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Backing Yourself for Success in The New Year

Welcome to 2025! I’ve been thinking a lot about how this year can be a turning point—not just for me, but for all of us who are ready to step into leadership with confidence and purpose. The idea of “backing yourself” has been at the forefront of my mind.

This isn’t just a phrase; it’s a mindset. It’s about believing in yourself, showing up with intention, and taking action, even when the path feels uncertain. Let me share a little about how I’m approaching this year, and maybe you’ll find someth…

Jan 10, 2025 08:00am

By Orla Dempsey

Under #Confidence, #careerchange, #AssistantPrincipal, #Interview, #Interview Preparation, #Growth mindset & #DeputyPrincipal

5 min read

Blog+ Podcast Quotes by Guest Speakers (1)

LAOS - Leadership Interview Questions Based on the 4 Domains

Here are 40 sample questions based on the Looking at Our Schools (LAOS) framework tailored for the Irish school setting:

Domain 1: Leading Learning and Teaching

How would you ensure the effective implementation of Síolta and Aistear in the school?
How would you monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across all classrooms?
How do you ensure continuity and progression in literacy and numeracy?
Can you describe a time you implemented a whole-school initiative to improve student learni…

Dec 23, 2024 12:22pm

By Orla Dempsey

Under #AP, #AP2, #AP1, #Career, #Interview questions, #Interview, #DeputyPrincipal, #Primary and Post Primary Interviews & #Principal

4 min read

Key Leadership Interview Questions and How I Mentor Clients to Answer Them

1. Tell me about a time you faced a challenging situation.

This is one of the most common leadership questions, and it’s designed to assess how well my clients can navigate tough situations on their own or while leading a team.

How I Approach This in the Mock Interview:

I start by helping my clients identify a meaningful challenge they’ve faced. Together, we focus on how they approached the problem, engaged their team, and ensured a positive outcome.
Then, I guide them to use the STAR method (Situ…

Dec 23, 2024 11:17am

By Orla Dempsey

Under #AP, #AP2, #Interview, #Interview Preparation, #Interview questions & #Education

8 min read

There’s One Problem With Job Applications for Teachers in Ireland: They Are Not Showcasing the Real You

From my experience reviewing teacher job applications, teachers usually approach the task like it’s an academic exercise. They try to sound like scholars, crafting applications filled with jargon and theoretical insights.

And trying to prove that they are good enough.

But here’s the truth: schools don’t want academics; they want educators who are authentic, self-aware and passionate. They want to know not just what you’ve done, but who you’ve become because of those experiences.

If you’ve ever fe…

Dec 18, 2024 02:31pm

By Orla Dempsey

Under #jobapplications, #coaching, #Principal & #DeputyPrincipal

5 min read

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 st…

Dec 18, 2024 01:44pm

By Orla Dempsey

Under #DeputyPrincipal, #Principal, #interviewconsultancy, #mockinterviews, #deputyprincipalinterview & #principalinterview

4 min read

Insights into the Necessary Job Seeking Skills - Peter and Gwenda Johnson

This blog post is inspired by my most recent episode of The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast. I spoke to Peter and Gwenda Johnson - a fantastic duo with tonnes of recruitment and job-seeking advice. Gwenda is a retired Primary School Principal and spent 9 years leading St Joseph’s - A Special School For Children with Visual Impairment.

Read on to uncover the stand-out points in our discussion.

You can listen to the podcast 👉 here.

The Importance of Tailoring Applications Both Peter and Gwe…

Sep 24, 2024 03:49pm

By Orla Dempsey

Under #AP, #applications, #Career, #careercoaching, #Interview & #Interview Preparation

4 min read

Brand New Method to Understand The Four Domains to Simplify Your Interview Answers

Lately, I’ve been finding myself discussing the impact that teachers have in their role. Helping them to see things from an external perspective has been a real game changer in helping them articulate their skills and the difference they have made.

This blog explains why you should reflect on your impact as a school leader and gives you common statements I hear. See if you can think about the impact that these teachers may have had as a result!

Self-Awareness

Self-reflecting on the impact that you'…

Aug 13, 2024 08:00am

By Orla Dempsey

Under #AP1, #AP2, #applications, #CPD, #DeputyPrincipal, #Growth mindset, #How to SAF, #Interview Preparation, #Interview questions, InspiringSchools & #Interview

5 min read

10 Confidence Tips for STAR Leadership Interviews

Stories are very powerful. I first became interested in people's stories when I became a coach. And I realised that the stories that we told ourselves have direct results in the kinds of opportunities that we have and the kind of results that we get. So there's a huge mindset associated with storytelling, the STAR technique, and the empowering beliefs that we have about ourselves. The STAR technique is a framework that you can use to frame your answers and your stories in interviews in an empow…

Aug 6, 2024 08:00am

By Orla Dempsey

Under #AP, #Career, #careercoaching, #Interview Preparation, #Interview, #DeputyPrincipal, #Growth mindset & #cpd

8 min read

I Don’t Give Ad-Hoc Discounts on My 1-1 Services and Courses - Here’s Why.

It’s brilliant to get a discount on goods and services - and shur why not try to see if you can get something at a discounted price?

As a small business owner, I don’t give ad hoc discounts to customers.

The GOOD NEWS IS though - that frequently, I run promotions on my email list - AND when you keep a keen eye on your emails from me - not only will you get FREE promotion-focused tips, but you will also pick up some incredible bargains! You can sign up to my email list here.

The reasons I don’t gi…

Jun 26, 2024 04:09pm

By Orla Dempsey

Under #jobapplications, #education, #careercoaching, #Interview Preparation, #teachingjob & #InterviewPreparation

2 min read

Sarah's Journey in The Career Accelerator Programme

Craving a change? Know that you have more to offer and just need that first break to get to the next step?

As teachers enrol in The Career Accelerator Programme right now - I'm sharing the story of Sarah who invested in the Programme when it first launched in early 2023. Reflecting on the clients who have enrolled to date - they all have one thing in common - they are HUNGRY for a new role and they know that they have got what it takes. Does this sound like you too?

Sarah's Story

Sarah had…

Mar 14, 2024 08:12am

By Orla Dempsey

Under #careerchange, #DeputyPrincipal, #careercoaching, #Leadership, #Interview Preparation, #Growth mindset, #Lookingatourschools, #TeacherEmpowerment, #JobHuntingStrategies & #InterviewSuccessGuide

3 min read

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Blog

Backing Yourself for Success in The New Year

LAOS - Leadership Interview Questions Based on the 4 Domains

Here are 40 sample questions based on the Looking at Our Schools (LAOS) framework tailored for the Irish school setting:

Domain 1: Leading Learning and Teaching

Key Leadership Interview Questions and How I Mentor Clients to Answer Them

1. Tell me about a time you faced a challenging situation.

There’s One Problem With Job Applications for Teachers in Ireland: They Are Not Showcasing the Real You

What You Need to Know About Mock Interviews for Irish Teachers

Insights into the Necessary Job Seeking Skills - Peter and Gwenda Johnson

Brand New Method to Understand The Four Domains to Simplify Your Interview Answers

10 Confidence Tips for STAR Leadership Interviews

I Don’t Give Ad-Hoc Discounts on My 1-1 Services and Courses - Here’s Why.

Sarah's Journey in The Career Accelerator Programme

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