Don't apply for A job, apply for the RIGHT job.  Principals spend a great deal of time at work, you should apply to a school district that is the best fit for you, somewhere you won't mind staying long hours and possibly many years. 

Research the superintendent and his/her vision and philosophies-are they in line with yours? 

Visit the town, its restaurants, coffee shops and town events and ask yourself "do I want to be part of this community?"  For each of my principal positions I spent weeks visiting the towns and speaking to local folks about their town and what they thought about the schools before I applied.

Everyone reads the school website- you need to do more if you want the edge: read all the local newspapers, subscribe to local town forums on RSS feeds, follow local groups on twitter and attend school committee meetings. 

Call a friend-reach out to anyone and everyone that works in the district and speak to them. What is great about the school, what do they need to improve, what are they looking for in a principal, etc. 

Check out my recent blog post and example entry plan here Principal Entry Plan- The First 100 Days

Connect with the boss: I often debated this technique, but believe if you don't overdo it and become a stalker, contacting the superintendent with a brief introduction of yourself is a good thing.  Again, others may email the superintendent -what separates you? I send a brief email introducing myself with a link to my blogs (Normandin Middle School Blog / Principal Burkhead's Blog) and my 100 day plan (#2 above).  I am banking that the superintendent will be curious and check out my information - BANG, instant advantage.  Now, before you even interview the office staff knows your smiling face and the superintendent knows your core beliefs on education as evidenced by your work. 

Don't show up empty handed: some candidates show up with nothing, others with the typical resume and references (they already have this!)-what will you bring to your interview to separate you? I suggest bringing your 100 day plan with at least 15 copies.  Print your plan out and take it to staples and have them make it into a book.  The committee will appreciate the level of professionalism and the amazing presentation.  You may reference the plan during your interview, which will get them reading it.  Worst case scenario they leave reading your well-presented plan and recall you as being highly organized and proactive. 

Be yourself:  in the end, you want your dream job to be a real place, a place where you can be yourself.  I like to share some of my personal life and experiences through a quick story.  

Write personal thank you cards to everyone on the committee-this still works!

If you do not get the job, it wasn't meant to be.  Start back to #1 above!  Don't let news of not getting the job bring you down. I believe two things: 1. things happen for a reason and 2. good things happen to good people.  Your dream job is still out there- find it!  

Good luck to everyone-