Well, I had my interview yesterday morning. I think I did fairly well; as always in job interviews, there were a few questions that left me floundering a bit, but I've learned to kind of talk around those moments of awkwardness and to remain calm. From my time as a retail manager interviewing potential new hires, I know that usually interviewers aren't looking for perfect responses to every question. But if a candidate can remain poised, tries to give a thoughtful answer, and will freely admit it when they don't know something (but shows a willingness to learn) then that can go far.
It turns out that elementary schools don't have separate bookkeepers, and so probably 75% of those secretaries' jobs are actually bookkeeping. I was a little surprised by that, and also that one of the heads of finance for the district sat in on the interview. Of course, lots of my past job experience involved managing money, but it's not something I've done since starting work for the district. They assured me that, if I get the job, there will be training to get me up to speed, so I'm not terribly worried about it. I told them that I'm willing and eager to learn!
They had some more interviews scheduled, but the principal assured me that I'll hear one way or the other very soon. As soon as I got back home, I logged onto my work email and sent the principal an enthusiastic "thank you" for her time and consideration. So......we'll see. It's possible someone with more bookkeeping experience will be chosen, and I wouldn't blame them for that. But I do think I have a good shot.
And if it doesn't work out.......guess what? I'll be disappointed, but not terribly so because............
OUR HORRIBLE PRINCIPAL IS GONE! FINISHED! FINITO!
I don't know if it was the literally dozens of teachers and staff that are leaving because of her (at last count it was 30!), or the never-ending HR complaints and grievances filed by staff this year, or the parents that hated her and lobbied for a change......likely all of those factors and more that I know nothing about, but in any case, she's gone. What a relief to know that even if I don't get the new job, at least I won't be working for her next year.
Sounds like you had a good interview! Well done and good luck to you! But yes on the flip side, good news about your principal. Around here, we usually keep principals at a school for about 5 years until they move to another school but sometimes longer - one was seven and a half years- I was counting! When are you out for summer holidays? Is it the end of May? - Jenn
ReplyDeleteYes! My last day is May 31st (and the 30th and 31st are half days for staff only). Summer will be here soon!
DeleteWOW! Her leaving is an unexpected pleasant surprise. I bet she is just as surprised as you and I. Wishing you the best, whether you stay or go.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear about the good interview; even if you don't get the job, you can be proud of how you presented yourself. What a relief for everyone that the crazy principal is leaving!!
ReplyDeleteSuch good news! Well done, and I hope you are offered the position. If not, you know you did your best and learned more toward a next time.
ReplyDeleteWow! So the wicked witch is gone, eh? There IS justice in the world! Good luck with your interview results!
ReplyDeleteWith the Principal now gone, your present job might be OK again (provided that she's not replaced by an even worse one!)
ReplyDeletep.s Have you thought of applying for the Principle's job???
DeleteCongrats on surviving the job interview! But, even better, hallelujah the principal is gone! Here's hoping there are better things coming for you current school whether you're there next year or not.
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds very good - especially the news about your (now ex-)principal!
ReplyDeleteYour school year ends very early. Here, schools close for 6 weeks in the summer, stacked according to which federal state they are in. The earliest start this year is June 22, the latest July 31.
Sounds like a win win situation!
ReplyDeleteInterviews are always tricky. The fact that 2 people sat in on yours could be a real plus.
ReplyDeleteI always found interviews hard. No matter how much deep breathing and calming thoughts I'd utilize beforehand, I couldn't fight the jitters when those questions started coming.
ReplyDeleteHooray for you. You had a good interview and you also have something to fall back on should the new job not pan out. Bring on the summer holidays!
Hope you hear soon about the new job. It's a relief that your principal is gone so even your old job looks better now. I bet you can't wait for summer break!
ReplyDeleteSuch terrific news all the way around! I am so very, very happy for you and...for the school.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! What excellent news! Was it her decision to leave or was the decision made for her?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely made for her. Officially it's been hinted that she's out on FMLA (family medical leave act, for those outside the US) but it's obvious she's actually been suspended and they're letting her contract run out. They'll either make her "resign" or else they won't renew her contract.
Deletethe witch is gone..hot dang...and I have my money on you ..I'm sure you rocked the interview and you get the job..will give the goddess something shiny for you.
ReplyDeleteCruella Deville wasn't with you long was she?
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising that the bookkeeping element of the advertised job had not been made clearer earlier.
Thirty people seems like an awful lot of turnover in a single year.
ReplyDelete