Flipping the Interview Process

Photo Credit: www.teachhub.com

Recently I was involved in a interview process to fill a position in our district. One candidate in particular did a phenomenal job in "flipping" the interview. She literally turned the entire interview into a discussion. The passion and insight she shared was simply amazing. Quite honestly I have never experienced this before. I asked only one question, and that was at the end because I felt like I had to ask just one. She addressed every possible scenario from tech integration to the importance of connecting with kids. She did it by providing specific examples and evidence of what it actually looked like to be a student in her class.

So how can a prospective candidate "flip" their interview successfully? Here are some suggestions......

• Create a ePortfolio highlighting your entire educational career. Check out my friend Dana Sirotiak's ePortfolio.
• Bring a mobile device with you to the interview. Why? So you can show video evidence of your experiences.
• Consider conducting a Google Hangout or Skype session that is either recorded or in real time to showcase all that you have to offer.
• Provide the interviewer with examples of how you are a connected educator via Twitter, Blogging, and Pinterest.

There are so many ways to creatively show why you are the right candidate for the job. The proliferation of various technologies and web applications give candidates an edge over those who provide a basic resume during the interview process. Personally, I would take a chance on somebody who leveraged the power of technology to tell their story over someone who just sat there and answered question after question.

Brad Currie is the author of All Hands on Deck: Tools for Connecting Educators, Parents, and Communities. He is one of the founding partners of Evolving Educators LLC. Brad is a 2014 ASCD Emerging Leader and Bammy Award Finalist. He currently serves as a K-8 Supervisor of Instruction and Middle School Vice Principal for the Chester School District in Chester, NJ. Learn more about Brad by following him on Twitter @bradmcurrie or visiting his website at www.bradcurrie.net.