20 ESS Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a position at ESS, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience with energy efficiency and building performance. The interviewer will want to know how you collect and analyze data, as well as your thoughts on the best ways to improve energy efficiency in buildings.

Preparing for your interview by familiarizing yourself with the company and its products is a good first step. But you’ll also want to be ready to answer some specific questions about your qualifications and experience.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of some common interview questions for positions at ESS. With these questions and answers in hand, you’ll be ready to impress your interviewer and land the job.

ESS Interview Process

The interview process at ESS is pretty straightforward. You take a few online modules, get fingerprinted, and then attend one two-hour zoom call. After that, you sign some paperwork, and as long as your background check comes back okay, you are hired.

1. How would you handle a student who is not participating in class?

This question is a behavioral one that tests your ability to manage students and apply classroom management techniques. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to ensure the student participates in class and understands the material.

Example: “I have had experience with students who are not participating in class before, and I usually start by asking them why they’re disengaged from the lesson. If they don’t know the answer, I will provide an explanation of the concept or information being presented. If they still aren’t engaged after that, I will ask if there’s anything else I can do to help them understand the material.”

2. What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential co-workers and their personalities. It also helps employers understand what you enjoy doing, which can help them decide if you’re the right fit for the job. When answering this question, try to be honest about why you like that subject. If you don’t have a favorite subject, consider talking about something you learned recently or are currently learning.

Example: “My favorite subject to teach is math because I love seeing students’ faces light up when they finally understand a concept. I’ve always been good at math, so it’s fun to see others figure out how to solve problems and make connections.”

3. Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult or angry parent.

This question can help an interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use examples from your experience that show you have the ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively and solve problems.

Example: “In my previous role as a school counselor, I had to deal with parents who were upset about their child’s grades or behavior. In these instances, I always made sure to listen to what they had to say and reassure them that we would work together to find solutions. I also asked questions to learn more about their concerns so I could address them appropriately.”

4. Have you ever been fired from a job, what happened?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Employers want to know that you’re not going to cause problems for them if they hire you. If you have been fired from a job, explain what happened and how you’ve grown since then.

Example: “I was working as an assistant manager at a fast food restaurant when I got into a disagreement with the manager about my work schedule. He told me he would fire me if I didn’t agree to his terms, so I refused. A few days later, he fired me. It was hard to find another job after that, but I eventually did. Since then, I’ve learned to always treat others with respect and do whatever I can to help.”

5. Describe a time where you came up with a new idea for teaching a lesson.

This question is a great way to show your creativity and problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to implement your idea.

Example: “In my previous role as an educator, I had a student who was struggling with math concepts. After talking with them about their struggles, they told me that they were having trouble understanding how to do basic multiplication. I decided to create a game where students could practice multiplying numbers by different factors. The student loved the game and started doing better in class.”

6. Why do you want to be a teacher at this school district?

This question is a great way to show your passion for teaching and the subject you’re applying for. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific things that drew you to this school district or how you plan on making an impact in the classroom.

Example: “I want to teach at this school district because I am passionate about STEM education and would love to help students learn more about energy efficiency. In my last position, I noticed many of my students struggled with basic math concepts, so I started tutoring them after school. This led me to create a curriculum where I could teach both subjects together, which helped my students understand the material better.”

7. If hired, how will you contribute to the success of the school district?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and how you can help improve the school district. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experience that will benefit the district.

Example: “I am passionate about education and I believe in the importance of providing students with a quality education. As someone who has worked in the field for many years, I know what it takes to provide excellent customer service. I would use my communication and problem-solving skills to ensure all customers are satisfied with our services.”

8. What are some classroom management strategies that you have used in the past?

This question is designed to assess your ability to manage a classroom and the students within it. Your answer should include examples of how you used these strategies in the past, as well as any challenges that you faced while implementing them.

Example: “I have found that positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to motivate my students. For example, I once had a student who was struggling with his math homework assignments. After speaking with him about his concerns, I realized he was having trouble understanding some basic concepts. So, I created a study guide for him to use before class each day. He would complete the questions on the sheet during class time, and then we would review the answers together at the end of the day.”

9. Tell me about a time when you encountered conflict with a colleague and how you resolved it.

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you resolve conflict. Use examples from your past experience to highlight your communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Example: “In my last position as an energy efficiency specialist, I worked with a team of five other specialists who were all tasked with completing projects for different clients. One day, one of my colleagues was late in submitting their project to me so that I could submit it to our client. I spoke with them privately and asked what was going on. They told me they had been working hard on another project but hadn’t submitted it yet. I understood and let them know that we needed to submit the project to our client by the end of the day.”

