What You Need to Know About Mock Interviews for Irish Teachers

Stepping into a leadership role in education is a dream that many teachers aspire to. Whether you’re aiming to become an Assistant Principal (AP post holder), deputy principal, or principal, the interview process can feel like a daunting hurdle. For educators in Ireland, balancing the growing demands of teaching, family responsibilities, and career growth, mock interviews can be a game-changer.

If you’ve been entrusted with important responsibilities in your school and dream of taking the next step, but it’s been a while since your last interview, this guide is for you.

Why Mock Interviews Matter

Mock interviews aren’t just about practising—they’re about uncovering your potential and showcasing your unique strengths. Here’s how they help:

1. Boost Your Confidence: Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you haven’t done one in years. Mock interviews provide a safe space to practice and build your self-belief. My clients appreciate it when I affirm things that they know they are really good at - in an unbiased way. 

2. Master Competency-Based Questions: Leadership interviews often focus on areas like leading teams, driving school improvement, and fostering a positive culture. In our mock interview, I’ll help you craft responses that reflect your experience and expertise.

3. Avoid Waffling: It’s easy to lose your train of thought or ramble during an interview. Mock interviews help you stay clear, concise, and impactful in your answers. I teach clients when and how to zip up their interview answers which helps them finish each answer in a powerful way. 

4. Tailor Your Responses to the Irish Education Context: With Ireland’s unique educational framework, including DEIS and LAOS planning, it’s essential to align your answers with current policies and initiatives.

5. Pinpoint your important messages: Mock interviews can help you uncover what’s unique about you. (Hint - it’s not your experience). 

Tailored Support for Your Journey

As an experienced teacher or AP post holder, you bring so much to your school community. But competing for leadership roles can feel overwhelming, especially when:

• It’s been years since your last interview: Confidence wanes when you’re out of practice.

• You’re managing family commitments: Finding time to prepare feels impossible.

• You fear others have more experience: Self-doubt can creep in, making you question your readiness.

Mock interviews tailored to Irish teachers are designed to fit your schedule, highlight your strengths, and address your specific challenges.

What to Expect in a Mock Interview Session

1. Customised Questions: You’ll practice with real-world questions aligned to Irish school leadership roles, focusing on:

   • Leadership and Management

   • Building Relationships

   • Teaching and Learning Excellence

2. Personalised Feedback: After each answer, you’ll receive practical, actionable advice to improve your responses and delivery.

3. Practical Strategies: Learn how to:

   • Structure answers using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

   • Emphasise your leadership contributions in your current role.

   • Address any gaps in experience with confidence and authenticity.

4. Emotional Support: Interviews can be as much about presence as they are about words. Mock interviews help you manage nerves, develop poise, and convey your passion for education. I remind clients and offer stories about the importance of body language and its importance in their success. 

Imagine Your Success

Picture yourself walking into an interview room, feeling:

• Prepared and confident in your abilities.

• Equipped with polished answers that showcase your expertise.

• Ready to connect with the panel and demonstrate your leadership potential.

Mock interviews are not just about getting ready for a single day—they’re about stepping into the leader you’re meant to be.

*Free Resource: I’ve created a handy solution for teachers to help them visualise success and build their confidence as they go forward for leadership roles. You can listen to it here: https://orla-dempsey-coaching.simplerosites.com/meditation

Real Stories from Educators

Many teachers who doubted their readiness found success through mock interviews. One shared:

"Before our interview session, I was really struggling with confidence. I doubted my ability to make an impact and felt overwhelmed by the process. However, after our time together, I felt empowered and ready. I now understand the importance of personalising my answers to truly reflect who I am and what I bring to the table. One of the most valuable lessons I took away was learning how to stay concise and avoid waffling, which made me feel more in control. The structure of our session was spot-on and gave me the clarity and focus I needed to succeed."