is a great time to say it. If you plan to earn a graduate degree, your interviewer will love to hear you have plans to continue developing your expertise in the field. Tell your interviewer you’re in it for the long haul and offer a few examples of how you hope to grow as a teacher in the coming years.

66) Why are you a good fit for this position?

It’s difficult for most of us to toot our own horns, but if you’ve reflected on your experiences and found answers to the questions above, you’ll know many reasons why you’ll be a great addition to the school. Give your interviewer a few examples of what you bring to the table and at least one reason why you’re a perfect fit for their particular school culture.

67) What questions do you have for us?

By the end of an interview, all we want to ask is, “Do I have the job?” But this question offers a great opportunity to demonstrate your sincere interest in the position. Come to the interview with 5-10 questions ready. You likely won’t be able to ask them all, but having a variety on hand means you’ll be able to ask at least a few questions that weren’t covered during the interview. You can ask:

Questions to Ask in a Teacher Interview

1) How would you describe your school’s culture?

2) How is the school hoping to grow in the coming years?

3) What would you say is your student population’s greatest challenge/need?

4) How involved are parents?

5) How do current teachers usually collaborate?

6) What are you looking for in a candidate? (This question gives you a chance to reiterate your matching skills).

7) What is your hiring timeline?

Teacher Interview Questions and Answers—More Resources

Looking for more career development resources? Check out our articles on:

How to Become a Teacher: College-to-Career Advice
3 Great Cover Letter Examples for Any Job in 2024
How to Reschedule an Interview – With Sample Email

Explore all the resources in our Careers section .

Also check out our Teacher Tools such as:

151 Best Summer Jobs for Teacher
How to Become a Teacher
50 Best Colleges for Education Majors
10 Companies That Offer Tech Apprenticeship Programs
100 Best Quotes about Education
60 Best Team-Building Activities for Middle and High School Students
150 Journal Prompts for Kids, Middle & High School Students
102 Last Day of School Activities
Teacher Tools

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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25 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions & Answers in 2022

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This is a shortened version of an article written by Tom Gerencer and published on Zety.

These teacher interview questions and answers will make the interviewers ask you a question:

“When can you start?”

They cover popular high school interview questions, special education teacher interview questions, substitute or assistant teacher interview questions, and more.

Why do you want to be a teacher?

“Why did you become a teacher?” is the most common of all interview questions for teachers.

Administrators want to know you’re motivated to work through inevitable frustrations. And believe me, they’ve heard every generic answer in the books.

“Because I want to help people” won’t work. Find something specific that shows you’re motivated like no other.

Example Answer

I had trouble reading as a child My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Paulette, introduced us to an amazing list of short stories and books. She read to us and worked with us on reading comprehension. Her care switched on an unquenchable thirst that led me to read thousands of books on topics as diverse as history, biology, sociology, and nature. Mrs. Paulette’s attention forever changed my outlook on life. Since then, I’ve known I wanted to do exactly what she did—to give children tools to last for their entire lives.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Teacher interview questions like this ask, “Are you a good fit for our school?” It’s the teaching equivalent of “ tell me about yourself .”

Don’t answer elementary teacher interview questions for an unstructured school with, “I believe in structured learning.”

Take the time to learn the school’s philosophy before the interview.

I believe in teaching to each student’s passion. For instance, in one kindergarten class, my students had trouble with punctuation. I observed that one student, Mary, suddenly got excited about apostrophes. I fueled her passion with a big book on punctuation. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and soon the entire class was asking bright and animated questions. Whenever possible, I try to deliver structured lessons in an unstructured way like this.

That answer uses the S.T.A.R. approach to teaching interview questions. It shows a Situation, a Task, an Action, and a Result.

How much do you want to know about your students in order to be most helpful to them?

This is another of those interview questions for teachers that depends on the school’s philosophy.

One administrator might think it’s crucial to know every detail. Another might say, “A doctor doesn’t need to know her patient’s favorite ice cream flavor.”

Be honest, but find common ground, as in this teaching interview questions answer:

I need to know a student’s learning styles, passions, and challenges. One difficult student, Tim, was disruptive in class. I joined him on the playground on and off. It turned out he was being bullied after school by his brother’s friends. I spoke with Tim’s parents, and they had no idea. Tim became my star student, and as a result, my whole class got quieter and easier to teach.

How to Prepare for a Teaching Interview:

Research the school online and talk to teachers. Learn their challenges.
Brainstorm times you’ve solved problems like theirs.
Practice sample teacher interview questions. Write up your answers and drill with 3×5 cards. When possible, describe a problem you once faced, an action you took, and a positive result for your school or student(s).
Gather materials like a lesson plan, Praxis scores, and transcripts. Include images as proof of your accomplishments.

Why do you want to work for our school district?

Administrators want to know if you really want this job .

So—find things you love about the school.

Talk to teachers who work there. Check out the school’s website, mission statement, and “About Us” page.

Finally, take some time to think of how you fit.

I respect Snowy Peaks High’s belief in teaching to the whole child. Your focus on academics, character, community, and nature fit perfectly with my own philosophy. It’s easier to teach well-rounded students. The best lesson plan in the world can’t help a child who’s struggling in all other areas of life.

How can you help our school/students?

Teacher interview questions like this don’t have to make you blink.

Take the time to learn the school’s needs first.

The example below is for a school with a high percentage of disruptive students.

I’ve talked to several of your teachers and heard about their challenges with classroom management. My own classroom management skills are highly developed. I’ve taken 18 continuing education credits in class management from the University of Phoenix’s online program. I was commended at my last school after fully engaging a class with over 25% disruptive students. I used a mix of nonverbal cues, transition cues, timeouts, and several other kernel-based strategies. I believe I can be just as effective here.

What do you find most frustrating about teaching?

Teaching interview questions like this attempt to see if you are easily discouraged.

So—your answer has to show your inner strength.

I get very frustrated with bright kids who become overconfident and don’t apply themselves. There’s nothing sadder or more common than wasted potential. At my last position, I worked with several children who weren’t trying. I implemented a research-based program to incorporate student ideas into the lesson plan. The addition of their thoughts created more complete engagement. Test scores went up 15% in just two months.

Pro Tip: Teaching is frustrating. Many common interview questions for teachers focus on that pain. Don’t minimize it. Instead, explain your skills at working through it.

Why should we hire you to teach here?

This is the teacher interview questions equivalent of the old standby, “ Why should we hire you? ”

The example answer below is for a school that wants technology in the curriculum.

I’m well aware of your new technology initiative. We were tasked with the same challenge at my last school. Thanks to my strong tech background, I was able to add online quizzes easily. The students loved them, and they cut administrative processing by 25%.

How would you get your classroom ready for the first day of school?

This and similar teacher interview questions look at your preparedness.

First steps create a first impression. Your plan for first steps says a lot about your teaching skills.

I want my classroom to be welcoming and nurturing. I also make the ground rules obvious. A welcome sign and labeled desks help students feel at home from day one. Engaging posters and other visual aids help create a sense of excitement. Beyond fun, a large list of rules and consequences at the front of the room helps the class start on the right foot.

Why do we teach (science, math, French, etc.) in school?

Why does your subject matter to you?

If you say, “So they can get good jobs,” you’ll flunk common interview questions for teachers like this.

Think why you care about the subject at a gut level.

I’ve always believed our future depends on regular people using science in day-to-day decisions. Science is at the core of a sense of wonder for our natural world. That wonder can drive students to improve their learning skills. It can take them places they never thought they’d go.

How do you evaluate your students?

Common teacher interview questions like this examine how you measure your performance.

As usual, avoid generic answers. Cite an accomplishment and how it helped your students.

I evaluate students with formal and informal methods, including quizzes and tests. I also grade in-class activities like reports, recitations, desk work, and group activities. One student, Terry, showed a strong grasp of concepts during in-class activities, but performed poorly during testing. Through working closely with him, I uncovered an undiagnosed vision problem. Terry got corrective lenses and his test scores rose to match his in-class comprehension.

Beware. Teaching interview questions like the above may look for whether you use assessments vs tests.

15 Less Common Teacher Interview Questions [11–25]

The next 15 interview questions for teachers aren’t on the A-list.

As one of my teachers used to say, prepare for them anyway because they may be on the test.

You never know which teaching job interview question you might face. More prep = less chance of a flub.

What are your strengths as a teacher?
What’s your biggest weakness as a teacher?
How do you interact with parents?
Why did you leave your last teaching (or other) job?
What’s your educational background?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
How do you handle classroom management?
What’s your favorite subject?
What do you like best about teaching?
Tell me about your teaching style
How do you manage your time to get all your teaching duties done within schedule?
What’s the biggest challenge today’s students face?
Describe your worst day in class.
How do you motivate students to learn?
How have you helped a “tough” student?

Those are the top 25 teacher interview questions and answers. Want one more question to rule them all? That’s coming in a second.

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Common Teaching Interview Questions

Why do you want to teach?
Describe a time when a student challenged your authority in the classroom. What did the student do, and how did you respond?
How would you describe your style of teaching?
What was your greatest challenge in student teaching? How did you resolve it?
What techniques do you use to keep students actively involved and motivated during a lesson?
Imagine that some of your students have finished their assignments early. How would you deal with the free time they have?
How have you worked with students who perform below grade level?
Describe what experience you have in modifying lesson plans for students with special needs?
Imagine that a student is consistently late to your class. How would you handle the situation?
Describe how you like to implement technology in your lessons.
What would you do if a student refused to do the work you assigned?
What is your preferred method of communicating with parents?
For what reasons or issues would you reach out to communicate with parents?
Describe the process you would use in responding to a student who was disrupting the class.
Explain a difficult situation you have encountered in the classroom, what you learned from it, and what you would do differently now.
What about teaching in our district appeals to you?
What courses have you taken that have been especially helpful in preparing you to teach?
We offer a rich program of co- and extra-curricular activities and encourage teacher participation. How would you like to be involved in co- and extra-curricular activities?
What are the rules of your classroom? How do you communicate and reinforce them?
If I were to observe your classes, what would I see you and your students doing on a typical day?
What discipline strategies have you found to be successful?
How do you engage parents in the education of their children?
Describe the test and quiz formats you like to give. Why do you prefer these formats?
Why should our school district hire you?

Related Links: Common Teaching Interview Questions Questions to Ask in a Teaching Interview Interviewing Tips

Common Interview Questions in Education

If you want a job in teaching, be prepared to answer these questions

Becoming A Teacher
Assessments & Tests
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
Homeschooling
B.A., Sociology, University of California Los Angeles

Before walking into any job interview, you should take some time to prepare a few answers to common interview questions . You may even want to write out your answers and practice saying them aloud so that they come naturally to you once you're sitting down for your interview . If you're interviewing for a teaching position, you'll want to think specifically about what kinds of education-related questions might come up. At a Title I school, for example, you may be asked, "What do you know about Title I?" If you practice answering these questions now, you won't stumble through them later.

Basic Questions

Expect to be asked a few basic questions about yourself no matter what position you're interviewing for. While some of these questions may seem simple, you still want to be prepared with thoughtful answers. Some common basic questions include:

Tell me about yourself.
Why are you interested in this position?
What are your greatest strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Where do you see yourself in five years?

Unless you are applying for an entry-level position, you will likely be asked about your background and teaching experience. The interviewer will want to know how well you work with others and what kinds of environments you are most comfortable in. You may be asked some questions along these lines:

What experience do you have using computers in the classroom?
Are you a team player? If so, please give me an example of a time you worked well with others.
What grade level would you be most comfortable teaching?
What type of reading program did you use in student teaching ?
Describe your student teaching successes and failures.

Classroom Management

An employer considering you for a teaching position will want to know how you handle yourself in the classroom and interact with students. Expect to be quizzed on classroom management strategies and other logistical issues. Questions may include:

If I walked into your classroom during reading time, what would I see?
What methods do you use for classroom management? Describe a difficult incident with a student and how you handled it.
How would you handle difficult parents?
Give me an example of a rule or procedure in your classroom.
If you could design the ideal classroom for elementary students, what would it look like?

Lesson Planning

Once your interviewer is sure that you can keep a classroom under control, they'll want to know how you plan lessons and evaluate student learning. You may be asked any number of the following questions:

Describe a good lesson and explain why it was good.
How would you go about planning a lesson ?
How would you individualize a curriculum for students at various levels?
How would you identify the special needs of particular students?
What methods have you used or would you use to assess student learning?

Philosophy of Learning

Finally, your interviewer may want to know how you think about education more broadly, what you consider to be the qualities of a good teacher, what you know about different learning models, etc. These types of questions may include:

Tell me what you know about the Four Blocks Literacy Model.
What is your personal educational philosophy ?
What are the most important qualifications for being a good teacher?
What was the last educational book you read?
Top Tips for Acing a Teacher Interview
Landing Your First Teaching Job
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7 Reasons to Become a Teacher
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9 Things to Know About Becoming a Teacher
Learning the Basics of a Student Teacher Resume

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Teaching interview questions

The key to a successful teaching interview is good preparation - discover the questions you could be asked and how to approach them

If you've secured an interview, this means your chosen school wants to know more about you - and your potential as a teacher. A teaching interview is your opportunity to demonstrate that you've got the knowledge, skills and experience to become a teacher.

The questions you'll be asked vary between schools, but there are some common themes in teaching interviews - whether you're interviewing for a place on a PGCE course, with School Direct, another teacher training route, or your first teaching post.

Read on for some common interview questions and guidelines for finding your own answers.

Tips for answering interview questions

Structuring your responses to interview questions using the STAR method will ensure you're getting your point across:

S ituation - give context for your anecdote
T ask - explain what you were asked to do
A ctivity - describe what you did
R esult - explain how the situation played out.

Keep your answers concise. Describe your maximum achievement in the minimum time, and be sure to finish on a positive note so your interviewers are left with a strong overall impression of you.

You need to personalise your answers to the school, so make sure you do some research and also try to visit them in person. Talk to people who work, train or study there, and find out what you can online about their curriculum, academics, recent Ofsted report, catchment area and specialisms.

Mention at least some of your findings in your answers to show your genuine enthusiasm in them as a school or organisation. This will help your answers to stand out.

Ask someone you know to give you a mock interview as practice, such as a friend, tutor, teacher or careers adviser.

Why do you want to be a teacher?

You need to demonstrate that teaching is your first choice, not a plan B. Talk about your motivation and emphasise your passion for teaching. Provide good examples from your time in school and the specific teaching elements you find satisfying. Avoid broad responses such as 'I have always wanted to be a teacher'.

Why do you want to work in our school?

Often one of the first questions in most teaching interviews, preparation is vital to successfully answer this question. Think about why you would be a good fit to work or study in the school you're interviewing at. Talk about why you're interested in their school specifically, mentioning what you know about its ethos, values, demographics, educational goals and objectives, initiatives, or extra-curricular activities.

How will you manage challenges at work?

Interviewers want to hear that you're aware of the challenges in your PGCE, teacher training or NQT year and have the stamina and dedication to cope. Perhaps describe how you successfully managed a demanding situation. This could be your experience of studying and working at the same time - experience of preparing lessons and managing a teaching caseload would be especially relevant.

What experience do you have in schools?

Look beforehand at the experience the school is asking for and emphasise where you have gained it. Your interview is where you can give more evidence to support your CV and application. Draw on your past experience of working or observing in a school. Describe the school and reflect on what you learned, as well as what most interested or surprised you. Experience in other settings and with different age ranges than those you're applying to teach in, such as nurseries, youth clubs or play schemes, is also relevant.

What are the core skills and qualities that pupils look for in teachers?

Match the skills you have with those you know the school are looking for, as outlined in the job description or person specification. Sought after key skills in teaching interviews include:

passion for teaching/the subject
good communication and organisation
critical thinking
sense of humour
ability to communicate new ideas and concepts
liking young people.

It's not enough to simply say you have the skills; you need to provide examples of when you've successfully demonstrated them.

What qualities do you have that would make you an effective teacher?

Reflect on a teacher you liked at school, university, or have worked with in the classroom. Analyse the qualities that made them successful - these might include:

subject knowledge
a range of teaching methods
an ability to hold the attention of the class
encouraging children to think rather than being told.

