Headteachers are typically looking for several key qualities in their candidates. Over and above the academic qualification lions which are expected of all candidates, other qualities can be the great difference between you and another candidate.
1. Enthusiasm and motivation:
Headteachers want to hire candidates who are excited about the job and motivated to succeed. They will often look for signs of enthusiasm such as asking thoughtful questions about the school’s culture, programs, and community, showing a deep interest in the school’s mission and values, and demonstrating a positive attitude through their interactions and responses during the interview process.
2. Communication skills:
Good communication skills are essential for most jobs. Headteachers will look for candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely, listen actively, and adapt their communication style to different situations. Their communication style might involve using more formal language when discussing curriculum with colleagues and a more approachable tone when engaging with people.
3. Problem-solving skills:
Employers want to hire candidates who can think critically and solve problems effectively. They may ask behavioral questions that require you to describe how you have solved problems in the past, or they may give you hypothetical scenarios to see how you would approach a challenging situation.
4. Leadership potential:
Even if the job does not require a formal leadership role, headteachers often look for candidates who have the potential to lead and inspire others. They may ask questions about how you have managed teams or taken on leadership roles in the past.
5. Personal qualities:
Headteachers are often looking for candidates who are trustworthy, reliable, and have a strong work ethic. They may ask questions about your dependability, and commitment to excellence. Having a CV that shows you keeping a job for more than 3 years indicates stability, while your professional achievements may indicate a good work ethic.
6. Relevant skills and experience:
Headteachers want to know that you have the necessary skills and experience to perform the job successfully. They will often ask specific questions about your past experiences and accomplishments to gauge your level of expertise in your subject area. Having prepared candidate students for their fianl exam is a good pointer to experience.
Sometimes all Headteachers rely on to initially know you is your resume or CV. So you must invest time in knowing how to structure your CV correctly to get the best impression.
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