Minneapolis Schools Interview Questions
& Process

I applied on their website and about a week later, I received an email with no subject line regarding an interview. It specified the date and time, which I couldn't change. I confirmed, and the interview was conducted virtually. Roughly two hours before, they sent over the questions so I could prepare. The interviews felt respectful, but not really warm or inviting. I was told I'd hear back by the end of the week, but it took about two weeks to get a rejection email. Honestly, I wasn't too bummed because it didn't seem like a great place to work.

Applied online and then heard back a few weeks later. Got a phone call to set up an interview, and then received an email with the details. When I got there, I was greeted and waited briefly before going to a back room for a one-on-one chat. We introduced ourselves, shared a bit about our backgrounds, and then got into the interview, which covered basic questions. She explained the job, expectations, benefits, and perks, and overall it was a good experience. An offer wasn't immediate because HR handles that part and it takes time.

I had two initial screening interviews. I passed the first one, but there was a mix-up, and the second time I went in, they realized I didn't need to be there since I'd already passed that stage. Then, I was invited to an "open house" hiring event. I gave them my availability and was assigned a specific interview time with a school. When I arrived, it was very chaotic, like a big cattle call with many schools and administrators at tables in a large room. An HR person from MPS told me to just wait by a table and "jump in" when there was an opening. After a conversation/interview ended, I got a chance to speak with the Principal. He told me he had already decided to hire the person who interviewed before me (who apparently jumped in during someone else's scheduled time). It turned out they weren't strictly following the schedule; Principals were making on-the-spot hiring decisions after very short (5-10 minute) conversations, and it felt like they were competing for candidates.

You interview with the two facilitators at a public venue- in my case a coffee shop. They really want to get to know you. Whether it is your education background, your life experience, and future goals, etc. They were personable, and easy-going. I knew I wanted to work for them based on the interview. They help you figure out your placement should you get the job to see if there is a fit. In my case I was using public transportation so I had limitations to certain job sites.