3 Reasons You're Not Getting A Second Interview
EdTech jobs for teachers can be difficult to come by let alone get hired for. There are only so many jobs available at a time and the competition is fierce. Maybe you have had a few first-round interviews, but you just can't seem to get past the first round. I’m sharing three possible reasons why you’re not getting asked back for another round of interviews at your favorite EdTech company.
1. You lack a professional presence on camera
Many interviews now take place via video, and this trend is unlikely to change in the immediate future. If you’re struggling to present yourself in a polished, confident, and professional manner on camera, you may struggle to land that second interview. Here are some tips for creating a more appealing on-camera presence, not just for interviews but anytime you need to communicate over video:
Place the camera at a good angle
Take time before your interview to play with your camera angle. Your on-camera image should be centered, with you sitting up straight and looking directly into the camera. Don’t position yourself too close or too far away.
Think about your lighting and background
Your lighting should provide a clear and well-lit image of you. In addition, your background should be professional. Consider keeping a solid wall or bookshelf behind you instead of presenting a background where there are personal items you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see.
Look straight at the camera
In order to make the interviewer feel that you are looking directly at them, you need to be looking at your camera. Practice in front of your computer until you are comfortable keeping your gaze on the camera, so you don’t appear to be looking down or off to the side during your interview.
Dress and act professionally
Make sure that your appearance is polished and professional for the interview. You still have to dress appropriately, at least on your top half (though I’d recommend still wearing presentable pants in case you suddenly need to stand up). Try to ensure that your demeanor is confident, charismatic, and appealing. Your interviewer should feel as if you want the job and are confident and competent enough to succeed at it. Your appearance can go a long way toward delivering that impression.
2. You are applying for the wrong positions
When you’re eager to land that first job in the EdTech field, it can be tempting to apply for jobs you’re not quite qualified for. You may even be tempted to misrepresent yourself slightly on LinkedIn or your resume.
The problem is that, in the first interview, a company is making sure you have the hard and soft skills needed to succeed at the position for which you are interviewing. If you are applying for jobs that are currently too advanced for you or for which you lack the proper qualifications, you are unlikely to get a second interview.
To find appropriate jobs for you as an educator just leaving the classroom, be accurate and honest in how you represent yourself on LinkedIn and on your resume. That way, potential employers can see right away if you are going to be a potentially good fit for their open position. This way you won’t waste their time or yours.
Second, take the time to read the descriptions of the jobs you apply to. You should have a solid grasp of at least 50 percent of the job requirements. This will help you weed out jobs you may not be ready for yet and focus on jobs that require skills you already have.
3. You haven't practiced enough
Finally, you may not be getting a second interview because you simply have not practiced enough yet. Interviewing is a skill, as is being on camera. To do so successfully, you need to practice answers to common interview questions and develop a strong on-camera presence. Print out some common interview questions and try some of these tips: (Don't forget to answer out loud!)
Practice in front of the camera
Practice in front of the mirror
Practice in front of friends and family as they ask you questions
Record yourself answering questions
Make sure you are responding succinctly and clearly and have an appealing and confident demeanor. Practice answering questions you do not know the answer to so you’re ready to be put on the spot.
A little bit of practice can go a long way toward interviewing confidently, competently, and successfully.
You can get that second interview as long as you develop a strong camera presence, apply to the right jobs, and practice your interview skills. In the Classroom to Boardroom Community, members are talking every day about their best interview tips and helping each other practice with ideas and even live video chats. Plus, I’m always in there to help answer your questions and offer guidance.