Tell your interviewers about the qualities you have which they're looking for. This isn't the time to be modest - talk positively about your achievements, thinking carefully about the words you use. For example, use the term assertive as opposed to bossy, or calm instead of laid-back.

Focus on what you'll bring to their school and how your skills will benefit them.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

In any teaching interview there is a question about safeguarding, which may take the form of any of the following:

What is a teacher's responsibility in keeping children safe?
Tell us how you dealt with a safeguarding issue in school.
What would you do if a child disclosed a personal issue?

Prepare for this by reading a safeguarding policy - preferably for the school you're applying to or the school you're at.

You're also likely to be asked a question about equal opportunities, such as:

What does the term 'equal opportunities' mean to you?
How would you approach teaching a class of mixed-ability pupils?
What is your motivation for working in special education?

Approach any of these by demonstrating that you understand the issue at hand. Be honest - if you haven't been in that situation say so, but talk about what you would do if you were.

How would you evaluate [the lesson you just taught] and what you would do differently next time?

This is a crucial question. Don't just describe the lesson - talk about what could have gone better, as well as what was successful. Be prepared with some suggestions of what you would change with hindsight.

Acknowledge that you probably don't know the pupils very well. By asking if you can have a seating plan or list of the pupils' names before the lesson, you'll impress your assessors. Consider the progress of individuals in the lesson, remember some of their names if you can and give the panel some suggestions of what your follow-up lesson would be.

If I walked into your classroom during an outstanding lesson, what would I see and hear?

Give a full list, as your interviewer may have a checklist to see how much you mention. Demonstrate your passion for high-quality teaching but limit your response time to two minutes.

If you have a portfolio with you, show any examples of children's learning and positive feedback you've received. You could take certificates, resources you have made and/or examples of lessons - these are all things that will help you remember outstanding things you've done.

Tell us about a behaviour management strategy you have used to help engage an individual learner or group.

You could talk about how you've successfully handled a disruptive pupil or student. Give an example of a situation where a strategy you used has been effective in the classroom. Talk about the effective behaviour management strategies you've come across or heard about.

Give an example of when you have improved teaching and learning in the classroom and how you knew you had been successful.

Think of evidence before the interview so you are prepared with clear examples of success. Consider taking a few examples of your work, maybe feedback from others or data around student improvement. Don't be shy when talking about where you have improved teaching and learning, as this is something your interviewers really want to know about.

Can you give an example of when a pupil refused to cooperate in class?

This is likely to entail some follow up questions:

What did you do?
How did your actions affect the situation?
What would you do differently next time?

Your interviewers want to get a sense of you as a teaching professional. This could be where you mention good working relationships with parents and carers, school policies, working together as a staff team or your behaviour management strategies. Be prepared with a good example of where you have made a difference and any successful results.

Why should we appoint you?/What would we be missing out on by not appointing you?

A related question is 'what are you bringing to the role of a teacher?'

Don't be modest in putting across your strong points during the interview. You might start with, 'As you can see from my application…' and then lead into a quick rundown of your qualifications and relevant experience. If you haven't already, present your strengths and how you'll utilise them to enhance the quality of teaching in their school.

What are some of the current issues in education?

Be ready with a few specific examples of topics you have heard about recently. Consider how they impact teaching and learning, always using examples from your experience where you can. You could refer to a discussion in the staff room, a news report or something you have heard about in your training. Often this may be something that is putting pressure on teachers at the moment. Keep up to date with at least one issue that relates to your subject or age group.

You may then be asked a follow-up question around your opinion on this topic. Discuss how this would impact teaching and learning and, if at all possible, illustrate your point with examples from your recent experience. This might lead to additional questions specific to your personal statement or application, designed to give selectors a sense of you as an individual. Your answers should be authentic - interviewers will easily spot a textbook answer. Relax and be yourself.

Learn more about current educational issues .

Finally, is there anything you'd like to ask us?

This would be a good time to find out about the school's induction process, if it hasn't yet been mentioned - this is particularly important if you are an NQT. Who will mentor and support you?

Prepare a couple of questions to ask at the end of the interview. Some of the best types of questions focus on processes in the school, such as:

How is PSHE delivered?
What is your vision for the future of the school?
What key developments do you have planned?

With some advance planning, preparing and practicing of your answers, you'll be able to handle yourself confidently. Think clearly and leave the interview knowing you've told them all they need to know.

Find out more

Get prepared with our interview tips .
See what else is involved in getting a teaching job .

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60+ Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly what questions a hiring manager would be asking you in your next job interview ?

We can’t read minds, unfortunately, but we’ll give you the next best thing: a list of 64 of the most commonly asked interview questions and answers, along with advice on how to come up with your own responses.

While we don’t recommend having a canned response for every interview question (in fact, please don’t), we do recommend spending some time getting comfortable with what you might be asked, what hiring managers are really looking for in your responses, and what it takes to show that you’re the right person for the job.

Land more interviews by looking for more open jobs on The Muse »

Consider this list your job interview answer and question study guide. (And don’t miss our bonus list at the end, with links to resources on specific types of interview questions—about emotional intelligence or diversity and inclusion , for example—and interview questions by role, from accountant to project manager to teacher.)

60+ most common job interview questions and answers

1. tell me about yourself.

This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it’s crucial. Here's the deal: Don’t give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead, give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Muse writer and MIT career counselor Lily Zhang recommends using a present, past, future formula. Talk a little bit about your current role (including the scope and perhaps one big accomplishment), then give some background as to how you got there and experience you have that’s relevant. Finally, segue into why you want—and would be perfect for—this role.

Possible answer to “Tell me about yourself”

“ Well, I’m currently an account executive at Smith, where I handle our top-performing client. Before that, I worked at an agency where I was on three different major national healthcare brands. And while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I’d love the chance to dig in much deeper with one specific healthcare company, which is why I’m so excited about this opportunity with Metro Health Center.”

Read More: A Complete Guide to Answering “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!)

2. Walk me through your resume

Like “Tell me about yourself,” this question is a common interview opener. But instead of framing your answer around what qualities and skills make you best for the position, your answer should group your qualifications by your past jobs and tell your career story. You might choose to tell this story chronologically, especially if there’s a great anecdote about what set you on this path. Or, as with “Tell me about yourself,” you can begin with your present job then talk about what brought you here and where you’re going next. But regardless, when you speak about your “past” and “present,” highlight your most relevant experiences and accomplishments for this job and wrap up by talking about the future, i.e. connect your past and present together to show why this job should be the next one you add to your resume.

Possible answer to “Walk me through your resume”

“Well, as you can see from my resume, I took a bit of a winding road to get to where I am today. In college, I double majored in chemistry and communications. I found early on that working in a lab all day wasn’t for me and at some point I realized I looked forward to the lab class I TA’ed the most.

“So when I graduated, I found a job in sales for a consumer healthcare products company, where I drew on my teaching experience and learned even more about tailoring your message and explaining complex health concepts to people without a science background. Then, I moved into a sales training role at a massive company where I was responsible for teaching recent graduates the basics of selling. My trainees on average had more deals closed in their first quarter than any of the other trainers’ cohorts. Plus, I got so much satisfaction from finding the right way to train each new hire and watching them progress and succeed. It reminded me of my time as a TA in college. That’s when I started taking night classes to earn my chemistry teaching certificate.

“I left my full-time job last year to complete my student teaching at P.S. 118 in Manhattan, and over the summer, I worked for a science camp, teaching kids from the ages of 10 to 12 about basic chemistry concepts and best practices for safe experiments. Now, I’m excited to find my first full-time teaching job, and your district is my top choice. The low student-to-teacher ratio will let me take the time to teach each student in the best way for them—which is my favorite part of the job.”

Read More: How to Respond to “Walk Me Through Your Resume”—and Get Your Interview Started on the Right Note

3. How did you hear about this position?

Another seemingly innocuous interview question, this is actually a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for and connection to the company. For example, if you found out about the gig through a friend or professional contact, name-drop that person, then share why you were so excited about the job. If you discovered the company through an event or article, share that. Even if you found the listing through a random job board, share what, specifically, caught your eye about the role.

Possible answer to “How did you hear about this position?”

“I heard about an opening on the product team through a friend of a friend, Akiko, and since I’m a big fan of your work and have been following you for a while I decided it would be a great role for me to apply for.” Read More: 3 Ways People Mess Up the (Simple) Answer to “How Did You Come Across This Job Opportunity?”

4. Why do you want to work at this company?

Beware of generic answers! If what you say can apply to a whole slew of other companies, or if your response makes you sound like every other candidate, you’re missing an opportunity to stand out. Zhang recommends one of four strategies: Do your research and point to something that makes the company unique that really appeals to you; talk about how you’ve watched the company grow and change since you first heard of it; focus on the organization’s opportunities for future growth and how you can contribute to it; or share what’s gotten you excited from your interactions with employees so far. Whichever route you choose, make sure to be specific. And if you can’t figure out why you’d want to work at the company you’re interviewing with by the time you’re well into the hiring process? It might be a red flag telling you that this position is not the right fit.

Possible answer to “Why do you want to work at this company?”

“I saw on The Muse that you were also hiring for new positions on the West Coast to support your new operations there. I did some more reading about the new data center you’re building there and that excites me as I know this means there’ll be opportunities to train new teammates. I also learned through a Wall Street Journal article that you’re expanding in Mexico as well. I speak Spanish fluently and would be eager to step up and help liaise whenever necessary.”

Read More: 4 Better Ways to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work at This Company?”

5. Why do you want this job?

Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a great answer about why you want the position. (And if you don’t? You probably should apply elsewhere.) First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem”), then share why you love the company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about education, and I think you’re doing great things, so I want to be a part of it”).

Possible answer to “Why do you want this job?”

“I’ve always been a fan of X Co’s products and I’ve spent countless hours playing your games. I know that your focus on unique stories is what drew me and other fans into your games initially and keeps us coming back for more. I’ve followed X Co on social media for a while, and I’ve always loved how you have people in different departments interact with users. So I was psyched when I came across this posting for a social media manager with TikTok experience. At my last job, I was responsible for launching our TikTok account and growing it to 10,000 followers in six months. Between that experience, my love of gaming, and my deep knowledge of your games and fanbase, I know I could make this TikTok account something special and exciting.”

Read More: 3 Steps for Answering “Why Do You Want This Job?”

6. Why should we hire you?

This interview question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you’re asked it, you’re in luck: There’s no better setup for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things: that you can not only do the work, but also deliver great results; that you’ll really fit in with the team and culture; and that you’d be a better hire than any of the other candidates.

Possible answer to “Why should we hire you?”

“ I know it’s been an exciting time for General Tech—growing so much and acquiring several startups—but I also know from experience that it can be challenging for the sales team to understand how new products fit in with the existing ones. It’s always easier to sell the product you know, so the newer stuff can get shortchanged, which can have company-wide ramifications. I have over a decade of experience as a sales trainer, but more importantly, most of those years were working with sales teams that were in the exact same boat Gen Tech is in now. Growth is wonderful, but only if the rest of the company can keep up. I’m confident I can make sure your sales team is confident and enthusiastic about selling new products by implementing an ongoing sales training curriculum that emphasizes where they sit in a product lineup.”

Read More: 3 Better Ways to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

7. What can you bring to the company?

When interviewers ask this question, they don’t just want to hear about your background. They want to see that you understand what problems and challenges they’re facing as a company or department as well as how you’ll fit into the existing organization. Read the job description closely, do your research on the company, and make sure you pay attention in your early round interviews to understand any issues you’re being hired to solve. Then, the key is to connect your skills and experiences to what the company needs and share an example that shows how you’ve done similar or transferable work in the past.

Possible answer to “What can you bring to the company?”

“As Jocelyn talked about in our interview earlier, PopCo is looking to expand its market to small business owners with less than 25 employees, so I’d bring my expertise in this area and my experience in guiding a sales team that’s selling to these customers for the first time. In most of my past roles, this segment has been my focus and in my current role, I also played a big part in creating our sales strategies when the business began selling to these customers. I worked with my managers to develop the sales script. I also listened in on a number of sales calls with other account execs who were selling to these customers for the first time and gave them pointers and other feedback. In the first quarter, our 10-person sales team closed 50 new bookings in this segment, and I personally closed 10 of those deals. I helped guide my last company through the expansion into small businesses, and I’m eager to do that again at PopCo. Plus, I noticed you have a monthly karaoke night—so I’m eager to bring my rendition of ‘Call Me Maybe’ to the team as well.”

Read More : What Interviewers Really Want to Hear When They Ask “What Can You Bring to the Company?”

8. What are your greatest strengths?

Here’s an opening to talk about something that makes you great—and a great fit for this role. When you’re answering this question, think quality, not quantity. In other words, don’t rattle off a list of adjectives. Instead, pick one or a few (depending on the question) specific qualities that are relevant to this position and illustrate them with examples. Stories are always more memorable than generalizations. And if there’s something you were hoping to mention because it makes you a great candidate, but you haven’t had a chance yet, this would be the perfect time.

Possible answer to “What are your greatest strengths?”

“ I’d say one of my greatest strengths is bringing organization to hectic environments and implementing processes to make everyone’s lives easier. In my current role as an executive assistant to a CEO, I created new processes for pretty much everything, from scheduling meetings to planning monthly all hands agendas to preparing for event appearances. Everyone in the company knew how things worked and how long they would take, and the structures helped alleviate stress and set expectations on all sides. I’d be excited to bring that same approach to an operations manager role at a startup, where everything is new and constantly growing and could use just the right amount of structure to keep things running smoothly.”

Read More: 3 Smart Strategies for Answering “What's Your Greatest Strength?”

9. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question—beyond identifying any major red flags—is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, “I can’t meet a deadline to save my life” is not an option—but neither is “Nothing! I’m perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been strong at public speaking, but you’ve recently volunteered to run meetings to help you get more comfortable when addressing a crowd.

Possible answer to “What do you consider to be your weaknesses?”

“It can be difficult for me to gauge when the people I’m working with are overwhelmed or dissatisfied with their workloads. To ensure that I’m not asking too much or too little from my team, we have weekly check-ins. I like to ask if they feel like they’re on top of their workload, how I could better support them, whether there’s anything they’d like to take on or get rid of, and if they’re engaged by what they’re doing. Even if the answer is ‘all good,’ these meetings really lay the groundwork for a good and trusting relationship.”

Read More: 4 Ways to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?” That Actually Sound Believable

10. What is your greatest professional achievement?

Nothing says “hire me” better than a track record of achieving amazing results in past jobs, so don’t be shy when answering this interview question! A great way to do so is by using the STAR method : situation, task, action, results. Set up the situation and the task that you were required to complete to provide the interviewer with background context (e.g., “In my last job as a junior analyst, it was my role to manage the invoicing process”), then describe what you did (the action) and what you achieved (the result): “In one month, I streamlined the process, which saved my group 10 person-hours each month and reduced errors on invoices by 25%.”

Possible answer to “What is your greatest professional achievement?”

“My greatest accomplishment was when I helped the street lighting company I worked for convince the small town of Bend, Oregon to convert antiquated street lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs. My role was created to promote and sell the energy-efficient bulbs, while touting the long-term advantage of reduced energy costs. I had to develop a way to educate city light officials on the value of our energy-efficient bulbs—which was a challenge since our products had an expensive up-front cost compared to less efficient lighting options. I created an information packet and held local community events aimed at city officials and the tax-paying public. There, I was able to demo the company product, answer questions, and evangelize the value of LED bulbs for the long term. It was crucial to have the public on board and I was able to reach a wide variety of community members with these events. I not only reached my first-year sales goal of $100,000, but I was also able to help us land another contract in a neighboring city. Plus, the community-focused strategy garnered attention from the national media. And I’m proud to say I got a promotion within one year to senior sales representative.”

Read More: The Perfect Formula for Answering “What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment” in an Interview

11. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it

You’re probably not eager to talk about conflicts you’ve had at work during a job interview. But if you’re asked directly, don’t pretend you’ve never had one. Be honest about a difficult situation you’ve faced (but without going into the kind of detail you’d share venting to a friend). “Most people who ask are only looking for evidence that you’re willing to face these kinds of issues head-on and make a sincere attempt at coming to a resolution,” former recruiter Richard Moy says. Stay calm and professional as you tell the story (and answer any follow-up questions), spend more time talking about the resolution than the conflict, and mention what you’d do differently next time to show “you’re open to learning from tough experiences.”

