So your interview is coming to a close and you are relieved to finally be out of this intense situation. However, you want to leave a positive and lasting impression. That is why you must not walk out of that room without forgetting to do these ten things:

1. Highlight your teaching strengths as often as possible. Your interviewer is looking at all times to see what you can offer to enhance his or her academic community. Highlight your teaching qualifications and strengths as often as possible, as long as it relates to the job interview question asked, and does not become so repetitive to make you look cocky or arrogant.

2. Ask relevant, thoughtful questions. The night before your teacher interview, prepare a few questions that you can ask at the end – you will usually be given an opportunity. Make them relevant and insightful and ensure you could not have found the answers through their website or other print material about the school district. If you do, they will know you haven’t done your homework. Perhaps you may wish to ask if there are any extracurricular positions you could become involved in, showing that you are willing to put in extra time and effort at the school. This is not the time to discuss wage, benefits, or other areas of compensation – these questions should only be asked after you receive a job offer.

3. Ask the interviewer if he or she requires further information. Offer the hiring principal the opportunity to ask anymore lingering questions they may have. Find out if there is anything else required before you move on to the next step such as a philosophy of education statement, portfolio, background check, driver’s abstract, etc.

4. Discover what the next step is. Ask the interviewer what the next step is in the hiring process and when you should expect to receive a phone call. This gives you a good timeline to prepare for the next step and does not leave you wondering when you might receive a call. Furthermore, this is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the position and your desire to teach at that particular school.

5. Find out how you stand up against the competition. Ask how many other people are interviewing for this same teaching position. Inquire as to how well you have done. You may wish to word this as, "How do I look so far in comparison to the competition?" Ask the question once and do not pressure the interviewer if he or she does not want to discuss this. This tactic allows you to have a real perception of how you performed and whether or not you will advance. Plus the principal or superintendent will appreciate your frankness and openness. You can also learn from feedback and use that at your next interview.

6. Restate your interest in the position. There is nothing wrong with actually coming out and saying how much you want to teach Science, Social Studies, Math, etc, and this particular school. Do not beat around the bush and let the superintendent or principal guess as to whether or not you want to work there. By closing out your interview with enthusiasm and interest, you will leave a very good lasting impression with your interviewer.

7. Offer a firm handshake. Smile, make eye contact, and firmly, but not too aggressively, grip your interviewer’s hand, if more than one interviewer, it is best to shake everyone’s hand. This will show your professionalism, understanding of manners and etiquette, and possibility of being a good role model to the students. Regardless of the position you are applying for, this is the correct way to end any interview.

8. Say thank you. Thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity to convey your passion for educating and helping students to advance academically and socially. Remember, they didn’t have to offer you an interview, but they did. Make sure you let them know it is appreciated.

9. Leave a business card. This is a great way to give the principal easy access to your contact information. It is also a little and constant reminder of who you are. If the decision maker looks at that card even once or twice, they will have a better chance of remembering you; thus ensuring that you stand out amongst the competition.

10. Send a thank you letter. No, this is not done while you are still in the interview, but it is a crucial step that follows. These documents are a polite way to say thank you for the opportunity and pleasure of an interview. As well, this is an effective method to once again highlight your outstanding teaching qualifications, passion for teaching, and convey your enthusiasm for working for that particular school or district.