Interview Essentials

• Research the employer and role thoroughly
• Review the job description and understand the role’s requirements
• Prep references and share your resume with them
• Practice key questions and have 4-5 based stories ready
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
• Know your salary range for future discussions

• Arrive 5–10 minutes early with a padfolio and extra resumes
• Greet everyone professionally
• Stay positive, polite, and never speak poorly of past employers
• Be engaged, honest, and clear—don’t overtalk
• It’s okay to pause or ask for clarification
• Show appropriate enthusiasm and end by expressing interest and offering follow-up

What you do after your interview can affect what happens next. Send a thank-you email or note within 24–48 hours of your interview to express appreciation, reaffirm interest, and highlight how you can add value to the organization.

STAR Technique

The STAR technique helps you answer interview questions by highlighting your past experiences and behaviors. It provides a structured framework that allows you to clearly demonstrate your strengths and relate them to the role you're interviewing for. 

S = Situation: Briefly describe a specific event or experience for context.

T= Task: Explain the task you were responsible for.

A=Action: Share the steps you took, highlighting your individual contributions. 

R=Result: Describe the outcome – what you accomplished, learned, or would do differently.

• Tell me about yourself
• Why are you interested in working here? 
• Why did you choose your major/this type of position? 
• Why do you think you are qualified for this position? 
• What skills or experiences do you have that have prepared you for this job? 
• In what areas would you say you need to improve yourself? 
• What would your references say about you? 
• Why should we hire you? 
• Do you have any questions for me? 

• Describe the biggest challenge you have had in your last job, internship, or field placement. How you handled it?
• Tell me about a time you had to quickly learn something new. How did you approach it?
• What are three effective leadership qualities you value and how have you demonstrated them? 
• Describe a time you proposed a new idea or suggestion. How did you implement it? 
• Tell me about a time you faced disappointment. How did you turn it into a learning experience?
• Describe a time you dealt with a difficult person or challenging situation. How did you manage it?

(Interviewers expect questions from candidates. Good questions can also help to clarify areas of uncertainty and next steps) 

• Is there a training program? What does it entail? 
• Do you have a mentorship program for new hires? 
• What characteristics do you expect the person filling this job to have? 
• Can you tell me why this position is currently vacant? 
• What happens next in the hiring process? 
• How are employees evaluated and promoted? 
• Do you have concerns about my qualifications that I can address? 
• How does this position fit with the goals of the organization? 
• What are some challenges with the organization/the person in this position faces today?

• What is your philosophy of education? 
• Describe your style of teaching. 
• Why do you want to work in our district? 
• Define the role of the principal. 
• Describe in detail a lesson that you taught. 
• Describe your classroom management style. 
• Why did you enter the field of teaching? 
• What qualities do you have that make you an effective teacher? 
• Tell me about your experience with special needs students. 
• How do you involve parents and families?

• Use a clean, professional background and ensure good lighting.
• Position your camera at eye level and look into it for natural eye contact.
• Test the platform in advance; use a laptop or desktop, not a phone.
• Eliminate distractions: silence devices and inform others.
• Dress professionally head-to-toe to boost confidence.
• Treat it like an in-person interview—smile, be prepared, show enthusiasm, and ask questions.

Even though most employers avoid asking inappropriate interview questions, it can still happen. If faced with an illegal question, you can:

• Answer the question, directly, if you feel it will not harm your chance of being hired
• Decline or redirect the conversation
• Focus on the question’s intent and respond in relation to the job requirements

Examples for Responding to Illegal Interview Questions

Q: “What do your parents do for a living?”

A: “My parents are strong people and have instilled in me a positive work ethic. I admire this company’s work ethic and believe that the dedication I learned from my parents will help me flourish in this environment”

Q: “What is your ethnic background?”

A: While I look forward to working in a diverse company, I prefer to keep my personal information separate from work. However, I would like to know how you view the company’s diversity initiatives”

Q: “Do you have a disability? How many days were you sick last year?” 

A: “I am able to perform the essential functions of this role, and I am looking forward to supporting this team”*

*The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 protects interviewees and employees from discrimination based on physical and mental disabilities. 

We encourage you to practice your interviewing skills to build confidence, improve communication, and prepare for a variety of question types. With practice, you will learn how to respond professionally to inappropriate interview questions. If you are asked illegal interview questions, you can always discuss your experience with a Career Counselor at the Career & Professional Education Center.