Every candidate at I.B.S is interviewed the same way, by the same standard. This page explains how our interviews work and how to prepare, so that the job goes to the person best suited to it — not simply the most practised interviewee.
What to expect
- A panel of two or three people, usually including the Headmaster or a head of department.
- Around 30–45 minutes.
- Behavioural questions — we ask what you have actually done before, not what you would hypothetically do.
- For teaching posts, a short demonstration lesson may be arranged separately.
- Time at the end for your own questions. Please bring some.
The STAR method
Behavioural answers are easiest to follow — and easiest to score fairly — when they are structured. We recommend STAR.
Situation
Set the scene briefly. Where were you, when was it, what was going on?
Task
What were you responsible for? What needed to happen?
Action
What did you personally do? Say “I”, not “we”. This is the longest part of a good answer.
Result
What happened in the end? Give numbers if you have them, and say what you learned.
A worked example
Question: “Tell us about a time you helped a pupil who was falling behind.”
Situation. In my second term at my previous school, a Primary 5 boy had stopped handing in written work and was withdrawing in class.
Task. I was his class teacher, so it was my responsibility to find out why and to get him back on track before end-of-term assessment.
Action. I spoke with him privately and learned he was struggling to read the board. I moved him to the front, arranged a sight test through the school clinic, and gave him fifteen minutes of catch-up reading twice a week. I called his mother to explain what we had found and agreed she would hear him read at home.
Result. He was fitted with glasses within the month. His end-of-term score went from 38 to 61, and he was volunteering answers again by the following term. I now check seating and eyesight early whenever a pupil suddenly disengages.
Notice: it is specific, it says I rather than we, and it ends with a real outcome and a lesson.
What we are listening for
| We value | What that sounds like |
|---|---|
| Care for children | You noticed something, and you did something about it |
| Honesty | You can describe something that went wrong and what you changed |
| Initiative | You acted without waiting to be told |
| Working with others | Colleagues and parents appear in your answers |
| Reflection | You say what you would do differently now |
Practical points
- Bring originals of your certificates, licence and identification.
- Bring two referees with working phone numbers.
- If you cannot attend, tell us in advance — it is never held against you.
- Ask us questions. We would rather you knew what you were joining.
- Take a moment before answering. A considered reply is better than a fast one.
I.B.S Educational Complex is an equal opportunity employer. Every applicant is assessed against the same criteria, and all appointments are subject to satisfactory references and child-protection checks.