Interview Questions

Principal Interview Questions

---

A Principal oversees all higher-level operations in a school. They create a safe learning environment and set performance goals both for students and teachers, and oversee the process so that those goals are attained.

Principals supervise teachers and education staff and keep track of student performance. They ensure that school facilities remain safe for students and faculty and plan regular maintenance of school grounds and equipment. Principals also research and acquire new materials and resources to improve the experience of both students and teachers.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Principal or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Principal position, these Principal interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Principal Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Principal interview questions.

1. Why do you want to be the Principal of this school? What motivates you to do the job?
2. What is your educational background?
3. Can you provide some information about your job history and experience?
4. What do you think should be the main goal of a School Principal?
5. What has been your greatest contribution to the schools you have worked in?
6. Why do you feel you are a good candidate for this role?
7. Please describe your leadership style.
8. Describe a time when a situation needed to be handled with sensitivity and tact. What was the issue, how did you handle it and what was the outcome?
9. What advice would you give to new teachers during their first year?
10. What is a common mistake that you've seen teachers make, and how could they fix it?
11. Can you describe a time when you had to give constructive feedback to an experienced teacher?
12. What is the primary way you support teachers in their role as student advocates?
13. What is something a school could change, outside the classroom, to improve learning?
14. What do you feel is an adequate measure of student success within the classroom?
15. From your point of view, what should be the relationship between a Principal and the students?
16. What is your approach to student discipline?
17. Can you tell us about a very difficult class or student, and how you handled them?
18. In what ways do you empower teachers to be leaders and role models for students?
19. How would you address a teacher’s criticism of administrative support or a lack thereof?
20. How do you approach teacher evaluations, and what role do they have in student success?
21. What methods do you implement to help teachers improve their instructional methods, and what types of professional development would you seek out for the school?
22. When dealing with students and discipline, at what point is it appropriate to involve parents, and how do you support them in helping students succeed in school and at home?
23. What are some of the challenges that today's students face, and how should we address them?
24. How do you motivate and encourage staff?
25. Outline the role that parents should play in the school?
26. How do you set about building good relationships with staff and parents?
27. Are there any long-standing traditions in education which you think should be abolished?
28. What are the most critical inputs you can bring to this school?
29. On what criteria do you judge your success as a principal?
30. Can you describe your definition of quality and effective instruction?
31. What professional development activities have you undertaken recently?
32. How do you build a positive school culture or climate? What would you implement at this campus to continue success?
33. How do you guarantee that each staff and teacher understands their role in student and school success, and what steps would you take to recognize individual contributions, efforts, and accomplishments?
34. What steps can you take to support a safe learning environment for the students?

Principal Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Principal interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

1. Why Do You Want This Job?
2. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
3. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
4. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
5. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
6. What is Your Salary Expectation?
7. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
8. What is Your Greatest Strength?
9. Tell Me About Yourself
10. Why Should We Hire You?

---