The Interview Process
What to Expect When Interviewing at FSPS
Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS) is dedicated to hiring passionate, qualified individuals who can contribute to the success and growth of our students. Our structured interview process ensures a good fit between the candidate and our district’s goals. Below is an outline of each interview stage, from the initial screening to the final job offer.
Our Hiring Processs
1st Round
HR Screening
The initial screening focuses on candidate qualifications and alignment with FSPS standards; veterans receive preference points and will be interviewed if fully qualified.
- Classified Positions: Supervisors select candidates for interviews based on the job posting.
- Certified Positions: Qualified candidates are invited to complete a video interview through Sparkhire, which is then reviewed by all hiring supervisors.
- Internal Candidates: Supervisors review video submissions from internal applicants to determine who will then have a building interview.
2nd Round
Building Interviews
This stage involves a more in-depth interview conducted by supervisors to assess the candidate's fit within a specific building or department.
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Supervisors conduct interviews only with candidates who completed video interviews, unless an exception is requested through HR.
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HR staff coordinate interview scheduling via email with candidates.
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Supervisors use a digital scoring system to evaluate candidates' responses. HR reviews these recommendations, factoring in turnover rates, school needs, experience, ALPs, and principal tenure.
3rd Round
HR Interviews & Job Offer
In the final stage, HR conducts a final interview with recommended candidates and extends a job offer if successful.
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HR notifies the supervisor of the candidate's acceptance, and supervisors then follow up with all interviewed candidates to communicate results and provide feedback upon request.
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New hires typically start on the first payroll date after a new hire session, either on the 1st or 16th of the month.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
We strive to make the interview process as clear and efficient as possible. At Fort Smith Public Schools, we value the time and effort that candidates invest in applying for positions, and we are committed to ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation process. Whether you're applying for a classified or certified position, we want you to feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about the interview process, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our HR team is here to assist you.