Interviews are difficult to come by. You need to capitalize on every opportunity. You have invested a great deal of time and money in earning your credentials. My advice is to get your education at the most prestigious university you can get into. You probably have purchased your special interview suit or outfit in order to make a good impression and look the part. You also attended seminars on how to prepare a resume and cover letter, and tips on interviewing. If you're really serious about your future as a school leader, then these are the investments that you make. Remember, the best investment you will ever make is in yourself.

All of these "investments" go toward increasing your chances of getting that job. To some extent, it is a game of probability. All things being equal, the best prepared candidate has the best chance.

What about receiving one-on-one coaching? If you're not getting interviews, then get some feedback on your resume and cover letter from someone who has sat on the receiving side of thousands of credentials and knows what he/she is looking at. The job of your resume and cover letter is to get you an interview. Now, if you're getting interviews and not moving along to the next step in the process and you are really serious about getting that job, then get yourself a coach.

The coach should be someone who has been a decision-maker in interviewing and hiring many, many school leaders. You should feel comfortable in relating to this person and sharing your self-perceived insecurities. A good coach will help you craft your message, teach you strategies, help build your self-confidence, give you model responses, help keep your reactions in an objective perspective, role play both sides of the table, and give you honest and constructive feedback. Coaching is just another critical investment that you can make in yourself.
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