A common question I receive after graduation is “What tips do you have for job interviews?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, a word of caution : It’s not uncommon for boards to already know who they want to hire and to just go through the motions of a few additional interviews so they’re meeting legal requirements. In other words, if you don’t get the job, don’t be discouraged! It’s likely not about you personally. When this happens, just consider it a practice run. (Plus, the number of principal openings are increasing every year … so if this one doesn’t work out, there are many other possibilities.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that we have that disclaimer out of the way, let’s address some specifics …<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, interviews are all over the map. It often depends on what the local school board has on their mind at the time, or what situations they’ve had to deal with in the past. Local bias plays a part, too. Here’s a bizarre example from my own experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the interview for my first principal job, I had a board member ask if I preferred curtains or mini blinds (a relatively new product in those days). Little did I know that this was an ongoing battle with vehement proponents on both sides! Due to the glares that she was getting from some other board members, I sensed a minefield … so I deferred. I pointed out that with an unusual question like this, I’d want more background information, as well as additional input from those involved, before making a decision. Fortunately, the board chairman rescued me by saying, “let’s deal with that later.” (Note: We never came back to that question, I got the job, and I spent the next three years slowly turning that school around.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n