During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amanda “Mandy” Fyhrie, then a kindergarten teacher, found herself creating a digital diary
for both personal reflection and to provide guidance to others navigating online interviews. At the time, she was serving on several interview panels and wanted a record of what worked well and things to avoid. Her do’s and don’ts video tips highlight common interview missteps that led many highly qualified teachers to be overlooked.
“One person was checking their makeup while they were on screen,” says Fyhrie, now a team teacher who supports a combined third- and fourth-grade class, in Spokane, Wash. “Some people thought it was funny. Others didn’t, … but please, don’t check your lipstick in the camera.”
Fast-forward five years, and by now, most people know to test their technology and internet connection, dress for success, and prepare the interview space. But let’s be honest: We’ve had several years to master the mute button, and somehow, we still manage to forget it during those crucial moments—like a job interview! Don’t let those small details stand in the way of landing your dream job.
Interview like a pro
As the human resources supervisor at Cape Henlopen School District, in Delaware, Ned Gladfelter plays a key role in recruitment. He focuses on initiatives like "Grow Your Own," which attract high school and college students and mid-career changers to the teaching profession, and he spends time coaching future educators on how to master online interviews.
“We have students try different things, like screen-share, and then … we analyze it,” Gladfelter explains.
The goal of these practice sessions, he says, is to leverage all the available tools to effectively market yourself to a potential employer.
So, what’s new with virtual interviews? Gladfelter shares some of the more nuanced strategies to help candidates navigate the digital landscape.
