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I have been coaching school leaders and aspiring leaders in preparation for their interviews for more than 15 years. My clients frequently ask me how to answer questions that they struggle with during an interview. Here\u2019s a sampling of a few of those questions, my strategies as to how to answer, and my suggested answers:<\/p>\n
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Analysis:<\/strong> You can\u2019t criticize your supervisor, and you can\u2019t say that she\/he might say something negative about you. What you can do<\/strong> is to speak to your boss; let her\/him know that a reference call might be coming; and ask for a positive recommendation that emphasizes the positive things that you\u2019ve done. You might even consider providing a list of a few of your accomplishments. Most supervisors are not out to destroy your career. Who knows, this might even be seen by your boss as an opportunity for you to leave, and motivate her\/him to give you a positive recommendation?<\/p>\n Answer:<\/strong> \u201cI think she will say that I have great relationships with our students and their parents, that I\u2019m always well prepared, and that I\u2019m always willing to give extra time and attention to assist my students.\u201d<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> You probably don\u2019t know how long you\u2019ll stay or how things will work out. Your new supervisors probably don\u2019t want to go through additional transitions in the short run. However, you won\u2019t be credible if you say you\u2019ll stay for the remainder of your career. Employers seek leaders who are honest. Your answer needs to offer a reasonable rationale that supports your response.<\/p>\n Answer:<\/strong> \u201cAssuming that things will work out well, I think five to seven years would make sense. The literature says that it takes at least five years to implement and sustain structural improvements. I\u2019m committed to see my work through to positive outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> Your aim is to present yourself as a self-confident, \u201ccan do\u201d person, who will grow on the job. Your selling points are your accomplishments as a teacher, your potential and willingness to embrace being mentored and molded into the culture of your new school and district, and your raw enthusiastic undeveloped talent and energy.<\/p>\n Answer:<\/strong> \u201cI may not be your most experienced candidate, but I can assure you that no one will be more eager to grow and learn, and work harder than I. I believe my colleagues will tell you that I\u2019m a teacher leader who has played leading roles in some of our most important school improvements. My resume outlines some of these accomplishments. Let me add that as a high school and college athlete I was usually chosen as team captain. I\u2019ve been told that I\u2019m a \u201cnatural born leader.\u201d<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> Never hesitate to \u201cshoot down\u201d any obstacle that might diminish your value. You should provide evidence that any of their concerns have been overcome or resolved in the past. Employers want to be assured.<\/p>\n Answer:<\/strong> \u201cI take full responsibility for my attendance and timeliness. Although my present place of work is about 10 miles less of a commute, my time in traffic commuting here would be about the same because I\u2019d be driving against the traffic. It is fair to say that I\u2019m never late and usually one of the first people to arrive. It\u2019s not a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> This is similar to the often-asked question, \u201cWhat is your greatest weakness?\u201d The worst answer is, \u201cI really can\u2019t think of one\u201d. Being humble and self-reflective are very desirable characteristics. The example you provide should be designed to possibly resonate with the interviewers\u2019 experiences and evoke their empathy.<\/p>\n Answer:<\/strong> \u201cAs an inexperienced leader years ago, I made decisions based on gut feelings. What I\u2019ve learned over the years was to put more trust in evaluating the evidence and results; to slow down\u2026 to listen to people I trust and respect even when they have divergent opinions. I\u2019ve learned what I call, \u201cwatch the movie\u201d. In other words, listen, suspend judgement, slow down, and decide on what is in the best interests of my students and the school. The example that comes to mind was that I had a strong interest to initiate an International Bachelorette Program. I was inclined to start the program. However, I encountered strong opposition from a segment in the community and from the teachers\u2019 union. I was concerned that it would be divisive, and I backed away from moving ahead. I regret not listening to my leadership team. They advised me that it was worth the challenge because of the merits of the program for our students.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Larry Aronstein provides interview coaching and resume revision to school leaders and aspiring leaders. Learn more at larryaronstein@yahoo.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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