School Principal (Elementary, Middle & High) Interview Questions & Answers

An elementary, middle, and high school principal oversees all school operations, including daily school activities.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Leadership skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Decision-making skills
• Interpersonal skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for School Principal (Elementary, Middle & High) positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Principals must communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents. For example, when dealing with academic issues, they must listen to students and teachers in order to restate their understanding of the problem.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Critical thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical thinking skills:

Principals analyze student test results and testing procedures to determine if improvements are needed. They must assess available options to help students achieve the best results.

Learn more about critical thinking interview questions and how to answer them!

Decision-making skills

Why interviewers are interested in your decision-making skills:

Because principals are responsible for students, staff, and the school’s overall operation, they consider many factors when making decisions.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Principals work with teachers, parents, and superintendents and must develop positive working relationships with them.

Leadership skills

Why interviewers are interested in your leadership skills:

Principals set educational goals and establish policies and procedures for the school. They need to be able to motivate staff to achieve these goals.

Learn more about leadership interview questions and how to answer them!

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

Teachers, students, and other staff report problems to the principal. Principals need to be able to analyze problems and find appropriate solutions.

Learn more about problem-solving interview questions and how to answer them!

(source: bls.gov)

School Principal (Elementary, Middle & High) Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General School Principal (Elementary, Middle & High) Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific School Principal (Elementary, Middle & High) Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. What is your approach to giving constructive feedback to teachers?
2. Tell me about your views on student discipline.
3. Give me an example of a situation that needed to be handled with sensitivity and tact. How did you approach the situation, and what results did you get?
4. Describe a time you worked on a campus improvement plan. How did you contribute to the plan?
5. What do you think is your greatest contribution to the schools you have worked on?
6. How do you empower teachers to be leaders and role models for their students?
7. What is your approach to teacher evaluations? What role do you think they play in the success of their students?
8. How do you motivate and encourage staff members? Can you give me an example?
9. Tell me about some of the recent professional development activities you have undertaken.
10. Describe a time you resolved a conflict between adults on campus.

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.