Don't kid yourself; all interviewers will try their best to detect problems or limitations in your skills, since they will affect how you can benefit their school district.

For example, if you had a two-year gap in employment on your resume, many would consider it a problem or a "red flag." Do you have a good reason for it?

Do you know how to answer the question, "Tell me about yourself." Open-ended questions such as this are difficult to answer, and many candidates respond by "rambling." Knowing how to respond is critical to securing a job offer.

There are three steps involved in answering interview questions:

Understand what the interviewer wants to find out. They may be wondering if you are dependable, able to handle a classroom, or a team player. How honest you are.

Don't give too much information. This may result in your presenting it in a damaging way. Present the answer in a concise manner and a way that is to your "best" advantage - think before you respond.

Respond to the question and take the chance to present your relevant skills. If you know what they are looking for, you can respond by selling the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the interview's concerns.

Some of the top problem questions include:

Tell me about yourself.

Why did you pursue a career in accounting prior to teaching?

What is your biggest weakness?

Why would you apply for grade one teaching position when you don't have experience with that grade level?

Why were you fired from your last job?

Why should I hire you?

Understand that some interviewers are more likely to hire someone who presents him or herself well, rather than a candidate with extensive credentials.

The safest way to answer questions is to emphasize your strongest personal strengths, backing them up with examples that demonstrate your value to the school district.

Note: See, on this board, Candace's suggestions on how to answer each of the following questions:

"Why do you want to work for our school district?"

"What are your thoughts on team-teaching?"

"How do you handle classroom discipline?"

"What are your greatest strengths?"

"What are your biggest weaknesses?"

"Describe your classroom's physical appearance."

"How would you describe a successful principal?"

"Do you have any questions for us?"