Hi. I had an interview last Wednesday morning that went very well. They told me they'd call me by the end of this week, but last Friday I got a call telling me that they're having trouble deciding between three people and that I was one of those three. I am going back today at noon to meet the third principal (the other two were on my interview panel). I am more nervous for this than I was for my actual interview; the principal stressed to not dress up (WEIRD for me as I always go with a suit for interviews) and that this will be a fifteen minute conversation at the most. He kept calling it a casual conversation and avoided using the word interview. I have NO idea what to expect. Any input?
Since you were specifically told not to dress up, I would wear a cotton skirt and colored T with sandals. Bring a resume for the 3rd principal. I don't care what he calls it; this is an interview. Go with that ready smile, the firm handshake,and the intention to show your best self to them.
Yup, I agree with Alice. Don't wear a suit but dress in a nice summer outfit. Simple summer dress, nice capris and blouse, skirt and nicer T-shirt, something along those lines. And definitely think of it as an interview. Be prepared to tell them why YOU are the best choice for their school. Good luck!
Thanks, Alice. That is all stuff I'm doing already, so that is great. I think the whole thing is just throwing me off for some reason. I'm going nuts about the fifteen minute thing, I think. I am sitting here wracking my brain trying to figure out what they would want to learn in just that amount of time. I know I'm prepared and should just let go, but I'm a pile of nerves because I want this job so badly!
I think that they are going to be looking at your personality and trying to figure out how you would mesh with the rest of the faculty.
For the job I just got, I was called back 30 minutes after the interview to "talk." He basically told me I didn't give enough information in my answers, wanted to know what I was looking for in a school, and why I was leaving my current school. Then, asked me if I'd like to work there. This P probably wants to do something similar - Get a better grasp on WHO each person is, and then make a decision.
My initial interview for my current position was about that long. I had called the principal on what I did not know was the day of interviews and she agreed to squeeze me in between interviews. They called me two weeks later and offered me the job.
I would dress the same as I would on a hot day at the beginning or ending of the school year. Definitely bring your resume/portfolio, you may not need it but you want to have it if you're asked for it. My guess is that they want to know more about who you are and possibly how you would interact with the staff or team. When there are equally qualified candidates, lots of time it comes down to personality - so be yourself. Either you are what they are looking for, or you aren't but if you are honest and represent yourself as you are, it should go fine. Good luck!
Thank you for the words of encouragement! I wish this were right away in the morning like the first interview (at 7am!), I wouldn't have time to sit here and stew over things!
I agree that you need to let your personality shine. They will be thinking about how you will work with your team members. Just relax!
Thank you so much for asking, everyone! I won't know for sure until Thursday, but I feel good about it. The overall vibe was great. The main principal stepped out of the room for a while and I ended up just chatting with the other principal about silly things (small towns/large towns and what it's like). I also found out the associate principal used to be my health teacher in middle school, haha! So basically, I've done all I can do (including sending thank yous) and I just have to wait and hope for the best now.
I had a second interview where I met with faculty and a few students. The staff or admin might want to see who you are as a person. They encouraged me to ask them questions about the curriculum and school culture. And, they posed a few "what-if" questions having to do with behavior management.