Possible answer to “Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it”

“ Funnily enough, last year I was part of a committee that put together a training on conflict intervention in the workplace and the amount of pushback we got for requiring attendance really put our training to the test. There was one senior staff member in particular who seemed adamant. It took some careful listening to understand he felt like it wasn’t the best use of his time given the workload he was juggling. I made sure to acknowledge his concern. And then I focused on his direct objection and explained how the training was meant to improve not just the culture of the company, but also the efficiency at which we operated—and that the goal was for the training to make everyone’s workload feel lighter. He did eventually attend and was there when I talked to the whole staff about identifying the root issue of a conflict and addressing that directly without bringing in other issues, which is how I aim to handle any disagreement in the workplace.”

Read More: 3 Ways You’re Messing Up the Answer to “Tell Me About a Conflict You’ve Faced at Work”

12. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills

You don’t have to have a fancy title to act like a leader or demonstrate leadership skills. Think about a time when you headed up a project, took the initiative to propose an alternate process, or helped motivate your team to get something done. Then use the STAR method to tell your interviewer a story, giving enough detail to paint a picture (but not so much that you start rambling) and making sure you spell out the result. In other words, be clear about why you’re telling this particular story and connect all the dots for the interviewer.

Possible answer to “Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills”

“I think that a good leader is someone who can make decisions while also listening to others and being willing to admit when you’re wrong and course correct. In my last role, my team and I were responsible for giving a big presentation to a prospective client. I quickly assigned different tasks to members of my team, but the project never really got moving. I gave everyone an opportunity to share their input and concerns, and it turned out that they were struggling in the roles I’d given them. I ended up switching a few people around. Meanwhile, the employee I’d assigned to give the presentation was nervous, but still wanted to give it a try. I worked with them to make sure they were ready and even held a practice session so that they could rehearse in a more comfortable environment. When the time came for the real thing, they nailed it! We landed the client and the company still has the account to this day. And that employee became a go-to person for important client presentations. I’m really glad I took the time to listen to everyone’s concerns so that I could re-evaluate my approach and help my team be the best it could be.”

Read More: The Best Way to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Demonstrated Leadership Skills” in a Job Interview

13. What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?

The ideal anecdote here is one where you handled a disagreement professionally and learned something from the experience. Zhang recommends paying particular attention to how you start and end your response. To open, make a short statement to frame the rest of your answer, one that nods at the ultimate takeaway or the reason you’re telling this story. For example: “I learned early on in my professional career that it’s fine to disagree if you can back up your hunches with data.” And to close strong, you can either give a one-sentence summary of your answer (“In short…”) or talk briefly about how what you learned or gained from this experience would help you in the role you’re interviewing for.

Possible answer to “What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?”

“In my job as a finance assistant, I was in charge of putting together reports for potential company investments. It was important to get the details and numbers right so that leaders had the best information to make a decision. One time, my boss asked me to generate a new report on a Wednesday morning and wanted it done by Thursday at 5 PM. Because I’m committed to high-quality work and I wasn’t sure my boss fully understood what goes into each report, I knew I needed to speak up. At her next available opening, I sat down with my boss and explained my concerns. She was firm that the report would be completed by Thursday at 5 PM. So I decided to ask if there was anyone who could help out. After thinking about it, my boss found another assistant who could put in a few hours. While it was a tight timeline, we got the report done, and the committee was really pleased to review it at the meeting. My boss appreciated my extra efforts to make it happen and I felt good that I hadn’t let the quality of the report slip. It was a good experience of being a team player but also knowing when and how to ask for help. And once I explained how much time and work goes into each report, my boss was careful to assign them further in advance.”

Read More: Here’s the Secret to Answering “Tell Me About a Time You Had a Conflict With Your Boss” in an Interview

14. Tell me about a time you made a mistake

You’re probably not too eager to dig into past blunders when you’re trying to impress an interviewer and land a job. But talking about a mistake and winning someone over aren’t mutually exclusive, Moy says. In fact, if you do it right, it can help you. The key is to be honest without placing blame on other people, then explain what you learned from your mistake and what actions you took to ensure it didn’t happen again. At the end of the day, employers are looking for folks who are self-aware, can take feedback, and care about doing better.

Possible answer to “Tell me about a time you made a mistake”

“Early in my career, I missed a deadline that ended up costing us a really big account. There were a lot of factors that contributed to this, but ultimately, I was the one who dropped the ball. From that experience, I went back and thought really hard about what I could’ve controlled and what I would’ve changed. It turns out that I was not nearly as organized as I thought I was. I sat down with my boss, asked for suggestions on how to improve my organizational skills, and a few months later I was able to score an even bigger account for the department.”

Read More: 3 Rules That Guarantee You'll Nail the Answer to “Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake”

15. Tell me about a time you failed

This question is very similar to the one about making a mistake, and you should approach your answer in much the same way. Make sure you pick a real, actual failure you can speak honestly about. Start by making it clear to the interviewer how you define failure. For instance: “As a manager, I consider it a failure whenever I’m caught by surprise. I strive to know what’s going on with my team and their work.” Then situate your story in relation to that definition and explain what happened. Finally, don’t forget to share what you learned. It’s OK to fail—everyone does sometimes—but it’s important to show that you took something from the experience.

Possible answer to “Tell me about a time you failed”

“ As a team manager, I consider it a failure if I don’t know what’s going on with my staff and their work—basically if a problem catches me by surprise then I’ve failed somewhere along the way. Even if the outcome is ultimately fine, it means I’ve left a team member unsupported at some point. A somewhat recent example would be this training we do every year for new project managers. Because it’s an event that my team has run so many times, I didn’t think to check in and had no idea a scheduling conflict was brewing into a full-on turf war with another team. The resolution actually ended up being a quick and easy conversation at the leadership team meeting, but had I just asked about it sooner it would never have been a problem to begin with. I definitely learned my lesson about setting reminders to check in about major projects or events even if they’ve been done dozens of times before.”

Read More: 4 Steps for Answering “Tell Me About a Time When You Failed”

16. Why are you leaving your current job?

This is a toughie, but one you can be sure you’ll be asked. Definitely keep things positive—you have nothing to gain by being negative about your current employer. Instead, frame things in a way that shows that you’re eager to take on new opportunities and that the role you’re interviewing for is a better fit for you. For example, “I’d really love to be part of product development from beginning to end, and I know I’d have that opportunity here.” And if you were let go from your most recent job? Keep it simple: “Unfortunately, I was let go,” is a totally acceptable answer.

Possible answer to “Why are you leaving your current job?”

“I’m ready for the next challenge in my career. I loved the people I worked with and the projects I worked on, but at some point I realized I wasn’t being challenged the way I used to be. Rather than let myself get too comfortable, I decided to pursue a position where I can continue to grow.”

Read More: 4 Better Ways to Answer “Why Are You Leaving Your Job?”

17. Why were you fired?

Of course, they may ask the follow-up question: Why were you let go? If you lost your job due to layoffs, you can simply say, “The company [reorganized/merged/was acquired] and unfortunately my [position/department] was eliminated.” But what if you were fired for performance reasons? Your best bet is to be honest (the job-seeking world is small, after all). But it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Frame it as a learning experience: Share how you’ve grown and how you approach your job and life now as a result. And if you can portray your growth as an advantage for this next job, even better.

Possible answer to “Why were you fired?”

“After working for XYZ Inc. for four years, there were some changes made to the amount of client calls we were expected to process per hour. I used the techniques we were taught after the change took effect, but didn’t want our customer service to slip. Unfortunately, I wasn’t consistently completing the required number of calls, and, as a result, I was let go. I felt really bad about this and in retrospect I could have done better sticking to the process that would have let me meet the per hour quota. But you’ve told me about the customer service standards and the volume expectations here, and I believe it won’t be a problem.”

Read More: Stop Cringing! How to Tell an Interviewer You've Been Fired

18. Why was there a gap in your employment?

Maybe you were taking care of children or aging parents, dealing with health issues, or traveling the world. Maybe it just took you a long time to land the right job. Whatever the reason, you should be prepared to discuss the gap (or gaps) on your resume. Seriously, practice saying your answer out loud. The key is to be honest, though that doesn’t mean you have to share more details than you’re comfortable with. If there are skills or qualities you honed or gained in your time away from the workforce—whether through volunteer work, running a home, or responding to a personal crisis—you can also talk about how those would help you excel in this role.

Possible answer to “Why was there a gap in your employment?”

“I spent a number of years working at a company in a very demanding job, in which—as you’ll see from my references—I was very successful. But I’d reached a stage in my career where I wanted to focus on my personal growth. The time I spent traveling taught me a lot about how to get along with people of all ages and cultures. Now I feel more than ready to jump back into my career with renewed energy and focus and I feel this role is the ideal way to do that.”

Read More: How to Explain the Gap in Your Resume With Ease

19. Can you explain why you changed career paths?

Don’t be thrown off by this question—just take a deep breath and explain to the hiring manager why you’ve made the career decisions you have. More importantly, give a few examples of how your past experience is transferable to the new role. This doesn’t have to be a direct connection; in fact, it’s often more impressive when a candidate can show how seemingly irrelevant experience is very relevant to the role.

Possible answer to “Can you explain why you changed career paths?”

“Ever since my brother was diagnosed with a heart condition, I’ve been training and running with him in your annual Heart Run to raise money for your organization and help support patients with expenses not covered by insurance. Each time, I’ve been struck by how truly dedicated and happy to be there your employees have been. So when I saw this posting for a fundraising role, it felt like it was meant to be. For the last 10 years of my career I’ve been an account executive for various SaaS companies, and I’ve really honed my skills when it comes to convincing organizations to make regular payments for something over the long-term. But I’ve been looking for a position in fundraising where I can use these skills to really help people and I’m highly motivated to do that with your organization.”

Read More: How to Explain Your Winding Career Path to a Hiring Manager

20. What’s your current salary?

It’s now illegal for some or all employers to ask you about your salary history in several cities and states, including New York City; Louisville, North Carolina; California; and Massachusetts. But no matter where you live, it can be stressful to hear this question. Don’t panic—there are several possible strategies you can turn to. For example, you can deflect the question, Muse career coach Emily Liou says, with a response like: “Before discussing any salary, I’d really like to learn more about what this role entails. I’ve done a lot of research on [Company] and I am certain if it’s the right fit, we’ll be able to agree on a number that’s fair and competitive to both parties.” You can also reframe the question around your salary expectations or requirements (see question 38) or choose to share the number if you think it will work in your favor.

Possible answer to “What’s your current salary?”

“Before discussing any salary, I’d really like to learn more about what this role entails. I’ve done a lot of research on [Company] and I am certain if it’s the right fit, we’ll be able to agree on a number that’s fair and competitive to both parties.”

Read More: Here's How You Answer the Illegal “What's Your Current Salary” Question

21. What do you like least about your job?

Tread carefully here! The last thing you want to do is let your answer devolve into a rant about how terrible your current company is or how much you hate your boss or that one coworker. The easiest way to handle this question with poise is to focus on an opportunity the role you’re interviewing for offers that your current job doesn’t. You can keep the conversation positive and emphasize why you’re so excited about the job.

Possible answer to “What do you like least about your job?”

“In my current role, I’m responsible for drafting media lists to pitch. While I’ve developed a knack for this and can do it when it is necessary, I’m looking forward to a job that allows me to have a more hands-on role in working with media partners. That’s one of the things that most excited me about your account supervisor position.”

Read More: What Interviewers Really Want When They Ask, “What Do You Like Least About Your Job?”

22. What are you looking for in a new position?

Hint: Ideally the same things that this position has to offer. Be specific.

Possible answer to “What are you looking for in a new position?”

“I’ve been honing my data analysis skills for a few years now and, first and foremost, I’m looking for a position where I can continue to exercise those skills. Another thing that’s important to me is the chance to present my findings and suggestions directly to clients. I’m always very motivated by being able to see the impact of my work on other people. And I’m definitely looking for a position where I can grow since I hope to take on managerial responsibilities in the future. To sum it up, I’d love a position where I can use my skills to make an impact that I can see with my own eyes. Of course, the position is only part of the equation. Being at a company where I can grow and work toward something I care about matters, too. DNF’s goal of being at the intersection between data and education inspires me, and I’m really excited about this opportunity.”

Read More: 4 Steps for Answering “What Are You Looking for in a New Position?”

23. What type of work environment do you prefer?

Hint: Ideally one that's similar to the environment of the company you're applying to. Be specific.

Possible answer to “What type of work environment do you prefer?”

“I really like the environment in my current position. My manager is a great resource and always willing to help out when I run into an issue, but they trust me to get my work done so I have a lot of freedom in how I schedule and prioritize, which is very important to me. Everyone has their own cubicle, so it’s often pretty quiet to get our work done, but we all get lunch together and our team has a lot of check-in meetings and communicates frequently via Slack so we still get a lot of opportunities to bounce ideas off each other. So I like both individual and more collaborative work. How would you describe the mix here?”

Read More: 3 Steps to Answering “What Type of Work Environment Do You Prefer?”

24. What’s your work style?

When an interviewer asks you about your work style, they’re probably trying to imagine you in the role. How will you approach your work? What will it be like to work with you? Will you mesh well with the existing team? You can help them along by choosing to focus on something that’s important to you and aligns with everything you’ve learned about the role, team, and company so far. The question is broad, which means you have a lot of flexibility in how you answer: You might talk about how you communicate and collaborate on cross-functional projects, what kind of remote work setup allows you to be most productive, or how you approach leading a team and managing direct reports. Just try to keep it positive. And remember, telling a story will almost always make your answer more memorable.

Possible answer to “What’s your work style?”

“I tend to do my best work when I’m collaborating with colleagues and we’re working together toward a common goal. I was that rare student who loved group projects and now I still get a rush of excitement when I’m planning marketing campaigns with a team and bringing new and different voices into the fold. When I was working at XYZ Agency, I made it a habit to extend invitations to folks in different departments to join certain brainstorming and feedback sessions. Some of our most successful campaigns grew out of the ideas we generated together with coworkers in IT, HR, product, and customer success. That’s why I was so excited to learn that this role would have me working closely with the product and sales teams as well as with a talented marketing team. The other thing I find is crucial to making these collaborations successful is organization and documentation, so I’m also really big on creating one central home for all materials related to a project, including meeting notes, action items, drafts of campaign copy and visuals, and timelines.”

Read More: How to Answer “What Is Your Work Style?” in an Interview (Plus Examples!)

25. What’s your management style?

The best managers are strong but flexible, and that’s exactly what you want to show off in your answer. (Think something like, “While every situation and every team member requires a bit of a different strategy, I tend to approach my employee relationships as a coach...”) Then share a couple of your best managerial moments, like when you grew your team from five to 15 or coached an underperforming employee to become the company’s top salesperson.

Possible answer to “What’s your management style?”

“ Management style is so hard to put your finger on, but I think in general a good manager gives clear directions and actually stays pretty hands-off, but is ready and available to jump in to offer guidance, expertise, and help when needed. I try my best to make that my management style. I also go out of my way to make sure I know when my team needs help. That means plenty of informal check-ins, both on the work they’re doing and on their general job satisfaction and mental well-being. I remember one project in particular at my most recent position that involved everyone working on a separate aspect of the product. This meant a lot of independent work for my team of seven people, but rather than bog everyone down with repetitive meetings to update me and everyone else on progress made, I created a project wiki that allowed us to communicate new information when necessary without disrupting another team member’s work. I then made it my job to make sure no one was ever stuck on a problem too long without a sounding board. Ultimately, despite the disparate project responsibilities, we ended up with a very cohesive product and, more importantly, a team that wasn’t burnt out.”

Read More: How to Answer “What’s Your Management Style?”

26. How would your boss and coworkers describe you?

First, be honest (remember, if you make it to the final round, the hiring manager will be calling your former bosses and coworkers for references!). Then try to pull out strengths and traits you haven’t discussed in other aspects of the interview, such as your strong work ethic or your willingness to pitch in on other projects when needed.

Possible answer to “How would your boss and coworkers describe you?”

