Tuesday, June 16, 2009

First Job Interview: Monday, June 15

I had expressed interest in a library job that came open, not knowing for sure if I was truly interested at the time. Everyone that I have talked to has said that I would not be happy there, so I backed off a little. The Principal called and requested an interview. He then let me choose the time slot, so Monday at 4:30 would be the moment of truth. I explained to him that I didn't know how interested I truly was, but that I wanted to at least talk to him about the job. I informed my current principal of the interview about an hour before I was scheduled to meet for the interview.
When I arrived, the Principal lead me into his conference room where I was greeted by the Assistant Principal, a teacher, and the Media/Technology Director. The first question he had for me was where exactly my interest level was at this point. Of course, I told him I wasn't really sure. The interview would probably answer some questions for me; and, of course, it would be good practice for me if nothing else. He told me some background information on the job, and then proceeded to explain the interview process. The questions would be in a round-robin format, where 10 pre-formatted questions would be asked. At the conclusion, I would be allowed to ask any questions that I had about the job. From there, I would be escorted to the library with an activity consisting of two components. The first part would be a short quiz on some 21st century tools and the second a writing exercise.
I was not nervous for most of the interview, simply because I was not sure that this position was the right one for me. The ten questions were easily answered for the most part. I brought up some important terms that I have learned through the course of this program at ASU. Collaboration, 21st century learner, the role of playing the change agent, increased student achievement are just a few that come to mind. The interviews we did for this class provided me with some good ammunition for one of the questions. When asked how I was going to build relationships with the faculty and students, I responded with the fact that I want everyone to know my name and what I do. Purpose means more than a title. I declared that I was out to redefine the role of Media Coordinator, and that whatever school I work in, one thing is for sure-they will know what I do! After the formal questions, they asked me if I had told the Principal that I was going to be interviewing for a job, and if so, when. I refused to lie and informed them that I told the Principal just a couple of hours before the interview. As a matter of fact, we were at our Faculty end-of-year picnic when I asked him to have a seat so we could chat.
In the library, I had to identify four parts of an Active Board. They consisted of the Board itself, the slate, the document camera, and the clickers for the students. For the writing portion, I opted to type on the computer and print out my response, since that was stated as an option. I took the information to the front office as instructed and noticed it was raining profusely outside. Waiting until it slowed seemed to be the best option. As I was walking out the office door, the Assistant Principal called me from behind. He was coming from the conference area. When he saw the rain, he offered me an umbrella. I told him it wasn't necessary, that it would probably end soon. The sunlight was trying to peek from beyond the clouds and rain. He asked me if I had come to any decisions about the fit of the job. Honesty is the best policy, so my response was that I was still somewhat unsure. The Principal then came from the conference room. He offered to walk me out and I told him not to worry over it. The Assistant Principal then proceeded to get the extra umbrella that he had offered me earlier. I thanked him and told him I would circle around and drop it off because I had one in my car. He stated that there was no hurry, that he was quite sure that he would be seeing me back around there real soon.
The interviews were supposed to take place Monday and Tuesday. So maybe I will hear something soon. Of course, I called my husband on my way home. He informed me that my current Principal and the Principal with whom I had just interviewed were best friends. So my principal probably knew about this interview last week as soon as I scheduled it.
I guess at this point I will wait to see if I get offered the position. Am I interested? I am not certain, but I do feel better about it having gained some specific knowledge of the job. Time will tell.

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