The Callback Blues…
I went on an interview last week at a suburban school district not far from my home. I would love to work in this district. I could see myself carving out a nice 30 year career in a place like that. Anyway, my interview went pretty well. I was interviewed for close to an hour by two administrators who seemed extremely interested in what I had to say. I spoke about my previous teaching experience and related work experience. I found myself reaching for my portfolio more often than I had anticipated. When they asked a question that related to something in my portfolio, I scanned my binder and found the relevant information to support my answer. I don't rely on my portfolio very much during interviews, but they asked questions that led me back to lesson plans, unit plans, pictures, and other information that I stuck in those plastic sheet protectors so long ago. Before the interview, I prepped myself by heading over to the district website to find a few talking points. When applicable, I referenced said nuggets of wisdom. They seemed impressed with my knowledge of their district.
I thought I did really well. No fumbles, no interceptions. As the interview approached its end, one admin asked me if I had any questions for them. I asked for a little more detail on the position. Then I asked a question that all applicants should ask:
"What are the steps of your hiring process?"
Phrase that however you like, but be certain to get that in at some point. It's a good lead-in question for a filibuster before you're sent packing for the day.
They told me the steps.
- Initial screening interview - you're here - we'll pick a few people to callback for step 2.
- Demo Lesson - next week, some people will be called in to show off their skills in the classroom.
- Another round of interviews to finalize candidates.
- Superintendent's interview.
I had my interview on a Wednesday. They said they would be finalizing the list of candidates to proceed to the next step by the end of the week. Those people would be called back to teach the demo lesson next week. I did my little filibuster about how much I'd like to work for the district and headed out of the office feeling good about the interview.
Well, it's Thursday of the following week and I haven't been called back yet. I'm guessing that I'm out of the running. Of course, we like to comfort ourselves with little lies about hectic schedules and various conflicts, but after a certain amount of time has passed, you might as well wait by the mailbox every day until the rejection letter hits home. I've got the callback blues.
It was good interviewing practice; yeah, that's the ticket.
Did you send a “Thank you” letter or e-mail to follow-up after the interview? Since it has been a week, it would be ok to follow-up again just to let them know that you are still very interested in the position.
I sent out “Thank you” letters last week. Used my standard letter and modified it to reiterate a few talking points from my interview. Haven’t heard anything yet.
Well at least you GOT an interview! I have applied to over 20 jobs and haven’t gotten an interview outside of TRD. I don’t understand why. I graduated head of my class, received accolades & awards, belong to the “right” extracurricular groups and substitute in a couple of districts. I feel your “blues”… I have a case of them myself.
Wait the week and then contact them to find out status and also let them know that you are still interested.
My husband is a long-term sub in a critical shortage area and will be out of a job at the end of the school year. We are all feeling the pain. He is going to either sub again in the fall or apply for a teacher’s assistant position.
Unfortunately, finding a teaching job in WNY is a question of whom you know and not talent. Otherwise, Marianne would have a relatively easy time finding a job. There’s many less than talented educators in WNY and they certainly didn’t get their jobs on the basis of talent. I’m about to give up and find another profession, frankly. There must be SOME job where cronyism is not the only path to full-time employment.