“Actually, in my most recent performance review in April, my direct supervisor described me as someone who takes initiative and doesn’t shy away from hard problems. My role involves a lot of on-site implementation, and when things go wrong, it’s usually up to me to fix it. Rather than punting the problem back to the team, I always try to do what I can first. I know she appreciates that about me.”

Read More: 3 Strategies for Answering “How Would Your Boss or Coworkers Describe You?”

27. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

Here’s another question you may feel the urge to sidestep in an effort to prove you’re the perfect candidate who can handle anything. But it’s important not to dismiss this one (i.e. don’t say, “I just put my head down and push through it,” or, “I don’t get stressed out”). Instead, talk about your go-to strategies for dealing with stress (whether it’s meditating for 10 minutes every day or making sure you go for a run or keeping a super-detailed to-do list) and how you communicate and otherwise proactively try to mitigate pressure. If you can give a real example of a stressful situation you navigated successfully, all the better.

Possible answer to “How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?”

“I stay motivated by thinking about the end result. I’ve found that even in the midst of a challenging situation, reminding myself of my goals helps me take a step back and stay positive.”

Read More: 3 Ways You’re Messing Up the Answer to “How Do You Deal With Stressful Situations?”

28. What do you like to do outside of work?

Interviewers will sometimes ask about your hobbies or interests outside of work in order to get to know you a little better—to find out what you’re passionate about and devote time to during your off-hours. It’s another chance to let your personality shine. Be honest, but keep it professional and be mindful of answers that might make it sound like you’re going to spend all your time focusing on something other than the job you’re applying for.

Possible answer to “What do you like to do outside of work?”

“I’m a huge foodie. My friends and I love trying new restaurants in town as soon as they open—the more unusual the better! I love discovering new foods and cuisines, and it’s also a great activity to share with friends. I try to go out with the same group at least once a week and it’s a fun way to make sure we keep in touch and share experiences even when we’re busy with other things. We even took a trip to New York City and spent each day in a different neighborhood, buying something to share from a few restaurants.”

Read More: How to Answer “What Are Your Hobbies?” in an Interview (It’s Not a Trick Question!)

29. Are you planning on having children?

Questions about your family status, gender (“How would you handle managing a team of all men?”), nationality (“Where were you born?”), religion, or age are illegal—but they still get asked (and frequently). Of course, not always with ill intent—the interviewer might just be trying to make conversation and might not realize these are off-limits—but you should definitely tie any questions about your personal life (or anything else you think might be inappropriate) back to the job at hand.

Possible answer to “Are you planning on having children?”

“You know, I’m not quite there yet. But I am very interested in the career paths at your company. Can you tell me more about that?”

Read More: 5 Illegal Interview Questions and How to Dodge Them

30. How do you stay organized?

Would you want to work with a hot mess? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Neither does anyone else. A disorganized worker doesn’t just struggle in their own role, they can also create chaos for peers, managers, direct reports, clients, customers, and anyone else they interact with. So interviewers will often ask about how you keep yourself organized to make sure you’d be able to handle the workload and gauge what you’d be like to work with. In your answer, you’ll want to reassure them you’d have things under control (both in what you say and how you say it), describe a specific system or method you’ve used (bonus points if you can tie it to the role you’re interviewing for), and explain how it benefited you and your team. Just make sure your answer is succinct and, well, organized.

Possible answer to “How do you stay organized?”

“I take pride in my ability to stay organized, and it’s really come in handy in my past roles and especially the social media assistant job I’m in now. First, I keep a really meticulous calendar for each of the platforms I’m responsible for using Hootsuite—which I noticed you use here as well—and I try to block off time twice a week to get ahead on creating and slotting in posts.

“ Second, I’m a big fan of Trello, where I have one personal board I use as a to-do list color-coded by type of task and marked with priority level and one shared marketing team board that we use to coordinate campaigns launching across social, email, and other channels. We pay very close attention to the news in case we need to pause a campaign. If needed, I’d tag all the relevant stakeholders on Trello, immediately suspend all scheduled content in Hootsuite, and start a discussion on Slack or suggest a meeting to reassess strategy.

“Finally, I created a shared folder on Google Drive with subfolders by campaign that I update with one-pagers on goals and strategies, assets, a record of the actual posts deployed, performance analyses, and retros. That way, there’s a go-to place for anyone on the team to refer back to past projects, which I’ve found really helps us learn from every campaign and incorporate those learnings into what we’re working on next.”

Read More: What Interviewers Really Want to Know When They Ask “How Do You Stay Organized?”

31. How do you prioritize your work?

Your interviewers want to know that you can manage your time, exercise judgement, communicate, and shift gears when needed. Start by talking about whatever system you’ve found works for you to plan your day or week, whether it’s a to-do list app you swear by or a color-coded spreadsheet. This is one where you’ll definitely want to lean on a real-life example. So go on to describe how you’ve reacted to a last-minute request or another unexpected shift in priorities in the past, incorporating how you evaluated and decided what to do and how you communicated with your manager and/or teammates about it.

Possible answer to “How do you prioritize your work?”

“I’d be lost without my daily to-do list! At the beginning of each workday, I write out tasks to complete, and list them from highest to lowest priority to help keep me on track. But I also realize priorities change unexpectedly. On one particular day recently, I had planned to spend most of my time making phone calls to advertising agencies to get price quotes for an upcoming campaign. Then I did a quick check-in with my manager. She mentioned she needed help putting together a presentation ASAP for a major potential client. I moved the more flexible task to the end of the week and spent the next few hours updating the time-sensitive presentation. I make it a point to keep lines of communication open with my manager and coworkers. If I’m working on a task that will take a while to complete, I try to give a heads-up to my team as soon as possible. If my workload gets to be unmanageable, I check in with my boss about which items can drop to the bottom of the priority list, and then I try to reset expectations about different deadlines.”

Read More: A Foolproof Method to Answer the Interview Question “How Do You Prioritize Your Work?”

32. What are you passionate about?

You’re not a robot programmed to do your work and then power down. You’re a human, and if someone asks you this question in an interview, it’s probably because they want to get to know you better. The answer can align directly with the type of work you’d be doing in that role—like if, for example, you’re applying to be a graphic designer and spend all of your free time creating illustrations and data visualizations to post on Instagram.

But don’t be afraid to talk about a hobby that’s different from your day-to-day work. Bonus points if you can “take it one step further and connect how your passion would make you an excellent candidate for the role you are applying for,” says Muse career coach Al Dea. Like if you’re a software developer who loves to bake, you might talk about how the ability to be both creative and precise informs your approach to code.

Possible answer to “What are you passionate about?”

“One of my favorite pastimes is knitting—I love being able to create something beautiful from nothing. Of course, knitting also requires a keen attention to detail and a lot of patience. Luckily, as an accountant I have cultivated both of those qualities!”

Read More: 3 Authentic Ways to Answer “What Are You Passionate About?” in a Job Interview

33. What motivates you?

Before you panic about answering what feels like a probing existential question, consider that the interviewer wants to make sure you’re excited about this role at this company, and that you’ll be motivated to succeed if they pick you. So think back to what has energized you in previous roles and pinpoint what made your eyes light up when you read this job description. Pick one thing, make sure it’s relevant to the role and company you’re interviewing for, and try to weave in a story to help illustrate your point. If you’re honest, which you should be, your enthusiasm will be palpable.

Possible answer to “What motivates you?”

“I’m driven primarily by my desire to learn new things—big or small—and take on new responsibilities so that I’m constantly growing as an employee and contributing more to my team and organization. I spent several summers working as a camp counselor and felt most fulfilled when I volunteered to lead planning for a talent show, jumped in to help with scheduling logistics, and learned how to run pickups efficiently. All of that experience helped immensely when I took a step up to become the lead counselor last year focused on operations, and that’s what excites me so much about the opportunity to take on this managerial role for the after-school program.”

Read More: 5 Easy Steps to Answer “What Motivates You?” in an Interview

34. What are your pet peeves?

Here’s another one that feels like a minefield. But it’ll be easier to navigate if you know why an interviewer is asking it. Most likely, they want to make sure you’ll thrive at their company—and get a glimpse of how you deal with conflict. So be certain you pick something that doesn’t contradict the culture and environment at this organization while still being honest. Then explain why and what you’ve done to address it in the past, doing your best to stay calm and composed. Since there’s no need to dwell on something that annoys you, you can keep this response short and sweet.

Possible answer to “What are your pet peeves?”

“It bothers me when an office’s schedule is really disorganized, because in my experience, disorganization can cause confusion, which can hurt the motivation of the team. As a person who likes things to be orderly, I try to help keep my team on task while also allowing for flexibility.”

Read More: 6 Tips for Answering “What Are Your Pet Peeves?” in an Interview

35. How do you like to be managed?

This is another one of those questions that’s about finding the right fit—both from the company’s perspective and your own. Think back on what worked well for you in the past and what didn’t. What did previous bosses do that motivated you and helped you succeed and grow? Pick one or two things to focus on and always articulate them with a positive framing (even if your preference comes from an experience where your manager behaved in the opposite way, phrase it as what you would want a manager to do). If you can give a positive example from a great boss, it’ll make your answer even stronger.

Possible answer to “How do you like to be managed?”

“I enjoy having my hands in a lot of different projects, so I like working with managers who allow their employees to experiment, be independent, and work cross-functionally with other teams. At the same time, I really welcome it when a boss provides me with support, guidance, and coaching. No one can do anything alone, and I believe when managers and employees collaborate together and learn from one another everyone comes out on top.”

Read More: 3 Easy Steps to Answer “How Do You Like to Be Managed?” in an Interview

36. Do you consider yourself successful?

This question might make you uncomfortable. But you can think of it as an opportunity to allow the interviewer to get to know you better and to position yourself as an excellent choice for this job. First off, make sure you say yes! Then pick one specific professional achievement you’re proud of that can be tied back to the role you’re interviewing for—one that demonstrates a quality, skill, or experience that would help you excel in this position. You’ll want to explain why you consider it a success, talk about the process in addition to the outcome, and highlight your own accomplishment without forgetting your team. Zooming in on one story will help if you feel awkward tooting your own horn!

Possible answer to “Do you consider yourself successful?”

“I do consider myself successful, even though I’m early in my professional career. I took a full load of classes in my junior year of college because I wanted to take that summer to volunteer for a human rights organization overseas. I knew that I needed to make sure I was on track with my major, minor, and graduation requirements. It was difficult to juggle it all with my part-time job, which I kept to help account for the fact that I wouldn’t be earning money over the summer, and there were a few sleepless nights. But it was worth the hard work: I ended the year with a 3.9 GPA and the opportunity to volunteer for the agency in Ghana without falling behind my graduation timeline. For me success is about setting a goal and sticking with it, no matter how hard it is, and this experience was proof that I could be successful even when there’s a lot to balance, which I know there always is at a nonprofit like this one.”

Read More: How to Answer “Do You Consider Yourself Successful?” Without Feeling Like a Show-Off

37. Where do you see yourself in five years?

If asked this question, be honest and specific about your future goals, but consider this: A hiring manager wants to know a) if you've set realistic expectations for your career, b) if you have ambition (a.k.a., this interview isn't the first time you’re considering the question), and c) if the position aligns with your goals and growth. Your best bet is to think realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines. And if the position isn’t necessarily a one-way ticket to your aspirations? It’s OK to say that you’re not quite sure what the future holds, but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision.

Possible answer to “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

“In five years, I’d like to be in a position where I know more about my longer-term career aspirations as a designer. I will have gotten experience working for a design agency and know more about the industry overall. I’ll have grown my technical skills and learned how to take feedback from clients and incorporate it. And the way your agency is set up, I’ll also have gotten the opportunity to design different kinds of deliverables—including websites, branding, and ad campaigns—for different kinds of clients to see where I really feel at home before settling on a focus.”

Read More: How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

38. How do you plan to achieve your career goals?

Having goals shows interviewers you care, are ambitious, and can think ahead. Having a plan for how you’ll achieve your goals demonstrates your self-motivation as well as organizational and time management skills. Finally, the fact that you’ve accomplished past goals you’ve set for yourself is proof of your ability to follow through. All together, these are indications that you can not only set and achieve goals of your own, but also help your prospective boss, team, and company do the same. To craft your answer, make sure you focus on one or two goals in detail, explain why the goals are meaningful, communicate what milestones are coming up, highlight past successes, and connect back to this job.

Possible answer to “How do you plan to achieve your career goals?”

“My current goal is to earn the CPA license so that I’m fully certified and prepared to contribute in a junior staff accounting job. My undergraduate degree is in finance and I completed an accounting internship with XYZ Company last summer. While I was there, I decided that each week I’d ask one person from a different team to coffee to learn about their job and career path. Not only did those conversations impress upon me the importance of getting my CPA as soon as possible, they also helped me realize I was eager to pursue forensic accounting, which is why I’m so excited about the opportunity to join this team. In order to ensure I earn my CPA this year, I enrolled in NASBA workshops, created a study schedule to keep myself on track, and will be taking my first trial test in three weeks. I plan on taking the actual test within the next three to six months.”

Read More: How to Answer “How Do You Plan to Achieve Your Career Goals?” in an Interview

39. What are your career aspirations?

Career aspirations are bigger and loftier than career goals. With this question, interviewers are asking: What kind of career would make you happiest (while also being realistic)? Your aspirations might revolve around what kind of company you’d like to work for, what tasks you’d like to do, who you’d like to help, or how you’d like to be seen by your colleagues. So to answer this question, talk about what would energize and fulfill you and connect it to the position you’re interviewing for. Be specific about how this job will help you achieve your career aspirations.

Possible answer to “What are your career aspirations?”

“After growing up in a food desert, my biggest professional aspiration is to help make healthy food more widely available and accessible regardless of where you live. I also love solving complex problems. Currently, as a project manager, I specialize in strategic planning and combine it with a natural ability to engage critical stakeholders—resulting in on-time and under-budget delivery. This role would help me use those skills to work on a mission I’m passionate about. I am determined to use these skills to help your organization guarantee our community has access to affordable, nutritious food and information to make healthy decisions. In the next five or so years, I would love to take on additional responsibility and be in a decision-making role to drive the mission beyond our community and support even more families in gaining access to nutritious food options.”

Read More: How to Answer “What Are Your Career Aspirations?” in an Interview

40. What’s your dream job?

Along similar lines, the interviewer wants to uncover whether this position is really in line with your ultimate career goals. While “an NBA star” might get you a few laughs, a better bet is to talk about your goals and ambitions—and why this job will get you closer to them.

Read More: The Secret Formula to Answering “What's Your Dream Job?” in an Interview

41. What other companies are you interviewing with?

Companies might ask you who else you’re interviewing with for a few reasons. Maybe they want to see how serious you are about this role and team (or even this field) or they’re trying to find out who they’re competing with to hire you. On one hand, you want to express your enthusiasm for this job, but at the same time, you don’t want to give the company any more leverage than it already has by telling them there’s no one else in the running. Depending on where you are in your search, you can talk about applying to or interviewing for a few roles that have XYZ in common—then mention how and why this role seems like a particularly good fit.

Possible answer to “What other companies are you interviewing with?”

“I’m interviewing with a few companies for a range of positions, but they all come down to delivering an excellent customer experience. I wanted to keep an open mind about how to best achieve that goal, but so far it seems that this role will really allow me to focus all of my energy on customer experience and retention, which I find very appealing.”

Read More: How to Answer “What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?”

42. What makes you unique?

“They genuinely want to know the answer,” Dea promises. Give them a reason to pick you over other similar candidates. The key is to keep your answer relevant to the role you’re applying to. So the fact that you can run a six-minute mile or crush a trivia challenge might not help you get the job (but hey, it depends on the job!). Use this opportunity to tell them something that would give you an edge over your competition for this position. To figure out what that is, you can ask some former colleagues, think back to patterns you’ve seen in feedback you get, or try to distill why people tend to turn to you. Focus on one or two things and don’t forget to back up whatever you say with evidence.

Possible answer to “What makes you unique?”

“I basically taught myself animation from scratch. I was immediately drawn to it in college, and with the limited resources available to me, I decided to take matters into my own hands—and that’s the approach I take in all aspects of my work as a video editor. I don’t just wait around for things to happen, and when I can, I’m always eager to step in and take on new projects, pick up new skills, or brainstorm new ideas.”

Read More: A Simple Way to Answer “What Makes You Unique?” in Your Job Search (Plus, Examples!)

