English Curriculum Lead

The leader's role is to communicate the strategic vision with clarity. To translate the vision into concrete direction and plans. To identify and communicate priorities, short term objectives, timelines, performance measures, clear responsibilities and performance agreements. To provide quality judgment and advice.

A good answer to this question will speak specifically about what you are going to accomplish and how you are going to accomplish it. Examples of good responses include:

☷ I plan on gaining additional skills by taking related classes and continuing my involvement with a variety of professional associations.

☷ I noticed that XYZ company (the company you are interviewing with) provides in-house training for employees and I would certainly be interested in taking classes that would be relevant.

☷ I will continue my professional development my participating in conferences, attending seminars, and continuing my education.

When answering these questions, give one or two concrete examples of difficult situations you have actually faced at work. Then discuss what decisions you had to make to remedy the situations.

You want to come across as confident and capable of making big decisions. Avoid examples that make you seem indecisive or uncertain.

Also keep your answers positive ("Even though it was a difficult decision to lay off that particular employee, I did so in an extremely professional manner, and this decision ultimately led to improvements in efficiency and productivity throughout our department").

In your answer, you should be cognizant of the type of job you're applying for. Whereas a large corporation might place all their emphasis on the bottom line, a non-profit would measure success not in money but in social impact.

Do your research before the interview: browse the company's website, research their presence in the news and media, and see if you can find any information about their mission statement.

The best way to respond to the interview question "What are your goals for the future?" or "Where do you see yourself in five years?" is to refer to the position and the company you are interviewing with.

Don't discuss your goals for returning to school or having a family - they are not relevant and could knock you out of contention for the job. Rather, you want to connect your answer to the job you are applying

During a difficult financial period, I was able to satisfactorily negotiate repayment schedules with multiple vendors.

When the software development of our new product stalled, I coordinated the team which managed to get the schedule back on track. We were able to successfully troubleshoot the issues and solve the problems, within a very short period of time.

A long-term client was about to take their business to a competitor. I met with the customer and was able to change how we handled the account on a day-to-day basis, in order to keep the business.

I'm a hard worker with the experience to get things done efficiently.

I can contribute my organizational skills and my ability to work well in a group.

I have the experience, contacts, and knowledge to contribute to the rapid growth of this business.

Vision. I am experienced in the areas this company needs to grow, and my ability to plan ahead will help facilitate that growth.

am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. In researching the LMN company, your mission statement and the job description, I could see similarities to my previous position where there were some assignments that required a great deal of independent work and research and others where the team effort was most effective.

When you are asked questions related to the experience that qualifies you for the job, it's important to be very specific about your skills and experience.

The best way to respond is to describe your responsibilities in detail and to connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Tie your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position.

That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.

I've learned from each boss I've had. From the good ones, what to do, from the challenging ones - what not to do.

Early in my career, I had a mentor who helped me a great deal, we still stay in touch. I've honestly learned something from each boss I've had.

My best boss was a manager who enabled me to take on more responsibility as I progressed in my job. I've had other bosses with a more hands off management style, but I appreciated the interaction with the first manager I mentioned.

A typical interview question to discover what assets you have that are specific to the company's goals is "What can you do for this company?"

First of all, be sure to have researched the company prior to the interview, so you are familiar with the company's mission. Respond by giving examples why your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset for the employer.

Take a few moments to compare your goals with objectives of the company and the position, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other jobs.

Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company, as well as the job.

When an employer asks you, "Why should we hire you As Lead?" she is really asking, "What makes you the best fit for this position?" Your answer to this question should be a concise "sales pitch" that explains what you have to offer the employer.

Interview questions about what was most rewarding and least rewarding can be tricky. You want to make sure that the things you say are least rewarding aren't responsibilities that are going to be a major part of the job you are interviewing for.

For example, if the last job you had involved extensive customer service telephone work that you hated, and if being on the phone doing something similar is even a minor part of the new job, don't mention it.

Instead, focus on the tasks that were most rewarding and highlight those.

I appreciate a work environment where supervisors try to make personal connections with their employees.

In my last job, I liked the fact that management did not show favoritism and they were understanding of employees needs, as well as their strengths. Of course, these things take time to know, but I would want my supervisor to try to know me in that way.

I would like to be able to go my manager if I have an issue or idea and to be able to feel comfortable to expressing my thoughts. I would also expect my supervisor to be open and honest with me and to let me know if there is anything I could do to improve upon or do differently in my work.

If you didn't fail at anything, say so. If you can think of an example, be sure that it's a minor one and turn it into a positive. For example, if you were working on a project that was behind deadline, explain to the interviewer how you adjusted the workload and the timeline to get back on track and ahead of schedule.