Teach for America Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – I began filling out the online application, but had to save my work until the following day. Before I could sign back in to the TFA applicant center, I had already been contacted via email by someone who wanted to schedule a phone interview between me and someone else. I replied and chose a date/time for a 30-minute interview with a field recruitment specialist. At the end of the phone interview, the interviewer informed me that she would be my recruitment mentor whom I could contact with any questions during the application process. I have received correspondence from her on three different occasions.

I completed my application, bypassed the phone interview (I think this is because I had already done a phone interview with the regional recruiter), and have scheduled for a day-long interview next week.

Interview Details – The people were very friendly. I was not interviewed by human resources, instead was interviewed by the employee training department. They seemed uncomfortable overall with the interview--didn't really ask typical questions. I think they made their mind up that they wanted to hire me before I even got there. It was odd.

Reason for Declining – The position was too one-dimensional and didn't offer room for growth.

Interview Details – The interview process itself was fairly easy. There was a good amount of communication with the school recruiter, and i felt well prepared. It was a behavioral interview, with questions about dealing with tough situations, and moments of leadership. I feel that they have a lack of males applying. I did not feel that I performed especially in the interview, despite my experience working with inner city youth in a mentoring environment, but rather that I was offered an additional interview because of my gender.

Reason for Declining – Decision to pursue a career in finance upon graduation.

Interview Details – Being well practiced for the mock lesson is so important. Many of the people in my group did not finish on time and were cut off with out completing their objectives.

Negotiation Details – There is no negotiation with TFA, you either take it or you don't. And the specific salary is not pinpointed until after acceptance.

Interview Details – Three phases: online application (with a response to a video, essays and personal statements on education); phone interview (which I and some people skip); and group interview (sample lesson, logic test, group work, 1-on-1 interview).

Interview Details – You first must submit a written application consisting of transcripts and essays, etc. Then there is normally a phone interview, or you can sent straight to the final interview, which consists of a whole day of group interviewing, problem solving, and individual interviews.

Negotiation Details – There was nothing to negotiate for me. Teach for America is pretty standard. I have heard that some people were able to negotiate the region they are placed in, but my understanding is that there is not often too much flexibility.

Interview Details – The interview questions were very rigid and not necessarily tailored to the interviewee's personal experiences. It was difficult to add experiences which I felt were relevant to the position. I received an incredible amount of communication from them that was a considerable turn-off. Even after requesting to not be contacted, I continued to receive contact from the company.

Interview Details – Online application, phone interview, in person interview. Applied in late Jan/early Feb, just received my offer a couple of days ago. All parts were very fair. I was nervous for the in person interview, but the interviewers were very friendly, welcoming, and made the process much easier than I expected.

Interview Details – Was always interested in TFA throughout college, and was actually emailed by a recruiter at my university. Basically she wanted to meet with me to talk about TFA and I wanted to talk to her about how to get into TFA. Completed the initial letter of intent and all the other logistics, and a couple of weeks later was told I was accepted into the final interviews (no phone interview). From what I've heard from others, if you do have a phone interview and make it to the final interview, your final interview (1-1) will be easier.
The final interview had multiple components; it began with the 5 minute lesson planning in front of all the interviewers and interviewees. Just make sure it is a simple concept, it fits within the 5 minute frame, and you practice, practice, practice in front of at least one other person! They also give you one minute of prep time before the lesson to prepare. More specifically, mine had a beginning, middle, and end; always engaged with the students, e.g., made sure they understand each concept I covered throughout and at the end of the lesson.
From there, I wasn't stressed any more and it was a lot easier for me to express my passion. We had group discussions, took a quiz/test on inference questions usually based on info provided, and of course the one-on-one. Just be yourself. If you are applying for the right reasons and understand and BELIEVE in TFA's mission then it will be easy. Good luck!

Negotiation Details –