What we love the most about the HeadteacherChat community, is the fact that we all support each other.
Being in a leadership role in school is rewarding, fun, enjoyable, exhausting, stressful, demanding.... and everything in between, but what we do know is, the most important thing you can do is to have someone to talk to in order to share your experiences together.
That was evident over the weekend, when a member of our community asked a really valuable (anonymous question):
‘What is the best piece of advice you can give someone who has an interview for a headship on Monday?’
And as always, our community stepped in to help, and so we thought we would share some of the answers, as well as our take on why these are great advice, to see if we can help as many people in this situation as possible.
So here goes!
1. ‘Just be yourself’ was the first answer.
Why?
Because being yourself releases so much pressure from you, and allows you to engage more naturally, more freely and with more confidence.
You are also more able to listen better.
Think of it more as a conversation with each other, rather than an interview.
Remember, the interviewers want you to do well, so allow yourself to be you.
Shine with with your authenticity, let them see what makes you, you.
It’s not just about getting a job, it’s about finding a place where you can be happy and confident, so take your time to listen and breathe.
2. Know the school and the job before your interview.
Take some time before you apply to find out as much about the school and the role as you are able to. Go and visit, ask questions, talk to the staff and the children, read all of the information you have.
Ask yourself - is this the right job for me? Am I going to be happy / fulfilled / engaged / confident here? Will I enjoy this role? Is it right for me?
3. Think positive!
It’s proven in science that those who believe they can achieve something, often do achieve it!
We all know, that we can be our own worst enemies when it comes to having self limiting beliefs or thoughts, but try to have a positive mindset for this occasion. Focus on what you love about the job, rather than what you think you can’t do.
4. Be proud of your achievements
Look back at what you have achieved this year. Write them all down.
Read these out loud to yourself….be proud of what you have achieved, and ask yourself - how did I do that, why did I do that, what was the positive outcome or impact and what would have happened if I hadn’t intervened?
Take a moment to thank yourself for your hard work and commitment to those situations and celebrate that for a moment.
5. Talk about how you will celebrate and build on the strengths of the team
Getting to know your colleagues, and working well with your team around is one of the most important things you can do as a new (and serving) headteacher.
Ask yourself some questions -
How will you get to know your new colleagues? What questions will you ask them to get the most of working together. How will you build on their strengths, and help them with areas they need support in? What will be your focus for CPD?
6. Go to bed early the night before…
Well this doesn’t need an explanation, but it does serve as a useful reminder that rest is important to help manage your stress levels before an interview.
7. Ask questions
So many people we speak to are afraid to ask questions in an interview in case it makes them look weak. You’re not. You have a right to know information about the role and the school, so ask as many questions as you can. You never know, you might find out something you didn’t know which will help you with your answers, or alternatively, you may find something you don’t feel comfortable with.
Either way, ask away!
8. Enjoy the day! …. You are doing something that other people consider as great value to your community. That is something to be confident in and proud of!
The person who wrote this wrote ‘I know that is easy to say but….!’ But they are right! Be proud of who you are, celebrate the fact that you are even here today! Smile, relax and enjoy the day.
If you are going for an interview for a leadership position, we wish you all the best, and hope that these have helped you to prepare for the day.