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#DeputyPrincipal

“Do You Do Job Applications for [X Type of Role]?” — Here’s My Honest Answer

This is a question I get asked a lot, so let’s clear it up with love and honesty.

Yes, I do support job applications… but only for teachers inside The Confident Career Leader Programme.

And I’d love to share why - not to gatekeep, but to genuinely give you the best experience possible.

Job Applications Aren’t Just Paperwork

Most people think it’s as simple as handing over a form and getting a quick edit. But that’s not how real support works - at least, not the kind that actually lands in…

Mar 27, 2025 08:27pm

By Orla Dempsey

Under #AP, #AP2, #applications, #AP1, #careercoaching, #Education & #DeputyPrincipal

2 min read

Blog+ Podcast Quotes by Guest Speakers (2)

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

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

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

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

School Leader Quiz (1920 x 1080 px) (Instagram Video) (1)

How to Unlock What You Have to Offer when You Already Have Staff Buy In

As an ambitious school leader seeking to ascend to senior roles in the educational sector in Ireland, you likely find yourself in a unique position. You've already garnered the support and trust of your staff—a testament to your leadership skills and history. However, as you contemplate taking the next step in your career, you may wonder how to showcase your capabilities in your job application and interview - when the staff's buy-in is already secured.

Recognising Your Value

As a steady and n…

Jan 4, 2024 11:13am

By Orla Dempsey

Under #stratagies, #tipsforinterview, #howtowritejobapplication, #LeadershipJourney, #NetworkingMatters, #UnlockOpportunities, #principal, #Post Primary, #Career, #DeputyPrincipal & #Primary

4 min read

If I Was Applying for a Principal Role in 2024 This Is What I'd Do

Making the move to senior leadership is a significant life step - to say the least! Developing your career is different from developing your job, however. So, how can you foster your career and apply better for senior leadership roles?

Here's what I'd do if I was applying for a principalship in 2024.

1. I'd review the 16 LAOS competencies and see if I have an example for each competency. Your interview and your job application form will be based on them - so it's a fantastic use of your time…

Dec 13, 2023 12:35pm

By Orla Dempsey

Under #DeputyPrincipal, #principal, #Post Primary, #Mock Interviews for Primary, #Mock Interview Preparation Primary, #Education & #applications

4 min read

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Search It

Blog

#DeputyPrincipal

“Do You Do Job Applications for [X Type of Role]?” — Here’s My Honest Answer

Job Applications Aren’t Just Paperwork

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

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

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

10 Confidence Tips for STAR Leadership Interviews

Sarah's Journey in The Career Accelerator Programme

How to Unlock What You Have to Offer when You Already Have Staff Buy In

Recognising Your Value

If I Was Applying for a Principal Role in 2024 This Is What I'd Do

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