How best to prepare for a Teaching Assistant interview

Magisters Education supply Teaching Assistants to secondary schools up and down the United Kingdom. They continue to play a crucial role in the development of young individual’s school lives and are urgently required throughout the country.

Teaching Assistants support teachers to manage a classroom, providing academic support to students, and ensuring that the learning environment is conducive to learning. If you have been shortlisted for a teaching assistant position, it's essential to prepare for the interview process to maximize your chances of success. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to prepare for a teaching assistant interview.

 

Review the job description and requirements:

Before going for the interview, you should read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities, requirements, and qualifications required for the position. This will help you to prepare yourself with relevant examples and experiences that you can use to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

As a teaching Assistant you’ll require strong communication skills and the ability to remain professional in pressured situations. Working well in a team is often highly desirable, as well as other skills such as being organised, creative, respectful, and patient. Knowing you fulfil these qualities is one thing but being able to show examples of each specific skill is what will give you the best possible chance of landing the position.

 

Research the school and the specific department:

It's important to research the school that you’re applying to, as this can give you an insight into their mission and values, teaching methods, and culture. This information can be useful in helping you tailor your answers to align with the institution's goals and objectives.

Every school is different and understanding what sets the school you’re applying for apart from the rest could be crucial when it comes to your interview. The most common types of state schools are:

• Community Schools – not influenced by business or religious groups and follow the national curriculum.

• Foundation/Voluntary Schools – funded by the local authority but have increased freedom to change the way they operate. May be supported by representatives of a religious group.

• Academies/Free Schools – run by not-for-profit academy trusts and are independent from the local authority. They can follow a different curriculum.

• Grammar Schools – run by the local authority, foundation body or an academy trust and select their pupils based on academic ability. There is an entrance exam to get in.

 

Familiarise yourself with common interview questions:

Not every interview is the same, but we can guarantee that most of the questions asked in teaching assistant interviews will be relatively familiar and straightforward. Make sure to spend some time preparing answers to some of the following questions:

"Why do you want to work as a teaching assistant?"

Put simply, this is the most common interview question you’re likely to face but it can also be the hardest to answer. Preparation here is key and ensure you’re confident on the exact reasons that motivated you to pursue a career in teaching. There’s no harm in being honest and acknowledging the benefits it will provide but don’t forget to mention what you’ll be giving back in return.

"What skills do you possess that’ll make you a good teaching assistant?"

A lot of us find it difficult to speak about ourselves, especially when discussing the strengths, we possess. Even the most modest of us, however, must showcase our best attributes in an interview and align those skills with what the school and role requires. Go through the job description to pick out desirable qualities and think about situations you’ve been in when you’ve had to positively demonstrate such strengths.

"How important are teaching assistants to a classroom environment?”

The purpose of this question is to determine your knowledge of a teaching assistant’s responsibilities and how they function in a school classroom. It’s at this stage that you can utilise your knowledge and training in the role, presenting examples of what’s expected from a teaching assistant the impact fulfilling these expectations can have upon a classroom.

"When was the last time you were faced with a challenging situation? How did you overcome this?"

Scenario-based questions are commonly asked during teaching assistant interviews because it provides the best opportunity for a school to understand how’d you cope with a challenging situation without being put in a room full of children. Revise heavily ahead of an interview on how’d you approach several varying scenarios, so you confidently respond when questioned. Don’t forget, it’s okay to pause and think out your answer before responding.

 

Dress appropriately and be punctual:

Your appearance is important in making a good first impression. Dress professionally and ensure that you are well-groomed for your interview. This shows that you take the interview seriously and are committed to the role. If you’re unsure, look at the school’s website to see if there’s any further indication or simply contact the Magisters Education team who’ll advise your further.

Arrive at the interview location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time. This shows that you are reliable and take your responsibilities seriously. It also gives you time to get comfortable, go to the toilet if necessary and go over any notes you may have made. Remember, your ‘interview’ begins the second you enter the school building so smile and be polite to other staff or pupils. Creating a good first impression can often be the most important part of an interview.

 

Ask questions:

An interview is a two-way process, and you should take the opportunity to ask questions about the position, the school, and the department. This demonstrates that you are interested and engaged in the role. As you near the end of an interview, asking “How have I done?” can sometimes give you an indication on whether you’ll be successful. It also reiterates your ability to self-assess and depending on their response, can help you for future interviews.

 

Begin your teaching journey today!

In conclusion, preparing for a teaching assistant interview is essential if you’re wanting to maximise your chances of success. By reviewing the job description and following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you’ll be able to present yourself in the best possible light and demonstrate your suitability for the position.

If you have any questions or would to know more about the interview process for a Teaching Assistant role, be sure to get in touch with a member of the Magisters Education team. Or, if you’re ready to take an interview today, apply today. Good luck!