Professional development: interviews

The interview is where the job is won or lost, where favoured candidates blow their chances, and unfancied contenders come from behind. The exact arrangements vary enormously. At one end of the scale is the full-house ordeal, comprising of a presentation, an observed lesson, an in-tray exercise, an encounter with a group of children, and, of course, the formal interview. At the other end is the relaxed talk to the Head, with perhaps a subject leader and a governor present.

Always, though, three basic principles apply: one – do your homework; two – present yourself honestly and well; and three – bear in mind the golden rule set down in last month’s article – it’s not about you. It’s about the job and whether they think you can do it.