Top 5 Questions to Ask at the End of a Principal Interview

You know what’s more nerve-wracking than that dream where you show up to school in your underwear?

A principal interview.

But don’t sweat it (or forget to wear pants), because preparation is key, and I’m here to help you get ready to knock your interview out of the park.

Sure, you need to anticipate the principal interview questions you’ll be asked and prepare your responses, but you also need to come up with smart questions to ask the interviewers at the end of the interview.

Not only does asking questions show you’re interested, but it also helps you learn about school culture, challenges facing the school, and helps address any concerns the interviewing team has about hiring you.

Plus, asking questions helps the interview feel more like a conversation that goes both ways, instead of an awkward one way panel discussion.

In this article, we’ll cover why asking questions at the end of a principal interview is so darn important, how it can give you an edge over other candidates, what to say at the end of the interview (besides “please give me the job”), and the five best questions you should ask at your next principal interview.

Table of Contents

• Why is Asking Questions at the End of a Principal Interview Important?
• How Can Asking Questions Improve Your Chances of Getting the Job?
• What to Say at the End of an Interview
• What are the Top 5 Questions to Ask at the End of a Principal Interview? 
• How would you describe the school culture?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the school right now?
• Is there anything about my interview or interview answers that makes you hesitant to hire me?
• What does success look like for a principal in this school district?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?
• Bonus: You can also ask about professional development opportunities for staff.
• Conclusion

Why is Asking Questions at the End of a Principal Interview Important?

It’s simple, really. It shows you’ve done your research and are interested in the position.

Think about it…

The interviewers have been talking about the school and this principal position for who knows how long. They’ve interviewed lots of candidates and in order to stand out, you need to seem like you’re not “just another candidate”. 

You want them to remember you.

Here’s where asking questions at the end of an interview sets you apart.

People hire people that they like. 

And when you ask questions and are engaged, you’re way more likable and the interview team can start to see themselves working alongside you.

If you ask thoughtful questions at the end of the interview, it demonstrates that you’ve been paying attention and are truly engaged in the conversation. 

Plus, maybe you were a little nervous answering a question or didn’t clearly communicate what you were intending to say. 

If the interview committee didn’t understand part of an answer you gave, you can resolve any confusion or address their concerns before you leave the room.

Asking the right questions can clear up any hesitancy they have to offer you the job, and therefore improve your chances of getting a second interview

So, don’t be shy! Speak up and show them what you’ve got.

How Can Asking Questions Improve Your Chances of Getting the Job?

Well, for starters, it demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

By asking questions, you’re showing the interviewers that you’re not just interested in getting any job – you’re interested in getting THIS job.

Additionally, asking questions gives you a chance to highlight your skills and experiences. 

For instance, if the interviewer asks if you have experience working with diverse student populations, you could respond with a question like, 

“How does the school support diversity and inclusion initiatives?” 

This not only shows your interest in the school’s values, but it also gives you an opportunity to discuss your relevant experiences and qualifications.

Asking questions also helps you stand out from other candidates. 

Imagine the interviewer has been sitting in the same chair all day, hearing the same answers to the same questions. By asking thoughtful questions, you’re making a lasting impression and showing that you’re more than just a name on a piece of paper.

Here are a few ways that asking questions can help you stand out:

• You can demonstrate your knowledge about the school and the position by asking specific questions about the school’s values, initiatives, or challenges.
• You can showcase your personality by asking questions that are thoughtful, insightful, and a little bit fun.
• You can use questions to address any concerns you may have about the position, such as salary, workload, or work-life balance. This shows that you’re being proactive and are serious about making sure the position is a good fit for you.

What to Say at the End of an Interview

So, you’re at the end of your principal interview – congratulations! You’re almost there, but you’re not out of the woods yet. The end of the interview is where the real magic happens. 

When they ask, “do you have any questions for us?” that’s your time to shine!

Here’s what you should say at the end of your job interview to increase your chances of getting the job.

First, thank the interviewers for their time. They’ve probably been listening to people drone on about their credentials all day, so show them that you appreciate their attention.

Next, let them know that you’re interested in the position. This is where you’ll use your chance to ask questions to show them you’re a great candidate AND to help decide if you’re a good fit for this principal position. Plus, you want to know more about the job and the school, so don’t be afraid to express your interest.

Finally, ask any remaining questions you may have. If you’ve already gone through your list of questions, feel free to ask something more personal. For example, you could ask the interviewers if they have any pets or what they like to do in their free time.

