Question. How can I create the “wow” factor in an interview? I’ve just unsuccessfully had my first interview for an assistant head. I know I can do the job but had difficulty convincing the panel.

Answer. I assume that your belief that it was the interview that let you down is based upon the feedback you received rather than your own assessment. You may be correct, since your application form was good enough to get you to the interview stage, but there is always the risk that an interview panel has made up its mind before a candidate has even sat down. Last time there may have been a better candidate.

However, let’s assume you were up against candidates of equal worth. Ensure you can provide examples of your recent leadership experience, even if not at a senior level. Managing people, taking a strategic overview of problems and generally being able to rise above the day-to-day classroom tasks are the sort of things you need to be able to talk about.

Finally, try to put all this in the context of the needs of the particular school, as this will demonstrate you have done your homework.

John Howson is a recruitment analyst and visiting professor of education at Oxford Brookes University. To ask him a question, email him at askjohnhowson@tes.co.uk

April 20, 2007


Resources:

Jobseeker advice: the job application process; the interview; we've got all the answers.