“THE ART of the INTERVIEW or HOW to GET a JOB”

FMEA CONFERENCE - JANUARY 11, 2008

“College Music Education Students = The future of Music Education in Florida”

I. OVERVIEW – HOW TO PREPARE A SUCCESSFUL FOUNDATION

A. Know about openings before they are announced

B. Integrate yourself into the Professional Band/Chorus/Elementary/Orchestra
scene before you graduate
C. Visit a different rehearsal/concert/MPA once every 3-4 weeks and borrow ideas
from everything: find examples vs. non-examples
D. Get the right sound in your head & ear and spend your lifetime finding out to get it
from every student in your ensemble
E. “Practicum trumps Book-Learning”; There are 2 parts to a great music teacher:
the Art of Artistry and the Art of Teaching; Get out into schools!!!!!!!
F. Teach so you know what you know and donʼt know: lessons, master classes and
sectional rehearsals, music camps, community groups, on-staff at area schools
G. Totally ʻGetʼ the Professional Behavior Part of the Job: Be an Adult, Be
Respectful, Understand your role and their role, Donʼt be alone with students, Be
aware of any physical contact you may have with students, be aware that
perceptions become reality in some minds, and one accusation can cost you your
job
H. Understand that your district and school evaluations will focus on organizational
skills, communication, paperwork, handling money, classroom management and
discipline, numbers in your program, and student/parent satisfaction. And we
thought is was how great our ensemble sounded and performed
I. Make yourself as marketable as possible: skills on keyboard, guitar, theory, other
major ensembles other than your primary one

II. PRACTICE INTERVIEWS – BUT BEFORE WE DO ………..

A. Be sure you have had 3 practice interviews before your first

B. Wear appropriate professional dress - have at least 2 interview outfits, prepare
the day before, ask someone you trust to give you their opinion
C. Know where youʼre going – donʼt rely on directions or electronic help
D. Be 10 – 15 minutes early – catch your breath, use the rest room, turn your cell
phone off, practice question #1 (So, tell me about yourself) & speak slowly
E. Take 10 – 12 resumes with you & offer 1 to everyone in the room; use quality
cardstock and have someone proofread for you; use a professional email
address and voicemail greeting
F. Maintain sitting posture and eye contact
G. Prepare your questions (Final Question: “What questions do you have for us?”)
III. TIME FOR YOUR QUESTIONS