The photo at the left is the  Livermore Centennial bulb, the world's longest-burning electric bulb. 

The Dim Bulb

The Occasional Musings of an Educator

by Michael Keany

#84 - May 28, 2025

The brain is capable of performing 10 quadrillion (that’s 10 to the 16th) “calculations,” or synaptic events, per second using only about 15 watts of power. At this rate, a computer as powerful as the human brain would require 1 gigawatt of power. Maybe a dim bulb isn't as dim as it seems.

How can I use AI in my quest for an administrative position?

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How can I use AI in my quest for an administrative position?

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes every facet of education, aspiring school administrators are discovering that AI tools can serve as powerful allies in their journey toward leadership roles. Whether you’re refining your résumé, preparing for interviews, or identifying job opportunities, AI can enhance your efficiency, sharpen your communication, and boost your confidence—if used thoughtfully and strategically.

1. Crafting a Standout Résumé and Cover Letter

AI-powered writing assistants like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and ResumAI can help tailor your application documents for specific leadership roles. By inputting your experience and the job description, these tools can suggest optimized wording, quantify accomplishments, and ensure professional tone and clarity. The key is not to let AI write your résumé for you, but to use it as a thought partner that refines your original ideas. Always personalize and fact-check the final product to ensure authenticity and alignment with your personal voice and goals.

Pro tip: Ask ChatGPT to “revise this résumé bullet to emphasize instructional leadership” or “reframe this cover letter paragraph to highlight equity-focused decision-making.”

2. Enhancing Interview Preparation

AI can help simulate administrative interviews and generate thoughtful responses using models such as the STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result) method. Chatbots can create potential questions based on the job description or practice questions related to data analysis, teacher supervision, or school culture. You can even request feedback on your written answers or practice speaking responses aloud with voice-activated AI tools to build fluency and confidence.

For example:

• “Generate 5 challenging interview questions for an assistant principal candidate.”

• “Help me refine this answer about leading through change.”

AI also enables personalized coaching. Tools like Otter.ai or Speechify can help record and review your answers to improve clarity, pacing, and tone.

3. Identifying Job Matches and Networking Opportunities

Job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and K-12 JobSpot increasingly use AI algorithms to recommend positions based on your profile and browsing behavior. Uploading an optimized résumé and regularly engaging with educational leadership content on LinkedIn can increase your visibility. AI-powered job alerts can help you stay ahead of openings and receive notifications tailored to your career aspirations.

Furthermore, AI can help draft customized connection requests and follow-up messages when networking with district leaders or peers. For instance: “Compose a polite follow-up message to a superintendent I met at a leadership conference, expressing interest in future opportunities.”

4. Analyzing Data and Trends in Educational Leadership

Aspiring administrators can also use AI tools to stay informed about leadership trends, research, and best practices. Tools like Feedly, Perplexity.ai, or AI-augmented versions of Google Scholar can summarize current research on school climate, assessment strategies, or instructional coaching. AI summarization platforms can help you digest complex policy documents or district improvement plans in minutes—an invaluable skill for leadership interviews.

By equipping yourself with current insights, you not only boost your preparation but also demonstrate a leadership mindset attuned to innovation, equity, and data-informed decision-making.

Cautions and Considerations

While AI can be an effective assistant, it should never replace your authentic voice, values, or leadership philosophy. Misuse—such as having AI fabricate experiences or write entire responses—can undermine your credibility. Use AI as a reflective tool, not a substitute for genuine experience or personal insight.

Conclusion

Used intentionally, AI can help prospective administrators streamline their application process, enhance communication, and deepen their understanding of the evolving K-12 landscape. Treat AI as a collaborative partner in your leadership journey—an asset that amplifies your strengths and helps you focus on what matters most: building great schools for students.

Further Reading

1. “Using AI in the Job Search” – Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/2023/07/how-to-use-ai-tools-to-get-a-better-job

2. “AI in K–12 Schools: What You Need to Know” – Education Week https://www.edweek.org/technology/ai-in-k-12-schools-what-you-need-...

3. “How to Prepare for Principal Interviews Using ChatGPT” – Principal Center Blog https://www.principalcenter.com/blog/chatgpt-interview-practice-for...

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com