Questions to Ask at the End of a Paraprofessional Interview
Strategic questions to ask at the end of a paraprofessional interview to demonstrate interest, gather important information, and make a positive impression.
1What does a typical day look like for a paraprofessional in this role?
Click to see why this works
What does a typical day look like for a paraprofessional in this role?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding daily responsibilities helps you assess if the role matches your interests and skills.
2What are the key challenges and opportunities in this position?
Click to see why this works
What are the key challenges and opportunities in this position?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Learning about challenges helps you prepare for the role and shows you're thinking realistically about the position.
3What qualities are you looking for in the ideal paraprofessional candidate?
Click to see why this works
What qualities are you looking for in the ideal paraprofessional candidate?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their ideal candidate helps you tailor your responses and assess your fit for the role.
4What opportunities are there for professional development and growth?
Click to see why this works
What opportunities are there for professional development and growth?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows you're thinking long-term and helps you understand career advancement possibilities.
5What is the school culture like and how do paraprofessionals fit into the team?
Click to see why this works
What is the school culture like and how do paraprofessionals fit into the team?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding school culture helps you assess if the work environment aligns with your values and preferences.
6What are the expectations for this role in the first 90 days?
Click to see why this works
What are the expectations for this role in the first 90 days?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding initial expectations helps you prepare for success and set realistic goals.
7What is the team structure and who would I be working with?
Click to see why this works
What is the team structure and who would I be working with?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding team dynamics helps you assess collaboration style and working relationships.
8What are the biggest priorities for this role in the next year?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest priorities for this role in the next year?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding immediate priorities helps you assess the role's focus and your ability to contribute quickly.
9What does success look like in this role?
Click to see why this works
What does success look like in this role?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding success metrics helps you know how your performance will be evaluated and what to focus on.
10What are the opportunities for learning and skill development?
Click to see why this works
What are the opportunities for learning and skill development?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding learning opportunities helps you assess if the role will help you grow and develop new skills.
11What is the work environment like and what support is available?
Click to see why this works
What is the work environment like and what support is available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding work environment helps you assess if you'll have the resources needed to succeed.
12What are the biggest challenges facing the school or department?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest challenges facing the school or department?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding current challenges helps you assess the school's priorities and how you might contribute to solutions.
13What are the opportunities for collaboration with other staff members?
Click to see why this works
What are the opportunities for collaboration with other staff members?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding collaboration opportunities helps you assess the role's scope and networking opportunities.
14What is the school's approach to student support and inclusion?
Click to see why this works
What is the school's approach to student support and inclusion?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding student support approach helps you assess if the school's philosophy aligns with your values.
15What are the biggest opportunities for making an impact in this role?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest opportunities for making an impact in this role?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding impact opportunities helps you assess if the role will allow you to make meaningful contributions.
16What are the expectations for communication and collaboration with teachers?
Click to see why this works
What are the expectations for communication and collaboration with teachers?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding communication expectations helps you know how to interact with colleagues and contribute effectively.
17What are the opportunities for attending training sessions or professional development?
Click to see why this works
What are the opportunities for attending training sessions or professional development?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding training opportunities helps you assess if the role will provide exposure to various aspects of education.
18What are the biggest opportunities for building relationships with students and families?
Click to see why this works
What are the biggest opportunities for building relationships with students and families?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding relationship-building opportunities helps you assess if the role will help you develop meaningful connections.
19What are the expectations for independent work and taking initiative?
Click to see why this works
What are the expectations for independent work and taking initiative?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding independence expectations helps you know how to approach your work and contribute proactively.
20What are the next steps in the interview process?
Click to see why this works
What are the next steps in the interview process?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows continued interest and helps you prepare for subsequent interview stages.
Maximizing Your Paraprofessional Interview
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Pre-Interview Preparation
Research the School
Learn about the school's mission, programs, and recent news to ask informed questions.
Understand the Role
Familiarize yourself with paraprofessional responsibilities and how they fit into the educational team.
Prepare Your Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready that demonstrate your interest in education and student support.
Strategic Question Categories
Role and Responsibilities
School Culture
Process Questions
Post-Interview Follow-up
Send Thank You Note
Follow up within 24 hours with a personalized thank you note expressing continued interest.
Address Any Concerns
If they mentioned any concerns about your background, address them in your follow-up.
Stay Engaged
Continue researching the school and preparing for potential next steps in the process.