43. What should I know that’s not on your resume?

It’s a good sign if a recruiter or hiring manager is interested in more than just what’s on your resume. It probably means they looked at your resume, think you might be a good fit for the role, and want to know more about you. To make this wide-open question a little more manageable, try talking about a positive trait, a story or detail that reveals a little more about you and your experience, or a mission or goal that makes you excited about this role or company.

Possible answer to “What should I know that’s not on your resume?”

“Well, one thing you won’t find on my resume: the time I had to administer emergency CPR. Last year, I was at the lake when I saw a young girl who looked like she was drowning. I was a lifeguard in high school, so I swam out, brought her to shore, and gave her CPR. Although this was—hopefully—a one-time event, I’ve always been able to stay calm during stressful situations, figure out a solution, and then act. As your account manager, I’d use this trait to quickly and effectively resolve issues both within the team and externally. After all, obstacles are inevitable, especially in a startup environment. And if anyone needs CPR at the office beach party, well, I’m your woman.”

Read More: The Right Way to Answer “What Should I Know That’s Not on Your Resume?”

44. What would your first few months look like in this role?

Your potential future boss (or whoever else has asked you this question) wants to know that you’ve done your research, given some thought to how you’d get started, and would be able to take initiative if hired. (In some interviews, you might even get the more specific, “What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?”) So think about what information and aspects of the company and team you’d need to familiarize yourself with and which colleagues you’d want to sit down and talk to. You can also suggest one possible starter project to show you’d be ready to hit the ground running and contribute early on. This won’t necessarily be the thing you do first if you do get the job, but a good answer shows that you’re thoughtful and that you care.

Possible answer to “What would your first few months look like in this role?”

“It’s been exciting to hear about some of the new initiatives the company has started in our previous conversations—like the database project and the company-wide sync, but I know there’s still a lot for me to learn. The first thing I’d do is line up meetings with the stakeholders involved in the projects I’d be tackling to help me figure out what I don’t know and then go from there. Hopping into a database project halfway through can be tricky, but I’m confident that once I know what all the stakeholders are looking for, I’ll be able to efficiently plot out our next steps and set appropriate deadlines. From there, I’ll be focused on hitting the milestones that I’ve set for the team.”

Read More: The 30-60-90 Day Plan: Your Secret Weapon for New Job Success

45. What are your salary expectations?

The number one rule of answering this question is: Figure out your salary requirements ahead of time. Do your research on what similar roles pay by using sites like PayScale and reaching out to your network. Be sure to take your experience, education, skills, and personal needs into account, too! From there, Muse career coach Jennifer Fink suggests choosing from one of three strategies:

Give a salary range: But keep the bottom of your stated range toward the mid-to-high point of what you’re actually hoping for, Fink says.
Flip the question: Try something like “That's a great question—it would be helpful if you could share what the range is for this role,” Fink says.
Delay answering: Tell your interviewer that you’d like to learn more about the role or the rest of the compensation package before discussing pay.

(And here’s some more info on responding to a question about your salary requirements on an application form .)

Possible answer to “What are your salary expectations?”

“Taking into account my experience and Excel certifications, which you mentioned earlier would be very helpful to the team, I’m looking for somewhere between $42,000 and $46,000 annually for this role. But for me, benefits definitely matter as well. Your free on-site gym, the commuter benefits, and other perks could definitely allow me to be a bit flexible with salary.”

Read More: 3 Strategies for Answering “What Are Your Salary Expectations?” in an Interview

46. What do you think we could do better or differently?

This question can really do a number on you. How do you give a meaty answer without insulting the company or, worse, the person you’re speaking with? Well first, take a deep breath. Then start your response with something positive about the company or specific product you’ve been asked to discuss. When you’re ready to give your constructive feedback, give some background on the perspective you’re bringing to the table and explain why you’d make the change you’re suggesting (ideally based on some past experience or other evidence). And if you end with a question, you can show them you’re curious about the company or product and open to other points of view. Try: “Did you consider that approach here? I’d love to know more about your process.”

Read More: How to Answer the “How Would You Improve Our Company?” Interview Question Without Bashing Anyone

47. When can you start?

Your goal here should be to set realistic expectations that will work for both you and the company. What exactly that sounds like will depend on your specific situation. If you’re ready to start immediately—if you’re unemployed, for example—you could offer to start within the week. But if you need to give notice to your current employer, don’t be afraid to say so; people will understand and respect that you plan to wrap things up right. It’s also legitimate to want to take a break between jobs, though you might want to say you have “previously scheduled commitments to attend to” and try to be flexible if they really need someone to start a bit sooner.

Possible answer to “When can you start?”

“I am excited for the opportunity to join your team. I have several projects to wrap up in my current role at [Company]. I plan to give them two weeks’ notice to make a smooth transition for my coworkers and will be happy to come onboard with the team here after that time.”

Read More: 4 Ways to Answer the Interview Question “When Can You Start?”

48. Are you willing to relocate?

While this may sound like a simple yes-or-no question, it’s often a little bit more complicated than that. The simplest scenario is one where you’re totally open to moving and would be willing to do so for this opportunity. But if the answer is no, or at least not right now, you can reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, briefly explain why you can’t move at this time, and offer an alternative, like working remotely or out of a local office. Sometimes it’s not as clear-cut, and that’s OK. You can say you prefer to stay put for xyz reasons, but would be willing to consider relocating for the right opportunity.

Possible answer to “Are you willing to relocate?”

“I do love living in Raleigh and would prefer to stay here. However, for the right opportunity I’d be willing to consider relocating if necessary.”

Read More: The Best Responses to “Are You Willing to Relocate?” Depending on Your Situation

49. How many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?

1,000? 10,000? 100,000? Seriously? Well, seriously, you might get asked brain-teaser questions like these, especially in quantitative jobs. But remember that the interviewer doesn’t necessarily want an exact number—they want to make sure that you understand what’s being asked of you, and that you can set into motion a systematic and logical way to respond. So take a deep breath and start thinking through the math. (Yes, it’s OK to ask for a pen and paper!)

Read More: 9 Steps to Solving an Impossible Brain Teaser in a Tech Interview (Without Breaking a Sweat)

50. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?

Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews because hiring managers want to see how you can think on your feet. There’s no wrong answer here, but you’ll immediately gain bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip: Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, “Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say…”

Read More: 4 Steps for Answering Off-the-Wall Interview Questions

51. Sell me this pen

If you’re interviewing for a sales job, your interviewer might put you on the spot to sell them a pen sitting on the table, or a legal pad, or a water bottle, or just something . The main thing they’re testing you for? How you handle a high-pressure situation. So try to stay calm and confident and use your body language—making eye contact, sitting up straight, and more—to convey that you can handle this. Make sure you listen, understand your “customer’s” needs, get specific about the item’s features and benefits, and end strong—as though you were truly closing a deal.

Read More: 4 Tips for Responding to "Sell Me This Pen" in an Interview

52. Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

Just when you thought you were done, your interviewer asks you this open-ended doozy. Don’t panic—it’s not a trick question! You can use this as an opportunity to close out the meeting on a high note in one of two ways, Zhang says. First, if there really is something relevant that you haven’t had a chance to mention, do it now. Otherwise, you can briefly summarize your qualifications. For example, Zhang says, you could say: “I think we’ve covered most of it, but just to summarize, it sounds like you’re looking for someone who can really hit the ground running. And with my previous experience [enumerate experience here], I think I’d be a great fit.”

Read More: How to Answer “Is There Anything Else You’d Like Us to Know?”

53. Do you have any questions for us?

You probably already know that an interview isn’t just a chance for a hiring manager to grill you—it’s an opportunity to sniff out whether a job is the right fit from your perspective. What do you want to know about the position? The company? The department? The team? You’ll cover a lot of this in the actual interview, so have a few less-common questions ready to go. We especially like questions targeted to the interviewer (“What's your favorite part about working here?”) or the company’s growth (“What can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth?”) If you’re interviewing for a remote role, there are some specific questions you might want to ask related to that.

Read More: 57 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview in 2022

54. Describe yourself

Just like “Tell me about yourself,” this question should be answered with a mix of your strengths and traits that makes you a good fit for the position. Don't focus too much on your professional experiences, though, since you're likely to discuss your resume later on in the interview.

Possible answer to “Describe yourself”

“I'm a highly motivated and driven professional that doesn't shy away from responsibilities. I see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow both personally and professionally. My ability to learn quickly and adapt to new environments has been a key factor in my success as a project manager, since I've worked for multiple industries, from technology to finance.”

55. How would a friend describe you?

This question demands just as much honesty as “How would your boss describe you?” because the employer may ask for a character reference letter if you advance in the hiring process. Think about strong personality traits that you haven't already discussed in the interview so you don't sound repetitive. And as always, try to connect these traits with the job you're applying for.

Possible answer to “How would a friend describe you?”

“On my last birthday, a friend I volunteered with at our local food bank described me as a reliable and dedicated individual. As a volunteer, for me it's all about organization, selflessness, and teamwork. So I always made sure I was a person that people could count on.”

56. What do you know about the company?

Going to an interview not knowing any company information is a rookie mistake—especially if you're in a competitive field or applying for one of those “dream companies” a lot of people would like to work for. These places receive thousands of resumes yearly, if not monthly, and you need to show them you're not randomly applying to multiple companies without knowing anything about them.

Possible answer to “What do you know about the company?”

“I've been a fan of your product since I first tried it in 2018. The quality impressed me and I became a frequent customer. I also admire your commitment to protecting the environment and ending animal cruelty by making vegan products with recycled packaging.”

57. How do you define success?

Employers may ask this question to assess your priorities and ambitions and see if they align with the company's mission and value. To give a good answer, consider a great accomplishment of yours and what you'd like to achieve in the future. Try to connect it with the company's view on success and give a practical example.

Possible answer to “How do you define success?”

“I define success as leaving a positive impact everywhere I work by fostering a collaborative environment with my team and colleagues. For me success means not only meeting my personal and professional goals but also helping the company and those around me to achieve their goals as well.”

Read More: 3 Better Ways to Define Success in Your Life (Because It's Not Always About the Money)

58. What are your goals?

Though the question mentions “goals,” plural, you don't want to vaguely recite a long list of goals. Instead stick to one goal that's really important to you (or maybe two if you can’t decide). As always, make sure your goal aligns with the company and role you're applying for. So, try to connect what you want with what the company has to offer.

Finally, you should mention what you’re currently doing to achieve your goals—you want to show the hiring manager that you're driven and willing to put in the work necessary to be accomplished in your career.

Possible answer to “What are your goals?”

“My current career goal is earning my data analysis certification so that I'm fully prepared to move from a junior analyst to a mid-level analyst position in an accounting firm. I've been working towards this goal for the past year, first by enrolling in a data analysis online certification and, second, by having informational interviews with professionals from my network who currently work in my dream position. I think their guidance, along with the technical knowledge I'm getting from the certification and my hard work, will help me get there.”

59. Describe your leadership style

If you're applying for a management position, hiring managers will want to assess your leadership skills . To answer this question, you want to highlight your most relevant traits as a leader and illustrate it with examples from past experiences.

Possible answer to “Describe your leadership style”

“My leadership style as direct. In my last role, I managed a remote team of UX writers. From Day One, I made it clear that I don't micromanage remote workers and that they had the freedom to manage their own time and tasks, as long as they met our deadlines and achieved significant results. I always made sure to clearly indicate what was a priority and what wasn't, and provide straight-to-the-point briefings and project roadmaps. This approach proved successful as we increased our conversion rate by 32% in six months.”

Read More: 10 Most Common Leadership Styles and Their Pros and Cons in 2024

60. Describe your ideal company culture

Much like the “ideal work environment” question, here you basically need to describe a company culture that's similar to the one you're currently applying for. Be sure to do some extensive research on the company before the interview.

Possible answer to “Describe your ideal company culture”

“I really thrive in collaborative work environments. So my ideal company culture would be a culture of partnership and teamwork. I'm always willing to help others and my experience has taught me that people work better when there's trust, collaboration, and communication instead of competition and toxicity. How would you describe the culture here? ”

61. What interests you about this role?

Once again, companies prefer candidates who are passionate and know what they want instead of those candidates that are spam-sending their resumes to every potential employer in the city. So, be very specific with your answer.

Possible answer to “What interests you about this role?”

“In my last role, I managed two remote teams in South America and Europe. It was challenging but also very rewarding. I perfected my Spanish speaking skills, learned about new cultures and consumer behavior in other countries. So I left that position certain that I'd love to manage international projects again. And that's exactly what interested me about this role: the opportunity to lead accounts in and outside the U.S., and connect with and learn from foreign professionals.”

62. Describe your work ethic

Employers want to know what type of employee you are, but they don't want to hear a list of random and cliche personality traits. Instead, provide an example of a situation that highlighted your work ethic.

Possible answer to “Describe your work ethic”

“I would describe my work ethic as driven and committed. For instance, at my last job as a sales manager, our customer influx tripled in December, which was historically one of the most lucrative months for the store because of the holiday season. Near the end of the month, I decided to take a couple of double shifts to help the sales associates with clients and with the store's organization throughout the day. This helped us get work done faster and increased customer satisfaction by 20%.”

63. What makes an effective team?

It's safe to assume most companies would prefer employees that value collaboration, communication, and teamwork towards shared goals instead of individualistic and selfish individuals. So, be sure to emphasize those traits in your answer.

Possible answer to “What makes an effective team?”

“In my opinion, an effective team is made of committed and driven people who aren't afraid to ask for help and don't shy away from problems. Each member of the team should bring their unique expertise, strengths, and ideas to come up with creative solutions and spark innovation. It's also important to have accountability, responsibility, and respect for others. As a team, you want to be able to depend on your coworkers to achieve shared goals.”

Bonus questions

Looking for more common interview questions and answers examples? Check out these lists of inquiries for different types of jobs.

Behavioral interview questions
Phone interview questions
Remote interview questions
Second interview questions
COVID-related interview questions
Diversity and inclusion interview questions
Emotional intelligence interview questions
Internship interview questions
Manager interview questions
Account management interview questions
Accounting interview questions
Administrative assistant interview questions
Brand management interview questions
Customer service interview questions
Data science interview questions
Digital marketing interview questions
Financial analyst interview questions
IT interview questions
Nursing interview questions
Product marketing interview questions
Project management interview questions
Retail interview questions
Sales interview questions
Software engineering interview questions
Teaching interview questions

Want even more advice for answering common interview questions?

If you are looking for more in depth advice about common interview questions and how to answer them, here's a list of articles with detailed guides to teach you how to approach your responses.

Tell me about yourself
Walk me through your resume
How did you hear about this position?
Why do you want to work at this company?
Why do you want this job?
Why should we hire you?
What can you bring to the company?
What are your greatest strengths?
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
What is your greatest professional achievement?
Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.
Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?
Tell me about a time you made a mistake
Tell me about a time you failed
Why are you leaving your current job?
Why were you fired?
Why was there a gap in your employment?
Can you explain why you changed career paths?
What’s your current salary?
What do you like least about your job?
What are you looking for in a new position?
What type of work environment do you prefer?
What’s your work style?
What’s your management style?
How would your boss and coworkers describe you?
How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
What do you like to do outside of work?
Are you planning on having children?
How do you stay organized?
How do you prioritize your work?
What are you passionate about?
What motivates you?
What are your pet peeves?
How do you like to be managed?
Do you consider yourself successful?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
What are your career aspirations?
What’s your dream job?
What other companies are you interviewing with?
What makes you unique?
What should I know that’s not on your resume?
What would your first few months look like in this role?
What are your salary expectations?
What do you think we could do better or differently?
When can you start?
Are you willing to relocate?
How many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?
If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Sell me this pen
Is there anything else you’d like us to know
Do you have any questions for us?

Common Physical Education Interview Questions

1. how would you modify a lesson plan for students with varying physical abilities.

Adapting to the diverse physical capabilities of students is a critical skill for a physical education teacher. This question delves into the applicant’s ability to recognize and respect individual differences, create an inclusive environment, and demonstrate a commitment to equitable education. It also touches on the teacher’s creativity and problem-solving skills in designing activities that accommodate a spectrum of abilities, promoting a positive experience for all students.

