I respect authenticity in people and have been frustrated in the past by politically-correct-but-boring co-workers, relishing working with those who are the opposite. But making this point at interview, whilst trying to reassure panels of surefootedness, can be tricky. Although it's never got this bad(!) the point is made here:
Andy Buck has a nice way of framing how you should plan out interview responses beforehand. This is great for people like me in helping to avoid the pitfalls of too much spontaneity. Firstly, he points out that interview panels are looking for two things:
- Character (what you are like as a person, whether they could work for you)
- Competence (whether you have the knowledge and skills to do the job effectively)
He then explains that there are only actually three types of question:
- Fit - questions to help the panel decide whether you are the right 'fit ' for their school.
- Competence - questions to help the panel decide whether you have the right knowledge and skills to carry out the role.
- Fit - questions to help you decide whether the school is right for you.
He suggests using the acrostic PAINT to help you prepare responses for the key domains of school life:
P - stands for POINT. What is your point? What theories and values do you espouse? What set of principles do you live by? What makes you tick? What are your beliefs? What is your vision? What are your values? You should endeavour to have well-formulated beliefs about all the main aspects of school operations:
- leadership/management
- pedagogy and assessment
- appraisal/performance management
- co-curricular
- marketing
- parental engagement etc.
A - stands for ACTION. This is where you talk about how you have applied your principles. What have you put in place to see your principles put into action? Andy offers a word of caution as you do this though: 'the most boring applications/interviews are where people talk only about their past'.
I - stands for IMPACT. What difference have your actions made? Here is where you get to tell a story. The story might include numbers if it's appropriate, or it may relate to a real child, member of staff or parent where you input has changed things for the better.
N - stands for NEXT TIME. You'll come across as arrogant if all you do is champion your achievements. You need to show some humility an that you're reflective professional. Andy recommends you reflect back on your story and offer at least one thing that on reflection you could have done better or differently. This is your opportunity to show self-reflection. If you can pre-empt follow up questions and show an ability to lead the conversation so much the better. Remember that if you're going for a senior role, the panel will want to feel that they are in the presence of an expert, who's totally at ease with themselves and their material.
T - stands for THIS SCHOOL. This is your opportunity to sat what you think about the school you are applying for. If you have concerns voice them clearly and unapologetically. Andy points out that failing to do so could mean storing up problems for the future. So, for example, if it is your strong view that the Science Department needs to be rebuilt as the first step in any future development plan, say it. There will be nothing worse than arriving at the school and finding that all your plans for it are stymied by people with opposing views.
Andy runs an independent coaching and leadership consultancy and - much to my delight - is also a geographer :-)
Andy runs an independent coaching and leadership consultancy and - much to my delight - is also a geographer :-)