There are several steps one must take to achieve a teaching position; getting chosen for an interview is step number one. When you get chosen, this shows that an employer is interested in you and that you may have some quality or skill they need. They will then require you to come in person to clarify or buttress some key points regarding your resume and the position.

In other words, when you reach the interview step you are very close to securing the job; but of course, there are other people shortlisted too. So, it now boils down to how you can effectively prove that you are better than the others; and you have to do this in a very short time period. Starting the interview on a positive note is important, but closing it on an electrifying note is even more important. The following 10 steps will show you how to close a teacher job interview in a way that will help you land the teaching position.

1. Emphasize the Reason Why You Are Applying. Make it very clear why you are applying for the job and try to customize your responses to fit the school and its goals.

2. Make Relevant Claims. State how you can help the school fulfill its mission and vision with your own ideas, and how your agenda can fit into theirs. You can only do this if you have researched and studied the creeds and ethos of the institution beforehand.

3. Ask Insightful Questions. Be careful not to sound ill-informed or ask questions of items you could have readily gotten off their website or other such sources. Ask questions that are relevant to the daily activities of the position, like disciplining the students or extracurricular activities, etc. This will show your interest, your capabilities, and your motivation.

4. Request for More Questions from the Panel. Make sure they have exhausted all possible questions for you by requesting if they have any more questions for you. This shows you know what you are doing and are fully prepared for them, and will also ensure that you will leave the interview with your interviewers having all the information they need to make an informed decision.

5. Never Talk About Money or Remuneration. This is not the time to discuss wages and benefits; you can do that when you have a concrete job offer. For now, just limit the discussion to how you can be of help.

6. Inquire About the Competition. There is no harm in finding out how many people you are up against. This will help you to strategize better in order to land the job. Make sure to not sound as if they are a threat to you, though.

7. Ask What Follows Next. Be sure to find out what the next step is before leaving. Find out who should contact whom, and when they will expect to have made a decision. Ask in a very courteous manner.

8. Demonstrate Niceties. A firm handshake with all the members of the panel shows a lot of confidence. Look them in the eyes, smile and offer a hand to all, one after the other, thanking them for meeting with you.

9. Do Not Leave in a Hurry. In an interview, you are expected to be fully prepared. So don’t rush through it because you have other appointments. Don’t leave until you are excused.

10. Pack Your Stuff Nicely. Don’t show any sign of nervousness, just take your time and make sure you pack all your things; do it gently and in an organized manner. It commands some respect and shows your confidence and ease.

Candace Davies, President of A+ Resumes for Teachers, is a Certified Resume Writer, Interview Coach Strategist, and Author. She is dedicated to assisting teachers, administrators and other education professionals advance their careers easily, quickly and with less stress. She is also the author of 9 popular educational job search eBooks. Grab your free 35 page educator interview eBook and gain insider information on how to succeed at your next teacher interview: resumes-for-teachers.com/signup-details.php