10. Do you have any experience working one on one with students and providing them individualized attention?

This question is a good indicator of how you will work with your team and the company’s clients. Your answer should show that you are willing to help others succeed, even if it means going above and beyond what is required of you.

Example: “I have worked as an instructor for several online courses in my previous role. I was responsible for creating all course materials and providing students with individual attention when they needed it. I would often hold office hours where I could meet with students one-on-one to discuss their progress and provide them with additional resources or support.”

11. Are you comfortable receiving constructive criticism?

This question can help an interviewer determine your ability to accept feedback and use it to improve your performance. When answering this question, try to show that you are open to receiving criticism and using it to make improvements in your work.

Example: “I am definitely comfortable with receiving constructive criticism. In my previous role as a building engineer, I was responsible for overseeing the maintenance of several buildings. One day, one of my supervisors came to me with some concerns about how I was performing my job. He gave me some helpful advice on how I could improve my efficiency and overall performance. After our meeting, I implemented his suggestions into my daily routine and saw positive results.”

12. What are your short term and long term goals as a teacher?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for teaching and how you plan to grow as a professional. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include specific goals that relate to the job description or company values.

Example: “My short term goal is to become a master teacher in my subject area. I am currently working toward my master’s degree in architecture so that I can teach more advanced classes at my current school. In five years, I hope to have completed my education and moved into a leadership role where I can help other teachers develop their skills.”

13. What do you think makes a great classroom environment?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can apply them in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to focus on teamwork and collaboration.

Example: “I think a great classroom environment is one where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas. I also believe that teachers should be open to new ways of teaching and learning. For example, when I was an adjunct professor at my local community college, I noticed that many of my students were having trouble with certain concepts. So, I started using online videos as a supplement to my lectures. This helped me reach more students and allowed them to learn at their own pace.”

14. Give us an example of a time when you had to explain a concept multiple times before a student understood.

This question is a great way to show your communication skills and how you can help others learn. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about the situation and explain what you did to help the student understand.

Example: “In my previous role as an instructor at a community college, I had a student who was struggling with one of our more advanced courses. The student would ask me questions during class and after class, but they still weren’t understanding the material. After talking with them for a few weeks, I realized that they were having trouble because they didn’t have a strong foundation in basic math principles. So, I recommended they take a remedial course on basic math before taking any other classes.”

15. What factors do you consider when planning lessons?

This question can help interviewers understand how you plan and organize your work. Use examples from past experiences to explain the steps you take when planning lessons, projects or other assignments.

Example: “I start by reviewing my lesson plans for the week and making sure I have all of the necessary materials on hand. Then, I create a schedule that outlines which students will be in each class at what time. This helps me ensure that I’m prepared for any questions they may ask during the day. Finally, I make sure that I’ve communicated with parents about any changes to the schedule.”

16. We strive to help all of our students succeed, describe a time where you went above and beyond to help a struggling student.

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you helped a student overcome challenges or achieve success.

Example: “In my last role as a teacher’s aide, I noticed that one of the students in my class was struggling with his math homework. He seemed confused by the concepts we were learning, so I offered to tutor him after school. We met for two hours each day until he understood the material. By the end of the week, he had caught up to the rest of the class.”

17. What would you say is your greatest strength as a teacher?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have experience working with students and helping them learn. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific skill or knowledge set that you helped your students develop.

Example: “My greatest strength as a teacher was my ability to help students understand complex concepts through practical examples. I always tried to make lessons engaging for my students by using real-world applications of the material we were learning. This made it easier for my students to remember what they learned in class.”

18. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you’re interested in long-term employment. When answering this question, be honest about your career goals and how they align with the job you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I’m hoping to have my own energy efficiency company by then. I’ve been working toward that goal since I graduated college, and I think I’ll be ready to start my own business within five years. However, I would love to continue working at Essess as an employee or contractor until I’m ready to launch my own company.”

19. What can we expect from you if you were to become a member of our team?

This question is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the position and company. It’s also an opportunity to highlight any skills you may have that are relevant to the job description.

Example: “I’m excited about this role because I’ve always wanted to work in the energy efficiency industry. I know that Essess has a reputation for being one of the best companies in the field, so I would love to be part of the team that helps make it even better. I am committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring that all customers receive solutions that meet their needs.”

20. If a student asked you a question and you did not know the answer, what would you do?

This question is a great way to determine how you would handle situations where you are not an expert in the field. It also helps employers understand your willingness to learn and grow as a professional.

Example: “If a student asked me a question that I did not know the answer to, I would first try my best to find the answer for them. If I was unable to find the answer, I would tell them that I do not know the answer but will look into it further and get back to them with more information.”