Need Some Teacher Help

[Belle's Mom Tink]

I need some help, advise, opinions, etc. from any teachers, administrators, or anyone else who can help. I am currently trying to get a full time teaching postion (Secondary Ed, Social Studies). I was a substitute teacher last school year, and I have an upcoming interview at a school that I would love to work at and I need some advice.

My question is this...What should I wear for the interview?

I have been on interviews and have gone with the traditional women's pant suit, and one time I wore just pants and a shirt with a cardigan. I always feel that with the suit it is just too dressed up, I never see any female teachers wearing a full suit but I am not sure what is the best route and what makes a good or bad impression. If I do not go with the suit for this interview I was thinking a skirt and blouse with a 3/4 length light sweater. I love this outfit but it is pretty bright and colorful, which is exactly how I am, but I wonder if it is too much for an interview. Can anyone please help me out?? My interview is FRIDAY!!!

THANKS

 

[sjams]

I am about to be in the same situation pretty soon. I would recommend wearing what makes YOU feel comfortable. The skirt combo sounds good. If you feel good then your confidence will be up and that should show in your interview!

Good luck!!

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

Thanks, that is what I am leaning towards for pretty much that reason that it is me and that I will be comfortable in it. Not like the "stuffy" feeling I get when I put on the old suit. Know what else stinks that all summer I live in and collect sandals and of course that's not a proper shoe for interviews but I guess that does mean I get to go shoe shopping tonight!

 

[Brady Fan]

When I interviewed for my secondary ed job (also social studies) a few years ago, I wore both suits (and didn't get hired) and a skirt/short sleeve sweater combo (and did get hired). I think what ever you feel best in would be the best choice. When I have helped interview potential teachers, I don't recall the outfits being a big deal (except for the person wearing those water shoes - very odd). Best of luck!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Take this only for what it's worth - just my opinion...

I'm a former teacher and current administrator. If it were me, I'd go with the nice pantsuit. If you really want to wear the skirt set, I'm sure it will be fine too, but since you asked for opinions, this is mine.

Good luck!

 

[harleyquinn]

Wear the suit. you'll always wonder if you didn't get it, because you didn't look formal enough.

In my field (public libraries). We are told to ALWAYS wear a suit of some sort.

 

[jam217]

I agree with the previous two posters -- wear the suit. When I interviewed for my teaching job, I wore a suit even though it was one of the hottest days of the year. I agree that most teachers don't wear suits during the school year, but I think you should put forth your most professional look for the inteview.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I teach secondary and I would wear the suit. Most secondary teachers fall into a much more casual rut ( at least at my school) after they've been working for a while, and I'm sure it's nice for the administrators to see someone really dressed up. I think if I wore a suit (I don't own one anymore) the Principal would faint dead away.
Robin M.

 

[daisyduck123]

1st grade teacher here...and we NEVER wear suits to teach our classes.

But I wore one at my interview...and I was the one the principal chose...out of 55 applicants. I think looking professional helped. And I worked with that principal for the next 6 years & he never saw me in a suit again!!

 

[Daxx]

It's been a looong time since I've interviewed for a teaching job ... but remember wearing a suit to the interview.

Just the other week, our principal recently narrowed a list down to 5 candidates for a 5-8 grade Math position. He asked the candidates back for a "round table" interview w/myself, two other teachers and a parent. Each female candidate wore a suit!

Take it for what it's worth.

 

[tnkbl]

When I have been on the interview committee, I like to see the applicant in no dressier than a suit and no less than business casual. Wear someting that makes you feel comfortable.

If they ask you a question that you feel you can not answer, need more time to think about, tell them. Don't ride the fence, get on one side or the other!

Good luck!

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

Thank you all for your help and I am looking forward to hearing more about what everyone thinks. My thoughts are now beginning to lean towards the suit because it is basic and professional. In high hopes I am also thinking that if I were to get this job, I could wear my cute skirt outfit on the first day of school!! Also, thankfully the awful heat wave has broken so it won't be so bad wearing the suit!

One other thought, I have subbed at this school many times in the past so they know that I do not normally wear a suit...with that in mind do you still think the suit is the better of the two choices??

 

[daisyduck123]

One other thought, I have subbed at this school many times in the past so they know that I do not normally wear a suit...with that in mind do you still think the suit is the better of the two choices??

That doesn't matter. Wear the suit. This will show them that you can look professional & you understand that this is for a "real teaching job" & not just subbing. You'll do great!!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Primary teacher, checking in!

I agree about the pant suit. Here is what I always do since I am a bright and colorful person too. Wear a basic pant suit so that you look professional, but wear a nice brightly colored shell, collared shirt, etc... underneath the suit jacket. It has never steered me wrong

 

[horseshowmom]

I have subbed at this school many times in the past so they know that I do not normally wear a suit...with that in mind do you still think the suit is the better of the two choices??

What you wore as a sub won't have anything to do with it. As others have said, it's doubtful that any of the teachers in the school wear a suit to work on a daily basis.

However, an interview is a different set of circumstances than a regular work day. For example, if you're sent to a conference on the state level, etc., you probably wouldn't wear what you would normally wear in your classroom (the suit would be more appropriate there too unless it was specifically listed as business casual).

The same type of rules would apply for an interview. It definitely doesn't mean that you would wear a suit on a regular basis (nor would they expect you to, I'm sure).

Again, good luck!

 

[Ub_Iwerks]

If you know the person you're interviewing with, keep that in mind. If you already have a suit, wear that, but a skirt and sweater set should be fine. I had two secondary school job offers this summer. I wore a sweater set/skirt to one interview, and the skirt with nice shirt and jacket to the other. The skirt was a very nice silk skirt. I went shopping for suits, but never found one. For some reason, I could never bring myself to wear pants to an interview, even though I wear them all the time teaching.

 

[Jockaroo]

Personally, for a job interview, I would wear the suit. When I interviewed for a teaching position I wore professional pant suits for both my first and second interviews. Also, for secondary education, my professors always advised to dress a little more formal and "stuffy" for the first month or so because it gives a teacher a visual sense of authority with the students. You can ease up on your dress as the year goes by.

You can always express your personality with a colorful shirt or scarf, or wear your favorite "lucky" pin. During my interview, I wore one of my favorite Scottie dog pins. It was a nice ice-breaker as one of the assistant principals had a Scottie.

Whatever you choose to wear, go into the interview with a big smile, firm handshake and your head held high. Good luck!

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

You guys are awesome, thank you for all the tips and ideas and keep them coming. I will be sure to update you on how everything goes as well!!

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

Just want to update everyone if you are interested...

had my interview this morning at 10:30, went wearing the black suit with an aqua shell. It looked really good and did show some of my personality with the fairly bright shell underneath. I think the interview went pretty well, I felt confident and comfortable in the interview. There were three people conducting the interview, the principal, dept. head, and the school librarian. Now is the dreaded waiting game...either an e-mail saying sorry you were not chosen to move on or a call saying we want you to come back for a second interview. They were interviewing a total of 10 people today and likely another 10 on Monday!! Crazy I know 20 people to interview, but they had approx. 150 applications!! I'm glad to have at least been one of the 20!! So now I'm here waiting and worrying because if I do get to go back, I have to teach a mini lesson!! Has anyone had to do this? I am a little worried about that part mainly because I have never had to do that for an interview and not having had a full time job before I don't really have that many resources to go to for a good lesson. Any help or suggestions would be great! Thanks again for your help and advice!! hopefully!!

 

[sandyhund]

Good Luck!