tltp ect nqt interview tips

ECT Interview Guidance and Tips

Attending your first ECT interview can be one of the most never-racking experiences you’ll go through as you set off on your teaching journey.

Rest assure with the right preparation and practice it will only get easier.

Attendance, appearance and attitude

Arrive at the interview on time and well prepared, well rested and ready to engage. Make sure you have planned your journey, give yourself plenty of time, and arrive at least 15 minutes earlier.

Before the interview spend time reviewing the school to understand it better and learn what the school is about. They want to feel you have a connection with them. Don’t try to cram all this in the night before. It’s important to have a number of questions prepared about the school ethos and the role too.

The day before the interview, have an early night so that you are alert and can keep focused throughout the interview. Make sure you are dressed smartly and well groomed, first impressions are extremely important and you won’t get to make another one.

It’s natural to feel nervous, take deep breaths and try to be confident. Start with shaking hands firmly and looking the interviewers in the eye can help you relax and create a good impression.

tltp interview checklist

Interview requirements

Find out beforehand what the interview will consist of, the structure, how many interviewers and how long it will last. Ensure you know as much information as possible prior to the interview.

Many interviews for teaching require candidates to deliver a presentation or show directly how they would teach a lesson. Choose an area you are comfortable and feel the most confident in delivering.

An important characteristic interviewer’s look for in ECTs is their enthusiasm and passion about their subjects. They want to see you are really committed to helping children learn, deliver an excellent level of education and help improve the lives of future generations.

Some interviewers deliberately make it difficult for ECTs because resilience is a quality they are looking for. The theory being this is to push candidates to the point where they stumble in order to see how effectively they can pick themselves up again.

ECT Interview Questions

Whilst there are common types of questions that get asked at interviews, it’s important to note that interviews differ from school to school so be prepared to be flexible.
Doing your research will help you with preparing for this.

Common ECT interview questions include:

Tell me a little about yourself. Keep this short and don’t waffle. Talk about the steps that have taken to lead you to the decision to be a teacher – for example, your education to date and any voluntary experience you may have gained and what you covered in your PGCE. Mention any sports you play or any hobbies you may have. Include any extra-curricular activities you do that are valued as a teacher so you can link it back to how it will help you as a teacher.
What first made you want to become a teacher? Do you feel the same way now? If you have some experience you could refer to it here.
What you think your key traits are that would make you a great teacher? Use a couple of examples of where you may have used these in your experience.
What is your understanding of what it is to be a teacher?
What do you think students look for in their teachers?
Why have you applied at this school and what would you bring to the school?
How do you approach dealing with a class of children who refuse to respect you?
How would you handle a situation where you thought a child was at risk?
How do you schedule your marking work?
How would you handle disagreement with a parent about a child’s progress?
How do you keep up with developments in the world of education? What issues interest you at the moment?
How do you use ICT in your lessons?
What subject do you like best?
How do you challenge children in your lessons?
What can you tell us about safeguarding?
What are your experiences of SEND?
What behaviour management strategies do you use?
How do you meet the needs of all learners?

General ECT interview questions include:

What attracts you to this particular position?
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
What are your career ambitions?
What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses?

Your turn to ask the questions

At the end of the interview you will be asked if you have any questions in regards to the role. Whilst they are not expecting you to turn the tables and begin to interview them it is important you ask questions.

How do you support ECT’s and their development?
Will there be opportunities for further training?
What sort of ICT is available in classrooms?
Are there any areas the school is looking to develop this year?
When should I expect to hear back from you and will I be able to have some feedback?

NQT Interview Tips