Interviews

 

Purpose

As explained in the selection process, the entrance interview of NGPRD is similar to a normal job interview. Its purpose is to understand your career objectives and to verify if they are a good match with NGPRD’s objectives. We train mentors for very concrete missions.

Recommendations

The candidates are strongly recommended to approach the interview with a similar mindset. After all, their job satisfaction depends on a good match between the mission and their expectations. By applying to NGPRD, you are taking a first step in a long journey that will last for many years after graduation. It can be a path of fulfilment, if your expectations are correct, but it can be a source of disappointment and bitterness if they are not. Therefore, it is important to ask questions during the test. As for any job interview, it is not only about an employer choosing his employees, but also about the applicants deciding to participate in the project.

Some candidates confuse the interview with a show of conformity. They say only what they believe we want to hear. And they make mistakes more often than not. For instance, IBL (Inquiry-Based Learning) is not some kind of magical word that will open the doors of NGPRD. It is not a one-size-fit-all technique that guarantees an efficient teaching. In spite of all its advantages, it has drawbacks and is not always relevant. Besides, the examiners can figure out pretty easily if the candidates really understand the method, by asking for details about their real lessons. Ready-made answers don’t help you to pass the exam. Don’t repeat slogans that you have heard on TV or on the Internet. It is much better to describe your real practice.

The candidates who are not selected this year can take advantage of the incoming year to upgrade their knowledge, read pedagogy books, and refine their project. We are more than happy to let them try again.