First off, let me just tell you the good news! I'm going to be a 1st Grade teacher this school year!!!!!!!!!!!!! My dream is coming true! I know you all know that it's been my absolute dream since I graduated college to have a classroom of my own. I've had interviews every summer and they have resulted in jobs that I love because I'm educating young minds, but it was never a grade level classroom. My first year out of college I was a substitute teacher, which I loved and it was the perfect thing to do the first year out. This past school year I was a technology teacher and a title one reading teacher, which I loved and had so much fun doing.
When I was preparing for each of my interviews this summer the first thing that came to my fashionista mind was, "What am I going to wear?". I would instantly get on Pinterest and start looking....I was actually really disappointed in some of the interview outfits on there, so I decided to make this post for teachers who are interviewing now or in the future. When I was in school they always told us to be very professional, but having a pop of color makes you more memorable.
1. You need to have a good blazer! The blazer can be your pop of color or it can be black, which is always classy and professional. I have worn a yellow blazer for an interview before and I've worn black. I've always gotten my blazers at Forever 21 because they are classy, well made, and a good price.
Gold Necklace from Kohl's similar to
this for $24.
Red Scalloped Blouse from TJ maxx similar to
this for $5.90.
Black Blazer from Forever 21 similar to
this for $24.80 or
this pop of color one for $32.80.
Gray and Black houndstooth pants from TJ Maxx similar to
these for $19.80.
Black Patent Wedges from TJ Maxx similar to
these $17.80.
2. You need a pencil skirt that covers your knees. Make sure the pencil skirt is nicely made and isn't too tight (If you can see your underwear lines it's too tight, so you probably shouldn't wear it.) Teachers are mostly interviewing in the summer time and it can be really hot out, so this is another reason why a pencil skirt is a good idea. I'm usually sweating because I'm so nervous anyways, so anything I wear is too hot. Ha! This pencil skirt can also be your pop of color, which is what I did. I also wore this skirt to my interview last summer.
This Summer
(I was offered the job in this outfit!)
Black Blazer (again) from Forever 21 similar to
this for $24.80.
Polka Dot button down from Tommy Hilfiger Outlet similar to
this for $24.50.
Green Pencil Skirt from Forever 21 similar to
this for $34.50.
Black Patent Wedges from TJ Maxx similar to
these for $17.80.
Last Summer
3. Pop of color! My professor in college told us a story about when she was interviewing for a new teacher at their elementary school and there was a candidate who came in with a hot pink blazer on. She ended up getting the job because not only was she very qualified, they remembered her because of her hot pink blazer. She said that she was the only one with a pop of color and that stood out to them. As you can see above, I added a pop of color in my skirt or top. Last year I added a pop of color in my blazer.
Last Summer
4. You need to bring a large purse. I say large because you should bring extra copies of your resume. I also brought my teaching license, so they could see I was certified. I brought extra copies of my letters of recommendation. I was given my large Coach purse as a gift when I graduated college, specifically for interviews. Scroll up to see my purse if you missed it! It's literally the perfect size!
**Note: You never know if you'll be interviewing with just the principal or with other teachers. My interviews this summer had the principal and three or four other teachers and then I had an interview with just the assistant superintendent of the school district.
I made folders for one of my interviews with my blog business card (They loved it, so don't be afraid to flaunt it.), copies of my resume, teaching license, and letters of recommendation. I also included a cute Kit-Kat thank you that I got from
Parties and Patterns Blog.
5. My last tip for your style is to be yourself and don't forget to smile (and breathe)! :)
This year I found this site on Pinterest that had some amazing advice on things to say when they ask specific questions. I do believe it helped me a lot to just think about questions they might ask and think about what I would say. Check it out
HERE. One question that I had never been asked before and caught me off guard was "What character trait annoys you the most?". I was like WHAT??? I admitted that it was a hard question and I went on describing that people who are negative probably annoy me the most.
I hope this post helped a few of you teachers who are going through interviews or will be in the future!
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