Gymboree Play and Music Teacher Interview Questions
& Process

I got a phone interview a day or two after applying. The interviewer offered me a class screening for the next day and an in-person interview after that. I couldn't make the screening date, but she said it was fine and didn't reschedule. She was late to the interview, didn't apologize, and didn't introduce herself. She started by saying she almost dismissed me because of a past job on my resumé, asking if it was 'just something I had to do to make money' and why I decided to work there. I told her it was the best job I've had. She also asked invasive questions about my transportation. Then we went to the classroom area where she asked me to dance to music and sing. I sang the Hokey Pokey, but she asked me to sing something else to 'show her more of my voice,' and then asked me to sing 'Do Re Mi' from The Sound of Music. It was a physically interactive interview, which was hard in a pencil skirt and heels. She talked over me, didn't let me finish answers, and seemed uninterested and biased from the start, making me feel like I was wasting her time.

I got an email inviting me to an interview. They said to dress casually and comfortably and to be ready to sing a children's song. About 12 of us candidates were there. We sat in a circle, introduced ourselves, and then had a group interview with questions. We were asked simple questions. After that, we each sang our songs around the circle, and the other candidates did too. We also listened to music and had to clap along to the beat using a kid's instrument.

The interview process began with a group session where participants took turns answering questions in a civil manner. A key part of this was performing a song and helping the group learn it, with the expectation of a B+ singing ability, not professional quality. Following this, one-on-one interviews were conducted to discuss resumes. Candidates who advanced to a second interview observed a class in session before being asked additional interview questions. The organization was prompt in communicating hiring decisions. It was noted that a strong candidate was not selected, indicating that factors beyond singing talent are important.