Frequently my clients tell me, “Despite my best efforts, I’m not moving forward in the interviewing process. I’ve revised my resume and cover letter. Thoroughly researched the school-community. Practiced my answers to the most often asked questions, and yet I’m not moving on. What am I doing wrong? Is it me?”

Candidates who get the job usually present themselves as being “likeable” and representing a “good fit” for the community. What does that mean and what does it look like? I think you’d agree that most of us like others who are friendly, smile, thoughtful, modest, make eye contact, even tempered and direct. Fitting in means that the story you tell about yourself resonates with the values and the vision of the school-community. In general, educational communities value family-oriented people, leaders who hold themselves, their staff and their students to high standards, have a clear set of goals that align with school leaders, and presents yourself as a regular person.

However, there are aspects of the process that you have no control over which have a lot to do with not moving on. What are they? Your experience may not appear to be a good match for the position. For instance, your background at the elementary level is not a fit for a secondary job, an urban experience is not a match for a suburban position, and your work in a small rural district doesn’t match the perceived needs of a large affluent district. Other factors that work against your candidacy are that you might be competing against an “insider”, or you simply might be up against a more experienced, highly competent applicant.

What you do have control over is your preparation including your ability to make a case for your strengths. You can make a case that as an urban school leader you have a great deal of experience in dealing with disciplinary cases. Your experience in a small school has taught you to learn about every operational aspect of managing a school. As an “outsider”, you will bring in a new fresh vision.

It is not my intention to discourage your applying to schools that do not appear to be a good match, but to be realistic. My advice is to be well prepared and able to make your case to maximize your skills and knowledge. So, “is it you”? If you’re not thoroughly prepared, then it is you. If your background just isn’t a good match, then it’s “not you”.

Let me coach you in your thorough preparation.