E8: Engaging Leadership Skills in Your Life and Career for Better Interview Answers

The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast

In this week’s episode of the Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast, we focus on the importance of personal and professional development.

• Host Orla discusses a busy week, connecting with guest speakers, and the key learnings from her coaching and mentorship work.
• The episode dives deep into the importance of preparing for leadership roles, especially with so many job postings out there right now.

Guest Speakers:

• Orla has lined up future guest speakers from a mix of educational backgrounds and leadership roles.
• They will share insights on what job seekers often get right or wrong in their job applications and interviews.

Today’s Topic:

• Leadership Skills for Better Interview Answers:
  • Learn how practising leadership skills in your daily life translates into more compelling and authentic answers in interviews.
  • Practical examples of engaging leadership qualities and how they build confidence and competence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Confidence Comes Through Competence:
   • Develop and practice leadership skills to build a sense of self-assurance in interviews.
   • Orla shares how real-world leadership examples lead to stronger, more authentic interview answers.
   • Interview Tip: Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
2. Active Listening:
   • Great leaders listen attentively and use this skill to respond effectively during interviews.
   • Interview Tip: Echo back questions or ask for clarification to ensure you're providing the most relevant response.
3. Adaptability in Leadership:
   • Adaptability is key when facing unexpected challenges in school settings, which directly translates to interviews.
   • Interview Tip: Highlight how you’ve adapted to challenges, showcasing resilience and innovation.
4. Vision and Strategic Thinking:
   • Leaders see the bigger picture and align daily tasks with long-term goals.
   • Interview Tip: Frame your work in terms of its contribution to broader organisational goals.
5. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:
   • Emotional intelligence is crucial for successful leadership, especially when handling difficult situations.
   • Interview Tip: Share stories of how you’ve led with empathy and supported others through tough times.

Freebie:

• Orla’s 20-minute training on creating time to work on your career is now available!
  • Learn how to carve out time for job applications, career development, and interview prep.
  • Download the training: https://www.orladempseycoaching.ie/page/569407

Connect with Orla:

• Follow Orla on Instagram at @orla.dempseycoaching for daily tips, mindset shifts, and career coaching insights.
• DM her with any questions about the Confident Career Leader Programme or your job application journey.