It’s Not Just What You Say — It’s HOW You Show Up: The Interview Energy Shift That Gets You Hired
Apr 30, 2025Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:
Show Notes:
You’ve landed the interview - now what? Whether you're a brand new teacher or making a leap to a new school, the interview process can feel like stepping into the unknown. What do principals really want to hear? How do you stand out without sounding overly rehearsed?
The secret to a successful interview doesn’t show up on a resume, a lesson plan you once taught, or even your knowledge of content standards. Instead, it’s all about your presence - the energy you bring into a room and the way a principal experiences you. It’s what I call your interview energy. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on teacher interviews and sharing why it’s not just what you say, but how you show up. Your interview energy could be the key that gets you hired.
To bring the right energy into your interview, focus on showing up with confidence, positivity, and authenticity. I’ll walk you through three major ways to bring your best interview energy: be present, shift your mindset, and match the energy you want to create in your future classroom. I also dive into practical examples you can use during your interview, as well as a few common “energy killers” that can unknowingly drain your presence and impact.
Simply put, interview energy means being authentically you. Teaching goes beyond content, standards, behavior management, and lesson plans. It’s about connection, building student relationships, classroom culture, and a passion for the work - all of which you have. So, if you’re stepping into the interview process, remember to bring your interview energy and let’s get you hired!
Inside this week's show, you'll learn:
- Why interview energy is the hidden interview deal breaker and three ways you can show up in a natural and real way.
- Three “energy killers” you want to avoid during your teacher interview and what you need to do instead.
- Confidence is something you need to practice, along with what you should do a week before your interview.
- Why being authentically you shows future employers how you handle stressful situations and build relationships.
Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:
- Free Masterclass: How to Prepare for the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less
- Preparing for Elementary Teacher Interviews Resource Library Bundle
- Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
- Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
- Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
- Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
- Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
- Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok
I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.
💛 Lori
Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor
Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.
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Related episodes you might enjoy:
- Interview Advice from a Principal: 5 Things Admin is Looking For During Interviews
- How to Prepare (& What to Bring) to Your Teacher Interview
- 3 Teacher Interview Questions that Might Throw You Off
- How to Prepare for a Successful Elementary School Interview
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