Guest Speaker: Mr. R

After our class had a Skype session with principal R, it made me realize that I had to be ready for anything in a job interview. While at first I thought that Mr. R was more of a laid back principal, I talked with some of the other students in class afterward and it made me realize the opposite.

He gave us a good list of things to keep in mind for an interview. On the list included showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and making sure you have questions to ask at the end. He also said that he is far more likely to consider someone who leaves a thank you note after their interview than someone who doesn't at all. I was unsure if this meant that you had to leave one right after your interview or if he would still consider you if you sent one a few days later.

Mr. R told our class what sets a cover letter and resume apart from the rest. The list that he gave us seemed random and a bit arbitrary, which I wasn't expecting. Mr. R said that if someone's resume states that they are an Eagle or Girl Scout, he will definitely put them in the pile to consider and interview. He also said that if someone prints their resume and cover letter on fancy paper, sometimes even crazy paper, he might consider that applicant. Mr. R said it showed nerve and the willingness to take risks. He also said that when looking at the resume and cover letter for an art teacher, he expects the layout and design to be a bit more interesting and creative. Much of this seemed random to me and gave me the impression that you couldn't expect anything or have any assumptions about an interview if you were going to apply for a position at his school.

One thing I found somewhat strange and a little bit inappropriate was how he said it would be a good idea to bring up your religion and what occupation your parents have. He said that we should find a way to incorporate both of those into our interview. Mr. R said that if we grew up on a farm or our parents owned their own business, he could assume we are responsible and hard working from having to take on that kind of work. He said that if we could ask after the interview, "I'm new in town, are there any good Presbyterian/Lutheran/whatever churches in the area?" that we definitely should. I think if my religion would be a factor in if I was hired for a position that I probably wouldn't want to teach at that school anyways. I don't feel that is appropriate to bring up in an interview and shouldn't be a determining factor if an applicant is considered.