The fact that you have got through your teacher training course unscathed and are still enthusiastic about the teaching profession is a landmark event in itself. Now your focus shifts to doing applications, booking in some additional work experience if you have the time. It's all leading up to the inevitable – an interview.

Now, while you've certainly experienced your fair share of interviews over the years, this one is different. This is not just any job, a means to an end, something that pays the bills. No; this is a vocation, the start of a career in education, the very first real opportunity to actually get paid doing something you enjoy.

It goes without saying that while the process of being interviewed is never designed to catch you out, make you feel awkward and unnerve you; they can feel a little strange, irrespective of how confident you are. After all, here you are, suited and booted, sitting in front of a panel of strangers explaining how great you are. It is a little odd.

From the point of view of your prospective employer, interviews exist to determine your suitability for the role and whether you will complement the school's philosophy and approach to education.

As for you, from your perspective, it is about highlighting your strengths and experience (where relevant) and explaining clearly and confidently why you think you are a strong candidate and best suited for this particular school.

Prepare, prepare and prepare

Considering the fact that there are scores of individuals competing for the same jobs and all with similar qualifications – and indeed experience in some respects – you have to demonstrate during an interview what makes you not only stand out, but reveals that you are, by and large, ahead of your peers.

In short, do your homework and then do so more. Planning is vital in demonstrating why your employers should hire you. You'll want to show that you're well aware of the ins and outs of the school you are applying for (read their Ofsted reports, check out their website and look at their CVA score); familiarise yourself with the latest press releases from the Department of Education and acquaint yourself with current topics of debate.

Be yourself and make an impression

It may seem rather hackneyed, but first impressions really do count. Teaching isn't just about possessing knowledge and skills pertaining to your subject specialism. It is also about communication, building up a rapport, inspiring people and engaging with them in an effective way.

Your temperament and body language should make obvious these qualities. More often than not, interviewers are looking to see what you're like as a human being. Yes, it is an interview and you may be nervous, but sincerity of character will still shine through. Be polite and let conversations flow. Think of interviews as a discussion and you'll feel more comfortable.

Questions to prepare for

It is better to have a more meaningful, eloquent and effective answer prepared ahead of an interview than to fire off some answers that have come off the top of your head. You want to express authority, and this will come from a well-prepared answer.

Some questions to look out for:

• Why do you want to be a teacher?
• What qualities do you think a teacher should have?
• How do you think colleagues would describe you as a teacher?
• Give an example of how you would make a lesson diverse and inclusive?
• Describe your teaching style?
• What policy areas are you interested in?
• Do you have any weaknesses in your subject specialism?
• How do you plan and structure lessons?
• Outline how you would deal with a disruptive pupil/class?
• How would you contribute to the school as a whole?