Because our culture is so important to us, our interview process is intentionally thorough and rigorous. We want to ensure we are a good fit for you and you for us!
Our Process
STRIVE Prep hires for positions on a rolling basis. This allows us to keep a tight timeline for candidates (typically less than 3 weeks from application to offer depending on the position). Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Our application process includes an online application, a phone interview, and possible other components, depending on the role, prior to final interview.
Please note, due to COVID-19 precautions, all final interviews will take place virtually until further notice, via Zoom, an online video conferencing service.
1. Online Application
The online application form typically takes less than an hour to complete. You will upload your resume as well as respond to three short-answer questions aligned to our STRIVE Prep core beliefs.
Tip#1: Learn About STRIVE Prep (click to expand)
Before starting your written application, we strongly recommend learning more about our network through our social media pages as well as the website. We especially suggest checking out our Facebook & LinkedIn pages as well as our annual Impact Report.
Tip#2: Highlight Your Successes & Experience
On your resume, be sure to highlight your academic and professional achievements and leadership experience. We ask that your resume is uploaded as a PDF, lists years of service in each role, and details job responsibilities that align with the job you are applying for. LinkedIn articles typically share great tips for resume writing.
Tip#3: Polish Your Written Response
For your required written responses, make sure they are within the requested word count, error free, & authentically depict your lived experiences. The written responses are the first evaluation done of each candidate by the STRIVE Prep Talent Team. Make sure you answer the questions thoughtfully and completely.
2. Phone Interview
For most positions, within 72 business hours, you’ll receive communication from us indicating if you’re selected to move forward in the process or if we’ve identified other candidates with a better fit. If the team has determined to move forward with your candidacy, you’ll be invited to sign up for a phone interview with a member of our Talent Team.
During your scheduled time, your interviewer will call you at the number listed on your application so make sure it is correct! If you have an international phone number, please share your skype ID and be prepared to sign up for a time between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm MT.
Tip#4: Practice Using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Format
Some of our interview questions start with, “Tell me about a time when you…”. For these types of questions, we suggest familiarizing yourself with the STAR response method. Since our phone interviews are only 30 minutes long, this method really helps to keep your answer concise!
3. Final Interview
Within 72 business hours of your phone interview, you will receive communication from us. If you’re selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will receive an email asking for your availability for a final interview. Once a date is confirmed, you’ll receive a second email containing the following: logistics for the day of your interview, some information on who you’ll be meeting with, and all required pre-work.
Our final interviews for instructional staff consist of two main components: a DEI article discussion as well as a sample lesson with a coaching session.
NOTE: Some roles contain an additional screening step of a performance task prior to invitation of a final interview. Your phone interviewer will share this information if it applies to your role.
Tip#5: Practice Using Zoom In Advance
If your interview is virtual, make sure to practice delivering your lesson virtually using any screenshare or annotation tools needed. Also, make sure you have the latest version of Zoom installed!
Tip #6: Actively Engage by Listening and Reflecting
At the end of our interviews, we will always ensure time to answer any questions you may have for us. We suggest keeping a notebook and pen handy to jot down any questions you’d like to return to. This lets us know you are actively engaged by listening and reflecting.
Tip #7: Be Yourself
At STRIVE Prep, our goal is to ensure every staff member can bring their best, authentic selves to work, and we want this opportunity for our candidates as well! Prior to your interview, we’ll share a slidedeck you so that you can learn a bit more about your interview team and how they identify. We know interviews can be stressful but please know our team is ecstatic to get to know you better!
Interview Component Descriptions
DEI Article Debrief: In alignment with our value of justice, part of your pre-work for your final interview will include reading a short article about diversity, equity, & inclusion. During your interview, you will share your reflections with a member of our team and discuss how DEI is related to our work as educators.
Virtual Sample Lesson & Coaching Session: For some positions, you might be asked to deliver a prepared 10-15 minute sample lesson while your interviewer acts as a “student.” We are a common curriculum network and will provide the lesson plan and all materials to you. This is really an opportunity for you to see what the curriculum looks like as well as experience what a coaching session would be like. In addition, we believe in equity in our network. So, if you are brand new to teaching, our Talent team is happy to jump on the phone with you prior to your interview and answer any questions.
4. After the Interview
After your final interview, you’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback on your experience. Please note that your responses bear no weight on your candidacy. You’ll be notified of the hiring team’s decision to offer within 48 business hours of your final interview.
5. Offer Letter, Background Check, & Reference Checks
We do not ask for your professional references until an offer is made. Therefore, your employment with us is dependent upon the successful completion of your onboarding requirements as well as a background and reference checks.
If an opportunity does not work out, you’re welcome to re-apply at any point. Should you reapply, you will need to complete a new online application as well as any additional required activities and interviews.