When responding, highlight your approach to inclusive education by discussing specific strategies you employ to assess individual student needs. Share examples of how you’ve adapted games or activities in the past to cater to various ability levels, ensuring every student can achieve success. Emphasize your continuous monitoring of student performance and readiness to make real-time adjustments, demonstrating your dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning atmosphere.

Example: “ In modifying a lesson plan to accommodate students with varying physical abilities, I first conduct an assessment to understand each student’s unique capabilities and limitations. Based on this understanding, I employ a tiered approach to activity design, ensuring that the core objectives of the lesson are accessible to all students, but with varying levels of challenge and complexity. For example, in a lesson focused on developing hand-eye coordination through ball games, I might adapt the activity by using different sizes or types of balls, altering the rules for certain students, or providing assistive equipment.

I also implement flexible grouping strategies, pairing or grouping students in ways that promote peer support and collaborative learning, while still challenging each individual at their appropriate level. Continuous observation allows me to make real-time adjustments, such as modifying the distance of a throw or the height of a net, to maintain an optimal challenge for each student. This dynamic approach ensures that all students are engaged, learning effectively, and experiencing success in physical education, regardless of their starting point.”

2. Describe your approach to integrating technology into physical education.

When discussing the integration of technology into physical education, it’s important to highlight an educator’s adaptability and modern approach to teaching. With the growing emphasis on data-driven instruction and the use of innovative tools to enhance learning experiences, educators are expected to leverage technology to track progress, engage students, and personalize learning. The ability to apply technology effectively to promote physical activity and health literacy in ways that resonate with a digitally-savvy generation is highly valued.

When responding to this question, highlight specific technologies you’ve utilized, such as fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, video analysis apps, or online platforms that facilitate interactive learning and self-assessment. Discuss how these tools contribute to setting goals, providing immediate feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment. Emphasize your commitment to staying informed about new technological developments and your ability to integrate them into lesson plans to enhance student engagement and outcomes.

Example: “ In integrating technology into physical education, my approach centers on enhancing student engagement and individualizing learning experiences. Utilizing fitness trackers and heart rate monitors, I tailor fitness programs to students’ personal fitness levels, providing real-time data that empowers them to understand their own health and performance. This immediate feedback motivates students by showing tangible progress and helps in setting realistic, achievable goals.

Further, I leverage video analysis apps to refine technique in sports and activities. By providing visual feedback, students can self-assess and make adjustments to their form, fostering a deeper understanding of kinesiology and biomechanics. Online platforms are instrumental in creating an interactive learning environment where students can collaborate, share progress, and access personalized workouts. Staying abreast of emerging technologies, I continuously seek out innovative tools that can be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum to support diverse learning styles and enhance physical education outcomes.”

3. What strategies do you employ to engage reluctant participants in PE classes?

Engaging students who may lack interest or confidence in sports and physical activities is a common challenge for physical education teachers. These students might feel self-conscious about their abilities, have had negative experiences in the past, or simply not enjoy traditional sports. The question aims to uncover a teacher’s creativity, empathy, and ability to adapt their teaching approach to accommodate different levels of interest and ability. It also touches on the teacher’s commitment to inclusivity and their strategies for fostering a positive, motivating environment that encourages all students to participate and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

When answering, it’s important to highlight specific methods that have proven effective in past experiences. For instance, you could discuss how you tailor activities to match the interests of the students, such as integrating popular culture or technology into lessons. You might also describe how you set achievable goals to help build confidence and create a supportive class atmosphere that celebrates effort as much as achievement. Sharing anecdotes where you successfully engaged a reluctant participant can provide concrete evidence of your skills in action.

Example: “ To engage reluctant participants, I implement a differentiated approach that aligns with their interests and skill levels. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all method can be discouraging, I offer a variety of activities that cater to different preferences, such as incorporating elements of dance or team sports for those who might not enjoy traditional PE exercises. This personalization helps in making the activities more relatable and enjoyable, thereby increasing their willingness to participate.

I also emphasize the importance of setting individualized, achievable goals to foster a sense of accomplishment. By breaking down skills into manageable steps and celebrating small victories, students gain confidence in their abilities. Moreover, I cultivate a class environment that prioritizes effort over innate ability, which encourages all students to try their best without the fear of judgment. Sharing success stories, where previously reluctant participants have overcome their hesitations, serves as a powerful motivator for others. This dual focus on personalization and positive reinforcement has consistently proven effective in engaging even the most hesitant students in physical education activities.”

4. Outline a curriculum that promotes lifelong fitness habits among students.

Outlining a curriculum that promotes lifelong fitness is a task that physical education teachers must approach with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of physical education. By asking candidates to do so, interviewers are assessing the candidate’s ability to design a program that is not only inclusive, engaging, and age-appropriate but also one that incorporates a variety of activities that foster an understanding of health, nutrition, and the benefits of regular physical activity. It also tests the candidate’s commitment to teaching strategies that encourage students to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being long after they leave the school environment.

When responding to this question, candidates should highlight their approach to creating a diverse and adaptable curriculum that addresses the needs and interests of all students. Discuss the integration of evidence-based practices that educate students about the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition, and mental wellness. Emphasize the inclusion of goal-setting and self-assessment to help students track their progress and develop a sense of accountability for their health. Demonstrate your understanding that a well-rounded PE program should equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make healthful choices and to engage in physical activities that they enjoy and can pursue throughout their lives.

Example: “ A curriculum that promotes lifelong fitness habits must be rooted in variety, personalization, and practical knowledge. It should begin with foundational understanding of anatomy and physiology to educate students on how their bodies work, and the benefits of physical activity. We then integrate a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests and abilities, from team sports to individual fitness pursuits like yoga or swimming, ensuring that every student finds a physical activity they enjoy.

Crucially, the curriculum must incorporate goal-setting and self-assessment techniques, allowing students to create personalized fitness plans that are both challenging and achievable. This fosters a sense of ownership and self-motivation. Additionally, we embed lessons on nutrition and mental wellness to provide a holistic approach to health. By teaching students to reflect on their lifestyle choices and to adapt their fitness goals as they grow, we lay the groundwork for lifelong fitness habits. The curriculum is designed to evolve with emerging evidence-based practices, ensuring that students are always at the forefront of health and fitness education.”

5. Detail an incident where you had to address bullying or exclusion during a class.

Addressing incidents of bullying and exclusion in physical education classes is essential for maintaining a safe and inclusive space. These behaviors disrupt the learning environment and can have lasting negative impacts on students’ well-being. It demonstrates the instructor’s commitment to fostering respect, teamwork, and fair play among students. This question seeks to assess the candidate’s awareness of the social dynamics within a class setting, their ability to recognize and intervene in harmful situations, and their strategies for promoting a positive culture in their classes.

When responding to this question, focus on a specific instance of bullying or exclusion. Describe the context succinctly, how you identified the issue, and the steps you took to address it. Emphasize your approach to conflict resolution, the communication methods you used with the students involved, and any follow-up actions to prevent future occurrences. Highlight the importance of creating an environment where all students feel valued and included, and where negative behaviors are not tolerated.

Example: “ During a team selection process in class, I observed a student being repeatedly excluded from group activities, which appeared to be a subtle form of bullying. Recognizing the immediate need to address this, I intervened by halting the activity and implementing a ‘random team generator’ method to ensure fair and unbiased team selection. This approach not only resolved the exclusion issue at hand but also served as a teachable moment for the class about inclusivity and the negative impacts of exclusionary behavior.

In a private setting, I spoke with the student who was being excluded to provide support and to understand the situation from their perspective. Additionally, I had a discreet conversation with the students who were responsible for the exclusion, emphasizing the importance of empathy and respect for peers. To reinforce these values and prevent future incidents, I facilitated a class discussion about teamwork and the importance of a positive class environment. This incident led to the adoption of a class charter that outlined expected behaviors and the collective responsibility to maintain an inclusive atmosphere.”

6. In what ways do you assess student progress without relying on traditional sports metrics?

Using a broad range of assessment tools to capture the full scope of student development is a must for educators in the field of physical education. This includes qualitative observations, peer assessments, self-reflections, and participation levels. This question serves to identify educators who value holistic development and can creatively evaluate a student’s performance and improvement in ways that foster inclusivity and personal achievement.

When responding, focus on your adaptive assessment approach that caters to diverse abilities and learning styles. Mention specific alternative methods you employ, such as student journals, class discussions on personal goals, or group projects that highlight cooperation and sportsmanship. Explain how these approaches provide a more comprehensive view of a student’s progress and contribute to a positive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to excel beyond just the physical aspects of education.

Example: “ Assessing student progress in physical education extends beyond traditional metrics like speed, strength, or agility. I employ a holistic approach that includes qualitative assessments such as student journals, which offer insights into students’ self-reflections on their physical activities, personal goals, and emotional responses to challenges. These journals are instrumental in understanding individual student progress and fostering a growth mindset.

Additionally, I facilitate class discussions and group projects that emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership skills. During these activities, I observe and evaluate students’ abilities to cooperate, communicate, and support one another, which are critical components of their overall development. This approach not only provides a broader perspective on each student’s progress but also encourages an inclusive environment where every student’s contributions are recognized and valued. Through these methods, I can gauge student growth in areas such as confidence, resilience, and social interaction, which are equally important as physical prowess in their lifelong journey of physical education.”

7. Share an innovative game or activity you’ve devised and its educational benefits.

An innovative game or activity can demonstrate a candidate’s ability to engage students in learning teamwork, strategic thinking, and a passion for a healthy lifestyle in a fun and effective way. It reflects the educator’s creativity, understanding of educational psychology, and commitment to student development beyond traditional sports or exercises. Crafting unique activities requires an educator to be aware of the diverse needs and interests of their students, ensuring inclusivity and maximizing participation.

When responding, showcase an activity that required you to think outside the box, perhaps one that combines elements from different sports or incorporates technology to track progress. Explain how this game or activity encourages students to work together, solve problems, or improve specific physical skills. Be sure to highlight how it caters to various skill levels and learning styles, and how you assess its educational impact. Your response should convey enthusiasm and a clear vision of how the activity contributes to the overall goals of your physical education program.

Example: “ I developed a game called “Kinetic Conquest,” which merges the strategic elements of capture the flag with the physical rigor of a circuit training routine. In this game, teams must navigate through a series of fitness challenges, each tailored to target different muscle groups and aspects of physical conditioning, such as agility, endurance, and strength. The innovative aspect is the incorporation of wearable technology that tracks each student’s heart rate and calories burned, providing real-time data for both performance assessment and motivation.

The educational benefits of Kinetic Conquest are multifaceted. It promotes teamwork and strategic thinking as students must collaborate to conquer stations and defend their flags. Additionally, it caters to diverse learning styles and abilities by offering varied difficulty levels within each challenge, ensuring all students are engaged and can experience success. The use of technology not only appeals to students’ interests but also teaches them to understand and analyze their physical health metrics. This game has proven effective in enhancing students’ physical fitness while fostering a love for active play and an appreciation for data-driven goal setting.”

8. How do you handle a situation where a student consistently refuses to participate?

Confronting the unique challenge of student resistance to participation requires a physical education teacher to demonstrate empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to student well-being. This question probes the candidate’s ability to engage with students beyond the curriculum and reveals the teacher’s strategies for motivation, addressing barriers to participation, and fostering an inclusive environment that accommodates diverse student needs and abilities.

When responding, it’s effective to discuss specific strategies such as one-on-one conversations to understand the student’s perspective, setting achievable goals to build confidence, and offering alternative ways to participate that align with the student’s interests or abilities. Highlighting a commitment to creating a positive and non-judgmental atmosphere in the gym can also show your dedication to ensuring every student feels valued and encouraged to engage in physical activity.

Example: “ In handling a student who consistently refuses to participate, I initiate a one-on-one conversation to explore any underlying issues that may be affecting their engagement. This approach allows me to understand their perspective and identify any barriers to participation, whether they are emotional, physical, or social. By demonstrating empathy and maintaining confidentiality, I establish trust, which is crucial for encouraging open dialogue.

Once I have a clearer picture of the student’s challenges, I collaborate with them to set small, achievable goals that cater to their interests and abilities. This personalized approach not only fosters a sense of accomplishment but also gradually builds their confidence in their capability to participate. Additionally, I offer alternative ways to engage them in the class, such as non-competitive activities or different roles like assisting with equipment setup, which can serve as a gateway to more active participation. Throughout this process, I ensure the gym environment remains positive and non-judgmental, reinforcing that every student’s effort is valued and that physical education is a space for personal growth, not just physical prowess.”

9. Illustrate how you incorporate nutritional education within your physical education program.

Discerning whether a candidate recognizes the symbiosis between diet and exercise and their combined impact on a student’s overall health is crucial. By asking this question, the interviewer is seeking to understand if the candidate demonstrates a holistic approach to physical education, one that equips students with knowledge and habits that promote lifelong health and fitness.

When responding, candidates should outline specific strategies or lessons they’ve used to integrate nutrition into their curriculum. This could involve describing collaborative projects with the school cafeteria, incorporating discussions on the role of nutrition in performance and recovery during physical activities, or designing units that include meal planning and understanding food labels as part of the program. The key is to convey an understanding of the importance of nutrition in physical health and to provide concrete examples of how this knowledge is imparted to students through engaging and practical methods.

Example: “ Incorporating nutritional education within the physical education program is essential to foster a holistic understanding of health and wellness among students. To achieve this, I integrate interactive lessons on macronutrients and micronutrients, emphasizing their impact on physical performance and recovery. Students engage in activities where they analyze their dietary habits and learn to create balanced meal plans that support their fitness goals and activities. This practical application ensures that students not only receive the information but also understand how to apply it to their daily lives.

Furthermore, I collaborate with the school cafeteria to organize ‘Smart Food Days’ where students are involved in selecting and preparing healthy meal options. This hands-on experience is complemented by classroom discussions on the importance of hydration, the timing of nutrient intake, and the effects of various foods on energy levels. By intertwining nutritional education with physical activities, students can directly observe the relationship between their diet and their performance in sports or exercise, reinforcing the value of good nutrition habits.”

10. What measures do you take to ensure safety during high-risk activities like gymnastics or contact sports?

Preventing accidents during high-risk activities is a fundamental responsibility of a physical education teacher. The question serves to assess a candidate’s commitment to student safety, their knowledge of safety protocols, and their ability to foresee and mitigate risks. It also reveals how a teacher prioritizes safety while still providing enriching and challenging experiences for students.

When responding, highlight your familiarity with safety guidelines and your adherence to them. Detail your process for preparing the environment, such as conducting equipment checks, providing appropriate safety gear, and ensuring the space is suitable for the activity. Discuss your approach to educating students on safety practices, monitoring them closely during activities, and tailoring your instruction to accommodate varying skill levels. Emphasize the importance of first aid training and your readiness to respond to any incidents, underscoring your commitment to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.

Example: “ Ensuring safety during high-risk activities begins with a thorough risk assessment and adherence to established safety guidelines. Before any session, I conduct meticulous equipment checks to ensure apparatuses like balance beams, mats, and protective gear meet safety standards. The environment is prepared to eliminate hazards, with sufficient space allocated for each activity to prevent overcrowding and collisions.

Education on safety practices is integral; I instruct participants on proper techniques and the importance of body awareness to minimize the risk of injury. This includes tailored instruction that accounts for individual skill levels, ensuring that each participant is engaging in activities appropriate for their capabilities. Close monitoring during activities allows for immediate intervention if unsafe behavior is detected.

Preparedness for potential incidents is crucial. I maintain up-to-date first aid certification and am equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any accidents. By fostering a culture of safety and vigilance, I ensure that participants can confidently engage in high-risk activities with minimized risk.”

11. Provide an example of how you’ve adapted your teaching style to different age groups.

Recognizing the developmental stages of students and adjusting teaching strategies accordingly is a skill that an effective physical education teacher must possess. This demonstrates an educator’s ability to tailor their approach to maximize student engagement and learning outcomes across a diverse range of age groups.

When responding to this question, provide a specific example that illustrates your flexibility and awareness of developmental differences. For instance, you might discuss how you simplified the rules of a game for younger students to ensure they could participate and enjoy the activity, while with older students, you focused on more complex strategies and competitive play to challenge them. Highlight your ability to observe students’ responses and modify your teaching in real-time, ensuring that all students remain involved and motivated, regardless of their age.

