Interviewing can be a very scary experience if you are not prepared. For some of us, the very thought of it ranks somewhere up there with death. Truth is, the only thing you should fear about interviewing is not doing what you need to do to prepare yourself.
After engaging in hundreds of interviews over the course of my career, I have found that the interview process can be successfully navigated by following a few simple steps. I refer to these steps as the ‘Preparing the Meal’ approach. When you prepare a meal, you follow a methodical process in order to achieve a desired outcome. The process requires you to open the stove, cook the food, and ultimately enjoy the meal.
This process has been tested many times by school leaders all over the country. If followed to fidelity, you are guaranteed to have a successful interview.
The ‘Preparing the Meal’ approach is divided into four parts:
- The Opening - Opening the stove.
- The Big Six - Cooking the food.
- The Closing Statement - Enjoying the meal.
- Points to Ponder
The opening statement should last no more than (3 to 5) minutes.
As for most interviews, the first question is your opportunity to share who you are and what you believe in. The ‘Preparing the Meal’ approach will challenge you to think of the first question as an opening statement. The opening statement is essential to how you are viewed by the panel. As with any first impression, you only get one shot to get it right. Studies show that it only takes a person about 60 seconds to form an opinion about you. How you perform during this phase of the process sets the tone for the remainder of the interview.
The opening statement should consist of no more than three to five minutes of sharing your background, experience, and core values. If you nail this portion of the interview, you will build the momentum to flow through the remainder of the interview questions.
The next part of the process is to be prepared to speak to the following ‘Big Six’ areas.
These areas are the foundation of any question that could possibly be asked in the area of school leadership.
Highlight strategies that you have used and programs you have designed to focus on these six areas. Also, be prepared to share stories about these areas based on your past experiences. Lastly, make sure you discuss any successes you have had in these areas (awards, recognitions, etc.).
The closing statement is what brings it all together. Usually, a panel of interviewers will ask if you have any closing comments or questions. Always opt for the closing comments. Remember, they are interviewing you, not the other way around. Questions may be appropriate if there are only a few people on the interview panel. Your closing comments will give you an opportunity to show the panel how passionate you are about being in the position and why you are the best candidate.
Closing comments should only last between 30 to 90 seconds.
As you prepare for your interview, the following points should be considered.
Don’t be late.
Make arrangements to be at your interview about 30 minutes early so that you are not rushing. Nothing brings on anxiety like feeling rushed.
Wear your favorite outfit.
The best way to feel confident is to feel your best. Studies show that the clothes that make you feel very comfortable and look your best will definitely give you a psychological boost.
If there are more than three people interviewing you, don’t ask questions.
Usually, if there is a panel interview setting with more than three people, asking questions may not be appropriate. That’s when you wow them with your closing comments.
Go through the entire interview in your mind from start to finish.
