The “BEST” Candidate

1. The “BEST” Candidate HCPS Leadership Conference August 4, 2009

2. “HELLO, I’m Scott Baker…”

3. Why are YOU here? What do you hope to learn? Choose a partner for activities to come

4. What am I going to do this afternoon? Receive information and engage in activities to… • Demystify the interview process • Enhance preparation and performance in the interview process • Develop greater self-awareness and confidence related to interviewing and preparation for leadership • Reflect on the role that perception plays in the selection process • Enhance the quality of the selection process for those on the “other side of the table”.

5. Interviewing Think/Pair/Share Think of your worst experience in an interview (your “horror story!”). What went wrong? (If all of your experiences have been wonderful, then think of one that someone else had!) Share with your partner Now reverse it! Think of the best experience. What made it go right? Finally, are you sure that everyone else who witnessed it would agree?

6. Before: Preparation for the Interview A job has been posted. What are your next steps? • What determines whether you will apply in the first place? • How do you express interest? • How do you prepare yourself for the interview experience? • Before you show up for the interview, what should you do or not do in terms of creating an impression?

7. Before: Preparation Tips • What is the salary? • What is the scope of responsibility? • Does it fit with my career goals? • Does it fit with personal goals and balance? • What will be the impact on current school or organization? • Do I meet ALL of the requirements/preferences listed on the posting • What are the range of my interests?

8. Before: Preparation Tips In HCPS it is best to express interest through… • 1 page letter of interest summarizing why you interested and how you are qualified • Include resume and letters of reference • Be clear if you have finished a new endorsement or how much progress you’ve made toward a new endorsement

9. Before: Preparation Tips Anticipate Questions • Formulate probable responses and concise talking points • Talk to mentors who won’t likely be on the interview panel • Research areas of uncertainty First Impression • Arrive earlier then asked • Easy on the cologne or perfume; dress traditional professional Portfolio • Set out early, offer to pass around • May refer to an item, but don’t talk them through it • Customize contents to position of interest

10. During: Questions to consider Can a weak interview still result in being selected? Why? In our field, what does it mean to be the most qualified? Is that a term that always applies? Where is the line between confident and cocky? How much of the true “me” should I let them see? How can I strike rapport and make a favorably impression among a diverse panel?

11. During: Striking the right BALANCE Confident Cocky Professional Too dry or stiff Concise Say too little Thorough/Focused answers Ramble or make lists Passionate and Motivated Uncompromising/Rigid Personable Trying too hard Familiar with district/school Name-dropping Knowledgeable with content Using buzzwords without substance

12. During: Interviewing Tips Scott’s Top 5… • Be relaxed. Don’t try too hard. Don’t over present yourself! • Be thoughtful and appropriately thorough…but not verbose (30 seconds to 2 minutes in length) • Think before you speak (it’s okay!). Be reflective. • Remember your audience! Be personable (smile) and learn to “read” their reaction to you • Share vivid examples and illustrations in your responses that enable the interviewer(s) to picture you performing effectively in the role **Don’t be negative, unless you really are that way

13. During: Interview Practice! Each of you will conduct and participate in a 10 minute interview using the questions provided Jot down key phrases or ideas provided by the interviewee Following the interview, the interviewer will provide feedback based on the criteria at the bottom of the page Then the two will switch roles and follow the same process

14. After: Follow-up • Jot down questions you were just asked in preparation for next interview • Notes are a nice gesture, but are viewed as a courtesy, not a distinguishing factor in the decision-making • Why didn’t I get the job?

15. BREAK

16. Reflective Leadership Answer the following questions on your own: How am I currently viewed or perceived as a leader or aspiring leader by my… • Supervisors? • Colleagues? • Parents? • Community? • Students? What evidence do I have to support these perceptions? How do I build credibility and support in my journey to secure additional leadership opportunities?

17. Hiring Decision Read the description of the two candidates and discuss with your partner

18. Partner and Group Discussion Who did you decide to hire or recommend? WHY?

19. Tips for the Interviewer #1 – DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOMMENDING THE “RIGHT” PEOPLE TO STAFF YOUR SCHOOL!! #2 – Review of Basic Tips provided in the hand-out #3 – Have a few probing, “bread and butter” questions to be used across interviews #4 – Have a vision for what you are looking for when filling a vacancy or hiring a new position #5 – Do not compromise on quality #6 – Seek participation and feedback from leadership team

20. Reflections Q & A