Over the last few years, I have been coaching candidates in preparation for their interviews as school leaders and teachers. My clients give me feedback after their interviews. In too many cases, conservatively 10% to 15% of the time, they report that they were not treated professionally. The chief complaints are: (1) members of interviewing committees get up and leave without any explanation or apology during the course of the interview; (2) interviewees are seated at the head of a long conference table which is designed to seat 12 people with three interviewers gathered at the far side, isolating the interviewee from the group; (3) candidates are kept waiting for an excessive time period in a waiting area with several other candidates for the same job, oftentimes for up to an hour while interviewers are heard laughing and joking among themselves; (4) interviewers are argumentative and openly critical of a candidate's responses.

Most often it is reported that there are no responses to applicants who send in their resumes--nothing. Others report that they do not receive any word back that they are no longer being considered for the position after they've been interviewed-- perhaps up to 15% of the time.

We are professionals who are in a people business. I understand that you are busy people. However, fellow professional who are sincere in their efforts in seeking employment are in vulnerable positions and can be easily disheartened by being ignored or by being treated rudely. So please, be professional and never tolerate rude behavior.

Larry Aronstein provides coaching for interviewing and preparation of resumes. www.larryaronstein.com.