Interview Tips Part I

Familiarize yourself with the location of the interview.

• For a district office interview: 10300 Jones Rd., Houston, TX 77065
• For a campus interview: Go to www.cfisd.net, <campuses>

Arrive 15 minutes early.

• Human Resources is located at door #2 of the Instructional Support Center.
• Paraprofessionals: Suite 229, North
• Give yourself time to freshen up before the interview.
• Know the name of the interviewer.
• Know the position for which you are interviewing and the basic responsibilities of that position (i.e., instructional, special education, and/or clerical aide).

First impressions are lasting...

• Smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself to the secretary and interviewer.
• Turn off your cell phone before entering the interview area.

Professional image…

• Women
• Clean and well-groomed hair
• Pants, skirts, dresses, or coordinated separates are acceptable
• Conservative and polished shoes: avoid wearing scuffed shoes. No flip-flops or tennis shoes!
• Jewelry: minimal and conservative
• Remove mints or gum
• Remove visible body piercings (nose rings, tongue, or eyebrows) and conceal visible tattoos. Pierced ears on women are acceptable.

• Men
  • Clean and well-groomed hair and facial hair
  • Dress trousers or khakis are acceptable
  • Conservative and polished shoes: Avoid wearing scuffed shoes. No flip-flops or tennis shoes!
  • Jewelry: minimal and conservative
  • Remove mints or gum
  • Remove visible body piercings (nose rings, tongue, or eyebrows) and conceal visible tattoos. Consider removing any earrings.

Interview Tips Part II

• Familiarize yourself with the location of our 80+ campuses.
• Do you have a geographical preference?
• Do you need specific start and end times for your work day?

• Try on your interview wardrobe in advance.
• Practice your handshake: firm, dry hands, maintain eye contact
• Sit professionally and comfortably.
• When introduced, repeat the person’s name. For example, “Nice to meet you, John.”
• Be aware of your voice’s volume and language. Is it too loud? Do you articulate words? Is your grammar correct? Do you use a lot of slang words?

• You will be asked questions based on your previous educational, personal, and employment experiences.
• Think about how your experiences relate to the primary responsibilities of a paraprofessional.
• What motivates you to pursue employment as a paraprofessional?
• Provide examples of your work with children and/or adults.
• Be prepared to discuss your perceived strengths.
• Be prepared to discuss areas of perceived need.
• Identify your philosophy of how people learn.

• Feel free to ask questions about the application or employment process.
• Your interview information will be added to your online application.
• Principals have access to your application and interview information.
• If your skills match a campus’s needs, a campus representative may contact you for an interview.
• Update your phone number and email address on your application if it changes.

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