Having sat on BOTH sides of the interview table, dozens of times, I can definitely say that passing any job interview is a huge challenge! Some articles try to make it seem easy, but let's be honest....most jobs, especially the rare few that arise in teaching, are not entered into by luck alone. Earn your way in with a few REAL tips that have helped REAL teachers, including myself, get the jobs!

Prepare your resume in advance and have 3 or 4 copies in your posession. Offer only one at the start of the interview, but be prepared to pull out more apon request. Dont pull out a CD or a DVD as there will likely not be anywhere to play it during the interview.

Prepare a short portfolio in advance that contains a letter of intent, your philosophy, letters of recommendation, resume, etc. Remember-"pictures speak a thousand words", and this holds true for that portfolio. DO NOT, however, bring a giant photo album.

Prepare a list in your mind of keywords that might be helpful during the interview. Use them like you would coins in a machine......take them out as you need them and only re-use them if necessary. Have at least 10. They buy you points and make you sound like you have researched this job thouroughly.

Plan out what you are going to wear ahead of time. Dress for the job, DO NOT OVERDRESS! It is not necessary to wear panty-hose and pumps,ladies, but guys....a tie is appropriate.

Take a deep breath after each question is asked. Paraphrase the question into the opening of your answer. This actually gives you time to craft the answer in your head. Remember to refer to any keywords you have collected in your mind.

Try to refrain from talking about your own children, your pregnancy, your future pregnancy, your past students by name, your personal issues, your current aches and pains, or your past mistakes. As great or horrible the news may be, the interviewer wants to know about your qualifications for the job.

When asked the famous questions about your downfalls or shortcomings, try to make a positive behavior trait or quality fit the answer. Example: perfectionist or overachiever to a fault.

If you are asked if you have any questions. SAY NO! Instead offer up pre-prepared closing comment OR better yet, ask the pannel or interviewer if they could instead use that time to look at your portfolio....you spent time on it, don't you want someone to see it?

Dont be afraid to ask, "Did that answer your question?" Many nervous candidates have completely missed the mark but insist on continuing an answer that doesn't match the question asked.

Clarify the question if you do not understand what is asked. This is completely acceptable and a restatement of the question will often lead you to a better answer.