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Job Preparation

Picture of early childhood activity

Helpful Hints to Learn More About Early Childhood Education Careers:

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  • Participate in an Early Childhood group at a high school or college.
  • Observe, volunteer, or work in an Early Childhood program, summer camp, or school-age program.
  • Take a course, ideally one with an opportunity to intern in an Early Childhood setting.
  • Talk with high school Child Development teachers, Early Childhood program staff, and college or university faculty. Talk with them about the Early Childhood Education field and ask for suggested readings.

Job Interviewing Tips

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Prepare for the Interview

Know Yourself

  • Ask yourself:
    • What are your philosophies on education?
    • What are your attitudes about discipline, behavior and performance in the classroom?
    • Why do you like children and want to teach them?
  • Make a list of your skills and personal interests.
    • Write your list as if you were sharing it with a stranger who doesn't know you.
    • Note specific examples of how you have succesfully used your skills in the past

Know the Organization

  • Research the organization to find out its mission, philosophy, concerns and challenges
  • Learn as much as you can about the position
  • Be prepared to share why your skills and experiences are a good match for the organization and position

Experience

  • Be prepared to:
    • Explain your coursework and work experience, both paid and volunteer.
    • Discuss workshops you have taken and conferences you have attended.

Get Your Portfolio in Order

  • If you haven't done so lately, familiarize yourself with your portfolio, making sure it is up-to-date.
  • Click here for Portfolio help

Do Your Homework

  • Check out the school and/or school district in any way you can.
    • Visit the school district's Website if it has one.
    • Ask questions on education mailing lists or newsgroups
    • Read articles in the local newspaper.

Prepare A List of Questions

  • Job candidates should have their own list of questions for their interviewers.

The Interview

  • Most important: be yourself.
  • Answer questions honestly, with confidence, eagerness, and enthusiasm.
  • Answer questions with examples from your portfolio.
    • You should be able to go straight to examples without digging.
  • Ask your own questions about the job and about the district in general.
  • Arrive at the interview early.

The Follow-up - The interview may be over, but your work isn't.

  • Send a business-like letter to your interviewer(s), thanking them for the opportunity to meet with them.
  • Keep in touch with a phone call to the personnel office every week.

Dress For Success

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FREE SUITS FOR JOB INTERVIEWS

  • Dress for Success is an organization that gives suits to individuals in economic hardship to wear on job interviews.
  • You might be able to get 2 free suits for job interviews through Dress For Success.
  • You may meet the requirements if you are living in a shelter or receiving services from a ‘not for profit’ organization, such as a job training program.
  • Please speak to your Case Worker or Case Manager about how you can be referred to Dress for Success.

For more information on the Dress For Success organization visit: www.dressforsuccess.org Or call: (212) 545-DSNY / (212) 545-3769.