Teacher Interview Tips: What You Need to Know to Succeed

Landing a teaching position requires more than a strong resume. A successful interview is your opportunity to showcase your passion, preparedness, and fit for the school community.  As a school administrator, I’ve interviewed countless candidates in the last 12 years.  I’ve noticed a few themes that successful candidates typically have in common; today, I want to share those teacher interview tips with you.

Here are my top teacher interview tips to help you make a lasting impression:

1. Tips for Interview Attire

It’s still one of the most common questions: What should I wear to a teacher interview?

Clothing is personal, and we don’t want to come across as dictating what you should wear—but it’s worth considering how your attire affects first impressions. Above all, aim to look professional and put together, whether you trend toward the classic or the eclectic. Wear something that makes you feel confident and reflects the professional educator you are.

Pro Tip: Find an outfit that you feel great in and make it your go-to interview outfit. Wearing the same outfit for every interview frees up mental energy for what truly matters—preparing your answers!

General Interview Attire Guidelines:

 Err on the side of polished, not trendy – Wear clothes that fit well and look polished.

Avoid jeans and overly casual clothing – Jeans, leggings (unless under a dress or tunic), hoodies, and overly relaxed attire can make you appear underdressed.

Keep accessories minimal and professional – Simple jewelry, belts, or bags can add polish, but avoid anything too flashy or distracting.

Be mindful of grooming – Neat hair, clean nails, and minimal fragrance help present a put-together image.

Don’t worry if you’re the most formally dressed person in the room—you’re the one trying to get the job!

2. Do Your Homework: Research the School

Invest time to learn about the school and the district. Hiring committees are impressed by candidates who can articulate why they’d fit in and why they want to work at a specific school.

Here’s what to focus your research on:

School mission and vision – What are the school’s core values?

Curriculum and instructional practices – Are there any special teaching methods emphasized?

Student population and demographics – Understanding the students you’ll be teaching can help you tailor your answers.

Programs and initiatives – For example, does the school focus on STEM, the arts, or social-emotional learning?

Professional development opportunities – Schools that prioritize teacher growth want to hire candidates who are eager to learn and improve.

3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

You can’t predict exactly what you’ll be asked in an interview.  Nor is it feasible to prepare for every possible question – that’s hundreds of questions.  Instead, prepare for major teacher interview topics.

I estimate about 80% of any teacher interview will be devoted to covering these topics. 

Tell us about yourself. Keep it structured—share your current position, relevant past experiences, and why you’re excited about this opportunity.

Philosophy of Education.  Keep it student-centered and provide specific examples of how you implement it in the classroom.

Classroom management. Schools want teachers who can create a structured, positive learning environment.

Student Engagement.   How do you motivate and engage students?  How do you make lessons interesting and relevant?

How do you support all learners? Discuss differentiation strategies and how you meet the needs of diverse students.

Lesson or Unit Planning. What instructional strategies do you use?  What is a typical lesson like in your class?

Assessment. How do you know if your students are getting it?  What do you do if they aren’t?

Technology. Be ready to explain how you use technology to enhance student learning.

4. Structure Your Answers with the “GET” Method

One of the biggest pitfalls candidates face is rambling. The best responses are structured, concise, and clear. 

Use our GET method to create answers with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

– General belief or philosophy: Start each answer with a concise statement about your philosophy or approach relative to a particular aspect of teaching.

– Examples: Provide real-life examples for more detail.

 – Tie your answer to the school or back to the question.  This is more helpful than you might think.  When candidates answer a question, it’s easy to ramble too long and then end with something unimpressive such as  “…so, yeah”.

5. Master the Intangibles

Beyond answering questions, interviewers are also assessing your personality and professionalism. Here’s how to boost your likability and confidence to. make a good first impression:

Smile and maintain eye contact – This builds rapport and shows enthusiasm.

Use storytelling – A short, relevant anecdote can make your answers more engaging and memorable.

Stay positive – Avoid negativity about past jobs or challenges.

Ask for the job (indirectly) – Express your excitement about the position and state your interest before leaving: “I’d love to work here and I hope you’ll consider me a serious candidate for the position.”

6. Be Prepared With Questions

At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Always say yes!

This is your chance to show engagement and learn more about the school. Here are a few great questions to ask:

What are some of the school’s key initiatives for the upcoming year?

Can you describe the collaboration culture among staff?

What would the community say is this school’s greatest strength?

What are the main schoolwide goals faculty are currently addressing?

7. Manage Interview Nerves

Easier said than done, we know, but the interview is also a preview of how you’ll handle a room full of students. Nerves are natural, and perfect answers aren’t expected, but if anxiety disrupts your ability to communicate, it can be a challenge. Here’s how to stay composed:

Practice, practice, practice – Your third interview will always be better than your first. Rehearse your answers out loud or in mock interviews.

Sharpen your openings and endings – These are the moments most prone to fumbling or filler words. Avoid trailing off with, “So, yeah, that’s about it.”

Try deep breathing techniques – It might sound simple, but mindful breathing can help ground you before the interview.

Think of it as a conversation, not a test – Shift your mindset. You’re learning about them just as much as they’re learning about you.

Final Thoughts

Teacher interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is the key to confidence. By researching the school, preparing structured answers, and demonstrating enthusiasm and professionalism, you’ll increase your chances of landing the job.

If you want more detailed guidance, be sure to check out Mastering the Art of the Teacher Interview, where we break down common questions, provide sample answers, and offer strategies to help you shine in your interview.

Good luck, and go get that job!

Amanda Melsby has been a professional educator for 20 years.  She taught English before working as an assistant principal and later as a high school principal.  Amanda holds an Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Leadership and is currently a dean of teaching and learning.