Example: “ In adapting my teaching style to different age groups, I’ve always prioritized the developmental stage of my students. For instance, when working with younger children, I emphasized fundamental movement skills and incorporated imaginative play into activities. I simplified the rules of traditional games, like turning soccer into a “pirate adventure” where scoring goals equated to finding treasure, to foster a fun and engaging environment. This approach not only kept the younger students active and excited but also helped them develop basic coordination and teamwork skills without feeling overwhelmed by complex rules.

Conversely, with older students, my focus shifted towards refining technical skills and introducing advanced tactics within sports. I designed sessions that included skill drills followed by strategic game play, where students could apply these techniques in real-time scenarios. For example, in a basketball unit, I broke down the mechanics of shooting and implemented drills to practice these skills, later transitioning into full-court games that required students to use strategic thinking and communication. By doing so, I ensured that the older students were challenged intellectually and physically, promoting a deeper understanding of the sport and encouraging a competitive yet collaborative spirit.”

12. How do you stay informed about the latest research in physical education and health?

Staying current with the latest trends, techniques, and scientific findings is essential for delivering effective instruction and promoting healthy lifestyles. This question delves into the candidate’s commitment to professional development and their strategies for staying abreast of new information that can enhance their teaching practice and student outcomes.

To respond, a candidate should outline specific methods they employ to keep their knowledge up-to-date. This can include subscribing to professional journals, attending workshops and conferences, participating in online forums or social media groups dedicated to physical education, and collaborating with colleagues. Providing examples of how new research has been incorporated into their teaching approach can demonstrate an active engagement with ongoing professional development.

Example: “ To stay abreast of the latest research in physical education and health, I maintain subscriptions to key journals such as the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (JOPERD) and Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. I also regularly attend annual conferences like SHAPE America’s National Convention and regional workshops where I engage with cutting-edge presentations and network with peers to discuss emerging trends and evidence-based practices.

In addition, I actively participate in professional online communities and social media groups where daily interactions provide a stream of updates and insights. This multifaceted approach ensures that I not only consume research but also contribute to discussions, which often leads to practical applications in my teaching. For instance, recent findings on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for adolescents inspired me to integrate HIIT principles into my curriculum, which has since shown improvements in students’ cardiovascular fitness levels.”

13. Describe a method you use to foster teamwork and cooperation in your classes.

Fostering teamwork and cooperation is a key aspect of effective physical education. A strong answer would display an understanding of group dynamics and the importance of creating an environment where students support each other and work collaboratively towards common goals.

When responding, it is beneficial to describe a specific program or activity that encourages collective participation and requires students to work together. Highlight how you structure these activities to ensure all students are engaged, how you address challenges such as students who may feel left out or are less naturally inclined towards teamwork, and how you measure the success of these team-building efforts in terms of student development and the overall atmosphere in your classes.

Example: “ To foster teamwork and cooperation, I implement a method called ‘Cooperative Learning Structures’ which involves small groups of students working together to achieve shared learning goals. Each member of the group is responsible for their own learning as well as for helping their teammates learn, creating an interdependent and collaborative environment. I carefully compose these groups to mix different skill levels and personalities, ensuring that each member can contribute uniquely to the team’s success.

Within this framework, I use activities like ‘Jigsaw’ where each student is assigned a specific part of a task to learn and then teach to their group members. This not only promotes reliance on each other but also values each student’s contribution. To address challenges, I actively monitor group dynamics, providing guidance to ensure inclusive participation, and I use reflective sessions where students can express their experiences and feelings about the teamwork process. Success is measured through both the quality of the final group outcomes and the individual development observed in communication, leadership, and social skills. The positive shift in the class atmosphere towards a more collaborative and supportive environment serves as a qualitative indicator of the program’s effectiveness.”

14. Give an example of how you have advocated for physical education funding or resources at a school.

Advocating for physical education funding or resources is a clear indication of an educator’s commitment to the holistic development of students. It also highlights your ability to be proactive and resourceful, qualities that are essential for educators who wish to foster an environment where all aspects of student development are valued and nurtured.

When responding, it’s beneficial to discuss a specific instance where you identified a need within the physical education department and took concrete steps to address it. This could involve grant writing, organizing fundraisers, or rallying community support. Elaborate on the strategies you used to communicate the value of physical education, the obstacles you faced, and how you overcame them. Your answer should reflect your leadership skills, your passion for physical education, and your determination to provide students with the best possible opportunities for physical activity and health education.

Example: “ Recognizing the critical role of physical education in fostering students’ overall well-being, I spearheaded a campaign to secure additional funding for our PE department to update our aging equipment and expand our program offerings. I began by conducting a thorough needs assessment, identifying key areas where our resources were lacking, and how this was impacting student engagement and learning outcomes. Armed with this data, I crafted a compelling proposal highlighting the long-term educational and health benefits of a well-resourced PE program.

I then reached out to local businesses and community leaders to build partnerships and support for our initiative. By presenting data on the positive correlation between physical activity and academic performance, I was able to articulate the broader community impact of investing in our students’ health. This multifaceted approach not only secured the necessary funding but also fostered a stronger community connection to our school’s physical education goals. The successful acquisition of new equipment and the introduction of diverse PE activities significantly enhanced our curriculum, leading to increased student participation and a more dynamic learning environment.”

15. How do you balance competitive play with inclusive practices in your lessons?

Creating an environment where every student can thrive both individually and as part of a team is a delicate balance that physical education teachers must strike. This balance is crucial, as it helps develop teamwork and sportsmanship, while also encouraging personal growth and a love for physical activity across the entire student body.

When responding, highlight specific strategies or philosophies that guide your approach to inclusivity and competitiveness. For instance, you could discuss how you design activities that allow for different skill levels to engage meaningfully, or how you set individualized goals for students to encourage personal achievement alongside team-oriented objectives. Share examples from your experience where you successfully integrated students with varying abilities, and how you celebrate both effort and excellence in your physical education program.

Example: “ In balancing competitive play with inclusive practices, I adopt a differentiated instruction approach, tailoring activities to accommodate multiple skill levels within the same lesson. By designing games with adaptable rules and roles, I ensure that each student can engage at a level that is both challenging and achievable for them. For instance, in a game of basketball, I might modify the game by adjusting the height of the hoop, using different sized balls, or creating zones on the court where only certain players can score, allowing students with varying abilities to contribute to the team’s success.

I also emphasize the value of personal growth by setting individualized goals that align with each student’s developmental stage. This approach fosters a sense of personal accomplishment that coexists with team objectives, thereby nurturing an environment where effort is recognized alongside competitive excellence. Celebrating milestones, such as a student mastering a new skill or achieving a personal best, reinforces the importance of personal progress and contributes to a more inclusive atmosphere. Through these practices, I’ve successfully integrated students of diverse abilities, creating a learning space that values each student’s contribution while maintaining the spirit of healthy competition.”

16. What is your approach to teaching swimming to students with varying levels of fear or ability?

A teacher’s approach to helping students overcome fear of water during swimming lessons is telling of their ability to adapt to the emotional and physical needs of their students, to foster a positive learning environment, and to ensure that all students, regardless of initial ability or fear, can make progress and feel a sense of accomplishment.

When responding to this question, it is essential to highlight your individualized approach to student learning. Explain how you assess each student’s level of fear or ability and tailor your instruction to meet them where they are. Discuss your methods for creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, perhaps through the use of games, positive reinforcement, or gradual exposure to the water. Emphasize your commitment to building trust with your students, helping them to overcome their fears, and celebrating their milestones, however small they may be.

Example: “ In addressing the varying levels of fear or ability among students in swimming, I adopt a highly individualized and empathetic approach. Initially, I assess each student’s comfort and skill level through conversations and observation, allowing me to tailor my instruction to their specific needs. For those with fear, I focus on establishing trust and a sense of safety, often starting with activities on the pool deck before gradually introducing them to shallow water exercises. I employ techniques such as controlled breathing, visualization, and positive reinforcement to foster a calm and confident mindset.

For skill development, I break down swimming strokes into manageable components, using a progressive sequence that builds from simple movements to more complex techniques. This scaffolding approach, combined with consistent encouragement and the celebration of individual progress, helps students gain confidence and improve at their own pace. By creating a supportive environment that emphasizes personal growth and resilience, I enable each student to overcome their apprehension and develop their swimming abilities effectively.”

17. How do you include parents and guardians in the physical development of their children?

Engaging parents and guardians in their child’s physical education is essential for fostering a physically active lifestyle outside of school. The question assesses the candidate’s awareness of the home-school connection and their strategies for parental involvement to ensure a unified approach to a child’s physical education.

When responding, highlight your understanding of the importance of parental engagement in physical education. You might discuss strategies such as regular communication through newsletters or parent meetings, organizing family-oriented sports events, or providing resources and home activities that encourage parents to be active with their children. Show that you are proactive in creating an inclusive environment that recognizes parents as partners in their children’s physical development.

Example: “ In acknowledging the pivotal role of parents and guardians in the physical development of their children, I actively engage them through a multifaceted approach. I initiate this by establishing regular communication channels such as digital newsletters and dedicated social media groups, which disseminate information on curriculum content, upcoming events, and practical tips for supporting their child’s physical activity at home. This ensures that parents are consistently informed and can reinforce the learning objectives outside of school hours.

Additionally, I organize and host family-oriented physical events, like ‘Family Sports Days’ or ‘Parent-Child Fitness Challenges,’ which not only foster community spirit but also directly involve parents in physical activities alongside their children. By doing so, I create opportunities for parents to model healthy behavior, which can significantly impact a child’s lifelong attitudes towards physical fitness. Furthermore, I provide parents with resources such as activity guides and instructional videos that offer ideas for home-based exercises and games. These resources are designed to be inclusive, catering to various fitness levels and living situations, thereby empowering parents to be active participants in their child’s physical development regardless of their own abilities or resources.”

18. What’s your strategy for maintaining discipline while keeping PE classes fun and engaging?

Navigating the balance between being a coach, mentor, and disciplinarian in physical education is a delicate task. Discipline in this setting is not merely about control but about instilling a sense of respect, safety, and structure that allows all students to participate and learn effectively. This question seeks to understand how a candidate maintains this balance, ensuring that students are learning important life skills within a context that remains lively and positive.

When responding, be specific about strategies that foster a positive classroom environment, such as setting clear expectations from the start, using positive reinforcement, and incorporating a variety of activities to cater to different interests and abilities. Illustrate with examples from past experiences where you successfully managed to keep students engaged and on-task without resorting to punitive measures. Highlight your ability to adapt your approach to different situations and different needs of students, showing that you understand the dynamic nature of a PE class.

Example: “ Maintaining discipline in PE classes is about striking a balance between structure and enjoyment. I establish clear expectations from the outset, ensuring that students understand the rules of conduct, the objectives of each session, and the consequences for misbehavior. This clarity helps students self-regulate and fosters a sense of responsibility. I employ positive reinforcement to acknowledge good behavior and effort, which not only motivates students but also sets a standard for their peers to emulate.

To keep classes engaging, I incorporate a diverse range of activities tailored to various skill levels and interests, ensuring that every student can participate meaningfully. This variety not only maintains high levels of enthusiasm but also minimizes off-task behavior as students are less likely to become bored or disengaged. For instance, I’ve found success with a circuit training setup that allows students to work at their own pace while still being part of a larger, collaborative effort. By continuously adapting activities to meet the students’ needs and interests, I create an environment where discipline is a natural byproduct of an engaging and respectful learning space.”

19. Can you provide a success story of motivating a physically inactive student?

Igniting a spark of interest in students who are initially disinterested or inactive is a challenge that physical education teachers must embrace. The question seeks to uncover a candidate’s ability to inspire change and adapt their teaching style to meet the varied needs of their students, proving they can make a tangible difference in individual student health and attitudes towards physical activity.

When responding, share a specific anecdote that illustrates your ability to connect with a physically inactive student. Detail the strategies you employed to understand the student’s interests and barriers to participation. Explain how you tailored your approach to engage the student, set achievable goals, and celebrated progress, no matter how small. Highlight the outcome—how the student’s attitude and activity level changed over time. This story should showcase your creativity, empathy, and commitment to student well-being.

Example: “ Certainly. I recall a particular student who was notably disengaged during physical education sessions, primarily due to a lack of confidence stemming from previous negative experiences in sports. Recognizing this, I initiated a one-on-one conversation to understand their interests and apprehensions. This student expressed a keen interest in nature and the outdoors, which was a starting point for our journey.

I crafted a personalized program that incorporated nature walks and outdoor exploration activities, aligning with their interests and providing a comfortable entry point into physical activity. Gradually, I introduced elements of structured exercise within these nature sessions, such as brisk walking, light jogging, and body-weight exercises, framed as ‘adventure training’. We set small, attainable goals, and with each achievement, I noticed a significant boost in the student’s self-esteem and enthusiasm for physical activity.

Over time, the student’s attitude transformed from one of avoidance to anticipation for our sessions. They became more willing to participate in group activities, demonstrating improved physical fitness and social integration with peers. This experience underscored the importance of personalizing engagement strategies and the profound impact of celebrating incremental progress in fostering a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.”

20. How do you integrate cross-curricular connections in your physical education teaching?

Understanding the broader educational landscape and creatively infusing other subjects to enrich the PE curriculum is what interviewers are seeking to understand. This approach fosters a more comprehensive learning experience that helps students appreciate the relevance of physical health in their overall education and life.

When responding, highlight specific examples of how you’ve incorporated academic concepts into your physical education classes. Perhaps you’ve used statistics during a sports unit, discussed anatomy in relation to movement, or explored the physics of different exercises. Explain your methodology for selecting these cross-curricular elements and how they align with educational standards and enhance student engagement and understanding.

Example: “ In integrating cross-curricular connections within physical education, I employ a thematic approach where academic concepts are woven into the fabric of sports and exercise. For instance, during a basketball unit, I incorporate mathematics by having students track and analyze shooting percentages, applying statistical concepts to real-world data. This not only reinforces their math skills but also provides a practical application that can enhance their strategic understanding of the game.

In exploring human movement, I delve into anatomy and physiology, guiding students through the biomechanics of exercises such as squats or lunges. We discuss muscle groups, joint actions, and the importance of proper form to prevent injury. By linking these concepts to the science curriculum, students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of their bodies and the importance of physical health. This interdisciplinary strategy not only aligns with educational standards but also fosters a more holistic understanding of physical education, encouraging students to see the relevance of their learning beyond the gymnasium.”

10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Vicky Oliver

Use this guide to stand out from the crowd and land the role you want.

Interviews can be high stress, anxiety-driving situations, especially if it’s your first interview. A little practice and preparation always pays off. While we can’t know exactly what an employer will ask, here are 10 common interview questions along with advice on how to answer them. The questions include:

Could you tell me something about yourself and describe your background in brief? : Interviewers like to hear stories about candidates. Make sure your story has a great beginning, a riveting middle, and an end that makes the interviewer root for you to win the job.
How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? : Share an instance when you remained calm despite the turmoil. If it’s a skill you’re developing, acknowledge it and include the steps you’re taking to respond better to pressure in the future.
What are your salary expectations? : Before you walk in for your first interview, you should already know what the salary is for the position you’re applying to. Check out websites such as Glassdoor, Fishbowl, or Vault.com for salary information. You could also ask people in the field by reaching out to your community on LinkedIn.

Resignation numbers have remained abnormally high in the U.S. between July 2021 and October 2021, with millions of Americans quitting their jobs — which also means there are millions of new openings up for grabs. If you’re entering the market for the first time, or just looking to make a change, use this guide to prepare for your next interview.

Vicky Oliver is a leading career development expert and the multi-best-selling author of five books, including 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions , named in the top 10 list of “Best Books for HR Interview Prep.” She’s a sought-after speaker and seminar presenter and a popular media source, having made over 900 appearances in broadcast, print, and online outlets.

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20 Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers: A Detailed Guide

Teaching Assistants require interpersonal skills and educational expertise. Having the readiness to talk about experiences, teaching beliefs, and flexibility in the classroom is crucial. This blog discusses Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers for assessing candidates' skills for educational positions.

