Own the Interview

You're qualified. You've done the work. So why aren't you getting the offer? Every year, strong educators walk into principal and assistant principal interviews and walk out without the job—not because they lack experience, but because they don't know how to communicate it in the room. Own the Interview is a direct, experience-based guide to preparing for school leadership interviews with clarity, strategy, and confidence. Written by a sitting school principal who has evaluated candidates in real hiring panels, this book breaks down what actually matters during the interview process—and what decision-makers are looking for when they choose one candidate over another. Inside, you will learn how to: Prepare for principal and assistant principal interviews with intention Answer common school leadership interview questions with clarity and depth Avoid the subtle mistakes that take strong candidates out of consideration Demonstrate instructional leadership, not just experience Understand how hiring panels evaluate candidates behind closed doors Communicate your vision in a way that is focused, confident, and memorable This is not a theoretical leadership book. It is a practical, real-world guide designed to help you walk into your interview prepared and leave with a clear sense of how to perform at your best. If you are preparing for a principal or assistant principal interview, this book will help you approach the process with structure, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to stand out.