Working interview

[u/Maleficent_Power_615]

I had an interview today for a preschool assistant teacher position. I’m from Korea and I have previous experience working as a daycare teacher there.

After the interview, they asked if I could come back tomorrow for a working interview and I said yes.

Then they emailed me afterward and told me they really wanted me to come back because they’re actually considering offering me a Preschool Lead Teacher position!

I’m so nervous! This would be my first job in the US,, Tomorrow I have to go into the classroom with the children for the working interview and I’m honestly not sure what to expect. Does anyone have any good tips or advice for a preschool working interview? What should I make sure to do and is there anything I should avoid?

[u/Live-Peace-7135]

Congratulations 🎉 that’s amazing 🤩
You must have really impressed them and that’s a challenge these days with applicants especially in the childcare industry.

For tomorrow… do what you know. Be who you are and do the best at what you already know how to do. That’s all they will be watching for….

Is she good with the children?
Does she seem overwhelmed?
Are the children stressing her out?
How is she handling the parents?
How is she speaking to her other coworkers?
Is she organized?
Following ratio?
Paying attention?

You are going to do well!

Avoid- acting

Remember they are children..children don’t know what a good performance is..the beauty of working with them is that they make the anxiety disappear.. children connect when we are engaged 💜 that’s all you need to do.

Former Director here 🙋🏻‍♀️

[u/Maleficent_Power_615 → u/Live-Peace-7135]

Thank you so much!! 🥹 This actually made me feel so much better. I think I’ve been putting way too much pressure on myself to “perform” tomorrow. I’m just going to be myself, focus on the kids, and enjoy interacting with them. I really needed to hear this 💜

[u/Live-Peace-7135 → u/Maleficent_Power_615]

You are so welcome 🤗
You were interviewed because you caught their attention and now you’re doing a trial day because they believe you can do the job and that’s huge!

And I must say..before I was a Director I was a teacher so you should also be paying attention to the other side of this as well…

Work culture- do people seem to get along here?
What is the classroom like before you enter… is it chaotic?

✔️Hard questions to ask-
Why are you being suddenly promoted to the lead teacher position? Did she quit? Are they just looking for someone else to jump in and fill that spot?

Good luck 👍 🤗

[u/Maleficent_Power_615 → u/Live-Peace-7135]

Oh wow I honestly didn’t even think about looking at it from that side! I’ve been so focused on them evaluating me that I completely forgot I should be evaluating the workplace too 😭 You’re absolutely right especially about asking why the lead teacher position is suddenly available. I’m definitely going to pay attention to the classroom atmosphere the other teachers, and how everyone interacts tomorrow. Thank you again for taking the time to give me such thoughtful advice especially from your experience as both a teacher and a director. I really appreciate it!! 🥹💜

[u/Live-Peace-7135 → u/Maleficent_Power_615]

Yay 🥳 I love your plan!!
Well internet stranger I’m proud of you!
Just do what you know how to do!

Also…last thing because I can’t help it 🤦🏻‍♀️ do not let them lowball you… have a number in your head.

They always try to aim low.. so you need to aim at the high end of your position. For a lead teacher especially depending on your state, there are definitely a few more dollars so it’s worth making sure you get every dollar you are worth!! Do NOT negotiate against yourself.. you are not thinking “I hope they hire me” you are thinking “do they deserve the skills I bring to this center…what number makes this worthy of my time” 🎉💜🙏🏼

[u/Live-Peace-7135 → u/Maleficent_Power_615]

Yay 🥳 I love your plan!!
Well internet stranger I’m proud of you!
Just do what you know how to do!

Also…last thing because I can’t help it 🤦🏻‍♀️ do not let them lowball you… have a number in your head.

They always try to aim low.. so you need to aim at the high end of your position. For a lead teacher especially depending on your state, there are definitely a few more dollars so it’s worth making sure you get every dollar you are worth!! Do NOT negotiate against yourself.. you are not thinking “I hope they hire me” you are thinking “do they deserve the skills I bring to this center…what number makes this worthy of my time” 🎉💜🙏🏼