When I graduated college, I was seeking a job in any music education position I could find. Most of the job openings at the time were elementary general music positions and although I wanted to teach middle school, I wanted to get some experience under my belt and see where I could go from there. Fast forward to March 2019, we are in the beginnings of the pandemic, and I am job searching for secondary positions in Pennsylvania (a different state than I was currently living in). While I was on a hiatus from teaching as our district was making plans for the rest of the year, I decided I needed to use this time to refine my cover letters, resume, and digitize my portfolio. Knowing my interview would most likely be online, I created a website to showcase my experience. I applied for jobs, listed my website, and waited to see what would come.
During the spring and summer months, I went on 7 zoom interviews, and wow what a different experience. On one hand, I enjoyed being in a comfortable environment and not having to travel (some of my interview locations were several hours away), but it was very strange to get to know my potential employers/colleagues without physically meeting them. During my interviews, I had to demonstrate a variety of musical skills such as singing, conducting, piano playing, etc. I've had to demonstrate musically before, but this was the first time I would have to think about technical difficulties. Luckily my interviewers were okay with a pre-recorded piano video since my piano was in a construction zone with no internet access.
(Long story short, I wore shorts under my blazer and landed the job of my dreams!)
I think this is so interesting to hear how you had your interview virtually. I also had a similar experience with a virtual zoom interview, but mine was not due to the pandemic. I was already teaching in PA and at the time was teaching Summer School at Butler. I had an interview up in Warren, PA which was over two hours away, and I could not make it to an in person interview due to a time conflict. They were extremely flexible and offered for me to hold my interview virtually. This was definitely an interesting way to be interviewed. It was very strange to teach a lesson in the comfort of my own home. I guess now it might have prepared me for the whole teaching from home due to COVID. Looking back now after 3 years going on 4, it was the best decision to try out something new by doing an interview virtually. I am so glad that everything worked out for you with your interview for the job you have now.
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