Remember, you want to be memorable. You want the interviewers to remember you as “that funny, charming candidate who asked about my cat.” So, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

What are the Top 5 Questions to Ask at the End of a Principal Interview? 

Alright, onto the top 5 questions to ask at the end of a principal interview. Most of these questions could be altered or changed to be used in interviews for an assistant principal or other teaching interview position.

All of these questions help you stand out from the crowd, gain valuable insight about the school you’re interviewing with, and address any potential concerns the interviewing team has about hiring you.

How would you describe the school culture?

This question demonstrates that you are interested in understanding the core values, traditions, and community of the school.

School culture is one of the most important aspects of the school. You can learn how well the staff functions as a cohesive unit, whether students feel safe and involved, and if there are any areas of concern to focus on after you get the job. 

You can follow up with specific examples such as: “How does the school prioritize inclusivity?” or “What initiatives has the school implemented to support students’ mental health and well-being?”

Every school wants to know that their new principal values student recognition, student and staff voice, and views school culture as an important foundation to a highly effective school climate.

What are the biggest challenges facing the school right now?

This question shows that you are proactive and want to know more about the current situation at the school. 

It also gives you an opportunity to discuss how you could contribute to addressing these challenges. 

One thing I like about this question is that it creates a back and forth conversation between you and the interview team. It puts you in the position as a problem solver and someone who is ready to take on challenges big and small to support students and staff.

You can ask specific follow-up questions such as: “What steps is the school taking to address these challenges?” or “In what ways do you think my skills and experiences can contribute to addressing these challenges?”

Is there anything about my interview or interview answers that makes you hesitant to hire me?

There’s no such thing as a perfect interview. And nobody is perfect at communicating their ideas. When the interview team shakes your hand and says “we’ll be in touch”, you want them to know you as clearly as possible. The last thing you want is them questioning your answers or being uncertain of if you have what it takes to lead their school.

This question provides an opportunity for the interviewers to address any concerns or issues that they may have regarding your qualifications or fit for the position. Plus, it gives them a chance to ask follow up questions to any previous answers you gave.

It also shows that you are open to feedback and want to improve your performance. 

You can follow up with a specific question such as: “Is there anything I can clarify or provide more information on?”

What does success look like for a principal in this school district?

This question provides insight into the interviewers’ expectations and helps you get a clearer picture of what the job requirements are, the day to day activities, and long term goals.

It also shows that you are interested in meeting the school’s goals and contributing to its success. 

You can follow up with specific questions such as: “What are some specific goals that the school is working towards?” or “How do you envision the new principal helping the school achieve its goals?”

And remember, you are interviewing the school just as much as they’re interviewing you. This question helps you determine if this principal position is a good fit for you too.

What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Every interview has to end, and it’s good to know what to expect after you shake hands and say goodbye.

This question will show that you are interested in moving forward in the process and want to be informed of what to expect in the near future. It also shows that you are organized and want to stay on top of the hiring process. 

You can follow up with specific questions such as: “When can I expect to hear back from the school?” or “Is there any additional information or documentation that I can provide to support my candidacy?”

Remember, these questions are intended to showcase your interest and engagement in the position, and to help you gain a better understanding of the school and its needs. 

Use them as a starting point and add your own specific questions to show that you are a thoughtful and engaged candidate.

Bonus: You can also ask about professional development opportunities for staff.

The staff at any school want to participate in valuable professional development. It’s important to know what the school district is already doing to help their staff grow and become better educators. The role of a principal is to be a leader for the school, give vision and direction, and advocate for staff and students. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, asking questions at the end of a principal interview is a crucial step in the hiring process. Here are some major points to keep in mind as you prepare for your principal hiring process: 

• Preparing for an interview and asking questions shows that you are engaged, interested, and proactive.
• Asking questions allows you to address concerns and issues, and to gain a better understanding of the school and the position.
• Some great questions to ask include inquiring about the school culture, challenges facing the school, interview feedback, expectations for success, and the hiring process.
• Don’t be afraid to add a personal touch to your questions to showcase your personality and sense of humor. You want to be memorable in a good way.
• Finally, always remember to thank the interviewers for their time and express your continued interest in the position.

By following these guidelines and asking thoughtful questions, you can stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting the job.

Next, read about the principal hiring process and download these 222+ principal interview questions to keep preparing to land your next admin job!