Mostly it was the kind of thing you'd expect. "How do you think your students would describe you as a teacher?" "What's been your most rewarding incident?" "Why do you want to work here?" as my mind started to wander, I heard them ask "what 3 essential items would you put into an emergency teaching pack?" Emergency teaching pack? What kind of emergencies do you get in geography for goodness sake? The humanities department suddenly seemed a lot more exciting. Apparently an essential part of teaching geography is a regular supply of tea, as they all chose tea bags as one item. And just as I was wondering what 3 items I needed the most to do my job (patience, sense of humour and the ability to eats copious amounts of cake) the next random question was asked. "I think that's almost everything, but one last question ... If you were an animal, what would you be and why?". That made them all sit up and think! Because they couldn't just say an animal, they had to come up with why they chose it. Sneaky eh?
So since then, I've been wondering what I would have chosen, first choice - penguin. Obviously. But take away the cuteness and the amusing waddle of a walk, I can't say I share their love of cold weather and I'm not a good swimmer. An ant? I'm little and I work hard and when I set my mind to something, I'm very determined. That would go down well with a prospective employer surely? But ants can be annoying and no one really wants them in their house so I'll scrap that idea. A zebra? The strength and hard working of a horse wrapped up in an unusual coat? No. I think I'd have to go with a dog. Loyal, faithful, easily trained and will do anything for a treat!
What would you choose?
9 comments:
This made me laugh Deb! It's a tricky one isn't it! At first I thought a monkey, funny to have around and pretty smart but so energetic! That isn't really me. I'm thinking maybe a cat. I like to sleep, am fairly independent and fussy about food!
That's two of the animals the candidates chose!
I'm thinking cat as well...the perfect life....comfy home, good food,lots of affection....but still being able to do what the hell you like and taking no notice of rules whatsoever!!! Or that's how our cat lives her life anyway!!
I remember being asked that during a beauty pageant interview in my teens. I'm pretty sure I said "monkey" - I was thinking curiosity, playfulness, opposable thumbs... Although these days I might choose a very large bird - like an eagle. I think the ability to fly is awesome!
I think dog too but not just any dog it would have to be something scatty like a Red Setter or a Labradoodle!
Well, it probably comes as no surprise that I would be a turtle. Always making myself at home wherever I am, keeping a steady pace, and taking time to "go inside" when I need some time for reflection.
This is a really fun interview question and I wish it would have come up in some of my past interviews instead of some of the tough ones. The one I always HATE is "What is your biggest weakness" which I think sets you up for failure in an interview conversation.
Fun post, Deb! :o)
Funny!
I dunno..maybe I could say a fly-on-the-wall somewhere? I'm quite nosy..
Most enjoyable read! Ooh, what would I be? Mmm, perhaps a fox - ability to move easily from wild to city and back again, intensely loyal to its mate and fiercely protective of its cubs yet enjoys alone time, open and playful with others yet wily when there are predators around. A survivor!
Sorry not to have visited sooner. But what the most appropriate post to come to. I need some interview tips!
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