I’m a teacher looking to move so yet again it’s resume time, interviews (not as many because of the economy), applications with the same crap, etc. What I hate most are the stupid asnine questions like “Describe a time you made a difference in a student’s life” or “What one word describes you.” I understand those sort of questions during an interview but on a freaking application?
Here’s what the application needs to tell you Mr. Man. I’ve been teaching 13 years with master’s degrees in math and special education and soon to be completed doctorate in math ed. Oh and I just completed my national boards and am waiting to hear back on the results. Do I really need to “explain a time I disagreed with an administrator” to decide if I should be interviewed and asked that exact same question by the principal?
So when asked on the latest application to “explain how you have worked with diverse and at-risk students”, I simply put “I worked in Los Angeles Unified for over a decade.”
I feel you, man. At my last interview, I had a breakthrough - I realized that interviews are really freaking boring. “Tell me about yourself.” Oh God, save me from this question. Also, save me from my smart mouth taking over when I get too bored with interviews. “Tell me about a time when you dealt with a conflict at work.” I suppose using an anecdote from my last job using the term “psychotic bitch” would be out. “Tell me about how you resolved a challenge at work.” I drank heavily. (I don’t actually drink. I wish I still did sometimes.)
I know. These are so boring. And the thing is, I’m trying to say the “right thing.” Perhaps I shouldn’t think too much about what they want to hear and just say what I’m thinking. I’m not getting jobs based on what I’m saying now… ugh.