Lumiere Montessori House interview questions

To begin, the interview was scheduled for 9 AM. I arrived early and waited to be called. Interviewer 1 called me almost 10 minutes late, and when Interviewer 2 joined, they appeared disorganised. Additionally, the interviewers displayed unprofessional communication skills and were unaware of my name. When I mentioned that I was looking to change jobs after almost 1.5 years for growth and better opportunities, Interviewer 1 asked, “Are you looking to be a jack of all trades?” This insinuated that it was wrong to seek a job that fits my aspirations. She also shared that she had resigned and changed her job in three months because the company did not suit her, which I found hypocritical considering her comment. It was also shared that leaving my job after 1.5 years was bad for seeking better opportunities, yet this was clearly stated in my resume prior to the interview, wasting my time. Additionally, I was told that teachers at this school stayed many years, despite the constant job openings for this school on all the job-seeking websites. Although the position was indicated to be open to teachers new to Montessori, the interviewer said something along the lines of, “I think you have the wrong idea of Montessori,” and “I don’t think you understand Montessori.” This is when I shared that my understanding of Montessori is child-focused, fostering independence, and teaching through a variety of hands-on materials. When I proposed my expected salary, Interviewer 2 asked if my current employer would offer me that amount. This question indicated a lack of understanding of my clear intention to seek better opportunities. It is disappointing, particularly given the government’s efforts to increase preschool teachers’ salaries while small premium preschools focus on profit margins instead of staff wellbeing. After the interview, I messaged the organisation to say that the interview made it clear that this organisation is not a suitable fit for me. The principal then replied almost immediately in agreement. Constructive Feedback: 1. Punctuality and Organisation: Ensuring that interviews start on time and that all interviewers are prepared and aware of the candidate’s details would create a more professional impression. 2. Communication Skills: Training interviewers to communicate respectfully and constructively would help create a more positive interview experience for candidates. 3. Understanding Candidate Goals: Being more open and supportive of candidates’ career aspirations can attract talent who are eager to grow and contribute. 4. Consistency in Expectations: Clearly communicating the job requirements and being consistent in evaluating candidates, especially those new to Montessori, would prevent misunderstandings. Implementing these improvements could enhance the interview process and better reflect the values of the organisation.