I am so very, very nervous about this interview

I have never been this nervous about a job interview – although that’s somewhat expected I suppose since I’ve never wanted a job this badly.

Teach For America is a magnificent program, IMHO, and I’m hoping to become a part of it. I’ve gotten past the application round and the phone interview, and tomorrow is the big one: the all-day interview with sample teachings. I am petrified.

I really don’t know why, though. I love love love public speaking, I love the thought of teaching (especially science!), and I love an excuse to get all dressed up. I think I’m a fairly decent interviewer, and my greatest weakness – my lack of experience – has already been considered and glossed over by The Powers That Be. All that’s left is this last interview.

I have to teach a five minute lesson to my interviewers and the other applicants. I have to engage in some problem solving activity, a group discussion, a one-on-one interview, and the whole thing lasts about ten hours if I’m reading it right. I feel like I’ve gotten through the application process, so all of my previous experiences and qualifications count for naught here. I feel like this is the end all, be all, and I must perform perfectly or risk utter destruction.

I am terrified, petrified, horrified, zombified, electrified, deep fried, and tasty pied. I need a beer and a nap.

I think wishing me luck would be overzealous. Perhaps…perhaps just wish me no-aneurysms-before-tomorrow.

Knock 'em dead, kiddo.

A young man I know is completing his second year with Teach for America, and it’s been an amazing experience for him. I hope you get the opportunity to do so as well.

fingers crossed, good vibes headed your way

Best wishes for no aneurism, Soul! You’ll be fine!

Take some deep breaths.

Good luck! Quit psyching yourself out - you’re gonna do fine. :slight_smile:

I’ve finally got the last coat of polish on my 5-minute lesson. What’s that? You want to know precisely what it is? Well, who am I to refuse…

The Topic: The Law of Conservation of Energy
Level and Subject: 9th Grade Physical Science
Teacher: Mr. Soul

I’ll start by throwing out a handout defining what the Law of Conservation of Energy is and a few other key terms (potential energy, kinetic energy, blah blah) and a lovely picture of a rock striking a surface and stuff happening (sound moving, vibrations wandering around, that sort of thing).

Then I’ll tell them I’m going to bang on the table with my hand and that they must describe what’s happening. There’s a sound, the table moves, my hand deforms a bit – all things that require energy. Did I create sound energy, motivational forces? No – I created nothing. I merely transformed one type of energy into another (the sound energy was the result of the transformation of kinetic energy).

Okay, so banging my hand on the table transformed energy from one type to another. Now they all get bouncy balls!

Drop the ball on the table, what happens? It bounces, der, but it bounces a little less high every time. Eventually, it’ll stop bouncing. But why? Clearly the ball lost energy, but was it destroyed? No! That energy merely transformed, just like earlier. This time we can easily see how energy is frittered away with each bounce.

They now understand the Law of Conservation of Energy and how things can lose energy, but that energy is not destroyed. Finally, I’ll give them some candy. Hey guys, eat this! Now when you get that sugar rush, think about how the energy from the candy is energizing you, and how that energy will wear off in a little while. Where might it have gone? You know it wasn’t destroyed – I expect a list of places it’s gone off to tomorrow!

Does this sound…decent?

Sending lucky thoughts your way! Let us know how you do.

Sounds fun! And interesting!

As someone who has gone through 7 interviews in the last 2 days, and 4 more tomorrow*, take it easy. You won’t be perfect, but you’ll be fine.

*I’m the interviewer.

It’s time for bed for all good Souls. Early, too early tomorrow I’ll be feeding myself into the wringer.

Thanks for all the good wishes, guys! I’ll let you know how it goes!

The lesson sounds very cool! It will keep their attention, for sure. I can’t wait to hear how it went!

Well!

I don’t think I’ve ever walked away from an interview feeling that great about how it went. I quite thoroughly nailed it, I think!

The practice teaching went very very well, and all the “students” seemed to like it. I also got a kick out of walking around in a suit all day carrying my briefcase, looking all professional, knowing that it was full of candy and rubber balls.

The one-on-one interview was probably the best I’ve ever had. We had an incredible rapport going, and I think I came across very well.

I find out on April 18th if I get the job or not. All the good vibes you guys sent my way seem to have worked – thanks all!!!

That’s great, Soul!

Congratulations. Sending more lucky thoughts your way.