Interview Tip: Tell the Story that Drives You!
Interview Tip: Tell the Story that Drives You!
The Big Idea
· Interview tips for aspiring APs (Dos vs. don'ts, or any stories of a successful interview or an interview that did not go well)
o Remember you are interviewing them
o Be authentic – if you compromise in the interview you can never get it back
o Tell what you have done, not what you would do
o Tell the story that drives you
· What catches the attention of an interview committee that makes them say "we got our person?" I know a lot is influenced based on needs and fit. What do you look for?
o When they tell you it wasn’t the right fit…
o The story; what you have done already; lighthouse
o If you don’t “fit the part” educate them
· What questions should aspiring APs ask in an interview?
o Ask “what are you looking for in terms of complimenting the team which already exists?”
o What are your expectations of the AP for instructional leadership?
o What opportunities are there for me to grow?
o “If you hired me, and I did a great job, what would that look and sound like? How will you determine if I did a great job?”
o What is your approach to discipline?
· What are areas in which first-time APs tend to struggle?
o Taking other people’s monkeys
o Doing what others can do
o Missing small opportunities for instructional leadership
o Getting caught in urgent leadership
o Failing to be a lighthouse
o Focusing on tasks instead of people (forgetting your purpose)
o Not nurturing your ECTs
· Discussion on staying positive when getting rejected or not finding that first AP job. I have moments feeling this, but fortunately, I have a supporting wife and dad (former educator, and administrator). I've seen this topic being posted a lot on Facebook groups recently.
o Fit, fit, fit, and it goes both ways
o “When you put a good person in a bad organization, the organization wins” (Mary Hemphill, Limitless Leader)
o Build your support network now (leader, peers, advocate, mentor)
o Ask for feedback
o Every “no” is one step closer to a “yes.”
o Life doesn’t run on your time or plan
o My experience applying to WCU
Close
· Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
· You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
· I love hearing from you so consider email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn.
· Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
· My new book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose, is now available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html
· Have a great rest of the week, be present for others and, more importantly, take time to reflect and recover so you can continue to live and lead better.
· Cheers!
Frederick’s Links:
Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
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The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