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20 Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Are you getting ready for a Teaching Assistant interview and need clarification on the questions and answers? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! This blog addresses common Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers and provides helpful responses to showcase your expertise and background.

Whether you're a beginner or a professional, knowing these key questions will make you more competitive during the interview. Learn how to showcase your beliefs about teaching, classroom management methods, and additional skills. It will prepare you to make a positive impression on potential employers and land your next job as a Teaching Assistant.

Table of Content s

1) 20 Typical Interview Queries for Teaching Assistants with Sample Responses

a) What Responsibilities Does a Teaching Assistant Carry O ut in the Classroom ?

b) Do you Believe It's Crucial for Children to Find School Enjoyable and Fun?

c) What Components Make up an Affective Lesson Plan?

d) What Recommendations Would You Offer to Assist a Student Struggling with a Specific Subject?

e) Can You Explain Why You Feel Qualified for the Position of Teaching Assistant?

f) How Would you Manage a Situation Where the Teacher is Doing Something you Strongly Disagree With?

g) What Prior Experience do you Have Working with Children?

h) How do you Establish a Solid Working Relationship with the Teacher(s) you will Collaborate With?

i) Where do you Envision Yourself in The Next Five Years?

j) A Student is Disrupting the Class by Bouncing Up and Down in Their Seat. How Would You Address This?

2) Conclusion

20 Typical Interview Queries for Teaching Assistants with Sample Responses

Prepare for your Teaching Assistant interview by familiarising yourself with these 20 common questions and example answers, which will showcase your skills.

What Responsibilities Does a Teaching Assistant Carry out in the Classroom?

The interviewer wants to see your knowledge of a teaching assistant's role and your ability to articulate your responsibilities clearly.

Key Responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant

Sample answer: “A Teaching Assistant plays a vital role in supporting both the teacher and the students. My duties typically include helping with lesson plans, preparing materials, and supervising the classroom atmosphere. I would also offer students one-on-one or small group assistance, aiding with assignments and fostering a positive learning environment. Moreover, I will assist with administrative duties like grading assignments and managing student files.”

Do You Believe It's Crucial for Children to Find School Enjoyable and Fun?

The interviewer seeks to understand your views on the importance of enjoyment in education and your belief in creating a positive learning environment.

Sample answer: “ Definitely, I think that creating a positive and interactive learning atmosphere is essential for children's success. When students find pleasure in school, they are more driven, curious, and open to absorbing new knowledge. An enjoyable and encouraging environment can nurture a lasting passion for education. Nevertheless, teaching discipline and a solid work ethic are just as crucial. A perfect classroom combines fun with challenging academics, providing a comprehensive educational experience. ”

What Components Make up an Effective Lesson Plan?

The interviewer evaluates your understanding of lesson planning and ability to structure a coherent and effective learning experience.

Sample answer: “A successful lesson plan consists of six learning goals. These are interesting beginning, varied teaching methods to cater to various needs, purposeful tasks for hands-on learning, ongoing assessment for tracking advancement, and a solid conclusion for reviewing and contemplating.”

What Recommendations Would You Offer to Assist a Student Struggling with a Specific Subject?

The interviewer wants to assess your understanding of student challenges and ability to provide effective support strategies.

Sample answer: “To assist a difficult student, I pinpoint the underlying issue before offering individualised help such as personal tutoring sessions. Establishing confidence by providing p ractical feedback and fostering transparent communication with students, parents, and teachers is essential. Working with other experts and using available resources further improves student development.”

Can You Explain Why You Feel Qualified for the Position of Teaching Assistant?

The interviewer wants to analyse your self-awareness and how well your skills and experience align with the job requirements.

Sample answer: “I am well-suited for the Teaching Assistant position because of my passion for education, previous work, and rapport - building skills . I assist teachers with my strong organi s ational abilities and offer personali s ed support to students. I am eager to help students achieve their full potential.”

How Would You Manage a Situation Where the Teacher is Doing Something You Strongly Disagree With?

The interviewer plans to evaluate your problem-solving skills, professionalism, and ability to handle challenging situations.

Disagreement with Teacher: How would you handle it

Sample answer: “ If I disagreed with a teacher's actions, I would prioriti s e students' welfare by discussing concerns privately and respectfully. I would first understand their perspective before suggesting alternatives. If necessary, I would consult a supervisor to sustain a positive working relationship and ensure the best outcomes for students.”

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What Prior Experience do You Have Working with Children?

The interviewer wants to assess your experience interacting with children and your ability to build rapport with them.

Sample answer: “I have worked as a camp counsellor for three years, interacting with children aged 7 to 12. I was responsible for organi s ing activities, handling group dynamics, and ensuring camper safety. While building lasting bonds with the children, I honed my communication and leadership skills.”

How do You Establish a Solid Working Relationship With The Teacher(s) You Will Collaborate With?

The interviewer wants to assess es your ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships.

Sample answer: “Building a solid partnership with teachers is crucial for student success. I would focus on transparent communication, active listening, and regular meetings to ensure alignment with student objectives . Respecting the teacher's authority while being supportive and collaborative is essential. Together, we can establish a conducive learning environment.”

Where do you Envision Yourself in The Next Five Years?

The question evaluate s your career aspirations, alignment with the company's goals, and ability to think strategically.

Where do you see Yourself in Next Five Years

Sample answer: “My goal is to build a strong and stable community of Teaching Assistants in the next five years. I plan to improve my expertise in communication, take on additional responsibilities, and grab opportunities that align with my goals. Also, I aim to be a reliable assistant and an important member of the team's success.”

A Student is Disrupting the Class by Bouncing Up and Down in Their Seat. How Would You Address This?

This inquiry gauge your classroom management skills and ability to handle disruptive behaviour constructively.

Sample answer: "If a student were fidgeting in their chair, I would discuss it privately to prevent embarrassment. I would calmly explain the importance of staying seated for concentration and try to understand potential reasons like boredom or trouble focusing. I could suggest stretching or taking a brief break while using positive reinforcement to encourage the desired behaviour."

What Attributes Do You Think Make a Successful Teacher Assistant, as Viewed by a Student?

This question assess your understanding of the students' perspectives and ability to empathise with their needs .

Sample answer: “To a student, an effective Teaching Assistant is patient, kind, and supportive. They make learning enjoyable, explain concepts clearly, and encourage students to seek help without feeling ashamed. They treat everyone equally and allow every student to thrive.”

Why do You Believe You Would Excel as a Teaching Assistant?

The interviewer wants to assess your self-awareness, understanding of the role, and ability to articulate your qualifications.

Sample answer: "Since teaching is my passion, I’m very confident about providing the right education to the kids. My experience boosted my communication and organisation skills. Now, I feel more like a collaborative team member who contributes enthusiastically to students. I am thrilled to play a part in their achievements.”

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What Draws You to the Idea of Working at Our School?

The interviewer wants to assess your interest in the specific school and how well you've researched it.

Sample answer: "I'm drawn to [School Name] for its commitment to [specific school value or program]. I admire the school's focus on [specific aspects ]. My passion for [relevant skill or interest] aligns with the school's goals. I believe my skills in [relevant skills] can be an asset to the team, and I'm excited to contribute to a positive learning environment."

Can You Share an Instance When You Effectively Collaborated With Children?

The interviewer seeks specific examples of your ability to work with children and achieve a positive outcome.

Sample answer: “As a camp counsellor, I guided a group of 10-year-olds in a collaborative art project. I divided them into smaller groups for specific tasks, promoting teamwork, open communication, and shared decision-making. We created a beautiful mural admired by everyone at the camp. This experience enumerated the importance of effective communication, patience, and building trust with children.”

Why do You Think you are the Best Fit for This Job Role Compared to Other Candidates?

The interviewer assesses your self-awareness, understanding of the role, and ability to stand out from other candidates.

Sample answer: "I believe I’m a perfect fit for this Teaching Assistant role due to my expertise and skillset. I possess a solid grasp of management and communication skills. I’m passionate about helping build an engaging learning environment."

What Methods do you Employ to Engage and Motivate Students During the Learning Process?

The inquiry examines your understanding of student engagement and your ability to create a dynamic learning environment.

Sample answer: “I believe involving students is essential for effective learning. I use hands-on tasks, collaborative assignments, and technology to keep students engaged. Connecting lessons with real-life experiences and creating a positive, supportive classroom atmosphere is important. I provide options for students to choose from and offer personalised assistance to encourage a passion for learning.”

How do You Feel About Supporting Students with Special Needs?

T he goal is to evaluate your attitude towards inclusivity and your ability to work with students with diverse needs.

Sample answer: “ I strongly believe all students deserve the opportunity to reach their maximum. What I find more rewarding is helping students with disabilitie s. The students should be valued in the classroom. I’m open to new strategies and work closely with specialists and parents to meet the special needs of the students. ”

Which Teaching Approaches do You Prefer?

The interviewer oversees your knowledge of different teaching methods and your ability to adapt your approach to various learning styles.

Sample answer: “Varied teaching methods are essential for creating an engaging and effective learning environment. While I prefer student-centred approaches like inquiry-based and cooperative learning . I recognise the importance of direct instruction when necessary. The best method depends on the subject, students' learning styles, and desired outcomes. I also support using technology to enhance and engage students in learning.”

Are There Any Subjects You Would Rather Not Teach?

The interviewer wants to assess your enthusiasm for teaching and ability to adapt to different subjects.

Sample answer: “I love education and am open to teaching different subjects. Although I have my preferences, I can teach any subject successfully with proper preparation and enthusiasm. I am confident in adapting my teaching approach to various students and topics.”

What is an IEP and How do You Utilise it to Ensure Student Achievement?

The interviewer assesses your special education knowledge and ability to implement individualised support plans.

Sample answer: “An Individualised Education Plan (IEP) is a tailored plan crafted to meet the needs of a student with a disability. As a teaching assistant, I will use the IEP to support the student's academic and social-emotional growth. Also, I’ll collaborate with the IEP team to understand the student's strengths and goals. Regular progress monitoring and communication with the team will help me adjust support to ensure students succeed.”

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How to Answer the Most Common Interview Questions with Useful Examples
20 Most Common Interview Questions and the Best Answers
How to Answer the Most Common Interview Questions with Useful Examples
10 Common Teacher Interview Questions & Tips for Answering Them
26 Common Interview Questions For Primary School Teachers
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COMMENTS

50 Teacher Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)
Most common teacher interview questions. Here are some common interview questions for teachers, as well as advice on how to craft your response. Remember, the interviewer is interested not only in the content of your answer but also in your overall ability to be clear, approachable and engaging: 1.
55+ Important Teacher Interview Questions (Plus Answers)
The best way to overcome those nerves is to prepare in advance. Take a look at this list of the most common teacher interview questions and answers. Practice your responses, and you'll feel much more confident when you walk through that door. Check out the questions and tips for answering below. Plus fill out the form on this page to grab ...
31 Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
31 Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers. Being a teacher is incredibly rewarding. After all, you get to shape how your students learn, grow, and see the world around them. It's a field just about anyone with a passion for mentoring, and the right people and education skills, can break into. Yet, mastering the most common teacher ...
11 Questions You'll Be Asked at a Teaching Interview
Here are 12 ways to support English language learners in a mainstream classroom. 6. Do you incorporate collaborative and project-based learning? Discuss the difference between cooperative and collaborative learning, and if you have implemented PBL, describe a specific assignment your students worked on. 7.
38 Top Teaching Job Interview Questions with Answers
While preparing for a teaching interview, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with common questions and craft compelling, thoughtful answers that showcase your skills and experience. Below, we have provided some of the best answers to common teacher interview questions to help you ace your next interview: 1.
Top 20 Teacher Interview Questions & How To ...
Top 20 Teacher Interview Questions & How To Answer With Confidence in 2023. August 30, 2023. Teaching is a deeply fulfilling and meaningful career that goes beyond simply imparting knowledge to students. Teaching plays a crucial role in shaping the minds and lives of young individuals, making it one of the most impactful professions.
15 Common Teacher Interview Questions & How to Answer
Use your job interview to exemplify that care and show potential employers what you can do. Answer honestly about what drove you to this field and tell stories about experiences that built your background. And practice the following 15 typical interview questions for teachers to channel that motivation and sense of vocation into solid answers. 1.
Top 25 Teacher Interview Questions And Answers
Plus, coming in with knowledge about the academics, curriculum, sports, and school programs shows initiative. 5. Get cozy. Be prepared for a possible panel interview. Education interviews are often conducted by multiple individuals and may include the principal, teachers, parents, and members of the administrative staff.
25 Common Teacher Interview Questions + Answers [2024]
Here's a recap of common teacher interview questions and answers: Prepare. Read the 25 teaching interview questions in this guide. Spend the most effort on the top 10. Do your homework. Learn the school's needs—both online and by talking to their teachers.
15 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
15 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers 1. Can you tell us about your teaching background and experience? This is a common initial question, allowing the hiring manager to gain a high-level understanding of your background and experience.They're seeking to determine if your skills, experience, and teaching approach match the requirements of the role and the needs of the school.
40+ Common Teacher Interview Questions (with Example Answers)
Sample answer: My name is Lena Platanos and I'm currently employed as a Math Teacher in North Penn SD. My journey to becoming a teacher is rooted in my passion for both science and education. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Math Education, I worked in New Jersey for six years before starting in North Penn.
67 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
Most Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers (Continued) 42) Something you do to encourage social development in your classroom. 43) Something you do to encourage collaborative skills in your classroom. 44) A lesson plan that asked students to engage with real-life issues. 45) An accommodation you've made for students with different ...
25 Most Common Teacher Interview Questions & Answers in 2022
What is your teaching philosophy? Teacher interview questions like this ask, "Are you a good fit for our school?". It's the teaching equivalent of " tell me about yourself.". But—. Don't answer elementary teacher interview questions for an unstructured school with, "I believe in structured learning.".
Top 5 Common Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
Common teacher interview questions Here are five frequently asked questions and example answers to help you prepare for a teaching interview: ... There are many ways to answer this question because it depends on your personal approach to education. To help center your thoughts, consider what goals you have for your students. ...
Common Teaching Interview Questions
For what reasons or issues would you reach out to communicate with parents? Describe the process you would use in responding to a student who was disrupting the class. Explain a difficult situation you have encountered in the classroom, what you learned from it, and what you would do differently now. What about teaching in our district appeals ...
The 7 most common interview questions about education
7 common interview questions about education (with example answers) Let's walk through seven common interview questions you may hear about education and look at some examples of how you can answer them. 1. Tell me about your educational background. This is an open-ended question that's asked in many interviews.
30 Elementary Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
We're here to help guide you through some common questions asked in elementary teacher interviews, along with advice on how to answer them effectively. This way, you'll step into the interview room brimming with confidence, ready to showcase your dedication to nurturing the next generation of thinkers and doers. 1.
Common Interview Questions for Teaching Jobs
Before walking into any job interview, you should take some time to prepare a few answers to common interview questions.You may even want to write out your answers and practice saying them aloud so that they come naturally to you once you're sitting down for your interview.If you're interviewing for a teaching position, you'll want to think specifically about what kinds of education-related ...
Teaching interview questions
The questions you'll be asked vary between schools, but there are some common themes in teaching interviews - whether you're interviewing for a place on a PGCE course, with School Direct, another teacher training route, or your first teaching post. Read on for some common interview questions and guidelines for finding your own answers.
60+ Most Common Interview Question and Answers
Walk me through your resume. Like "Tell me about yourself," this question is a common interview opener. But instead of framing your answer around what qualities and skills make you best for the position, your answer should group your qualifications by your past jobs and tell your career story.
Top 20 Physical Education Interview Questions & Answers
Common Physical Education Interview Questions 1. How would you modify a lesson plan for students with varying physical abilities? Adapting to the diverse physical capabilities of students is a critical skill for a physical education teacher. This question delves into the applicant's ability to recognize and respect individual differences ...
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Vicky Oliver is a leading career development expert and the multi-best-selling author of five books, including 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions, named in the top 10 list of "Best ...
20 Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers
This blog addresses common Teaching Assistant Interview Questions and Answers and provides helpful responses to showcase your expertise and background. ... Sample answer: "An Individualised Education Plan (IEP) is a tailored plan crafted to meet the needs of a student with a disability. As a teaching assistant, I will use the IEP to support ...