Anyone got time to help me with interview prep?

[SewingBox]

I have to do a presentation on what "I as school business manager will impact on the business function and school ...."

This is a small school which hasn't had a business manager before, although there are people who will have been filling some of that function.

I can talk for hours on the generic business manager role and why it's good for a school, but I can't think of any ideas that are specific to me, rather than "a business manager". Any ideas? Or is the generic line OK, do you think?

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Anything specific to the school?

[TrashcanMan]

Do you mean things like opening the school out to the wider community, using school resources for classes, workshops, that sort of thing?

[SewingBox]

I don't know what they mean! I thought I was perfect for this job when it was advertised, but now I'm starting to think I have nothing to offer at all and I need to snap out of that!

Thing is, from everything I've seen, they're doing a pretty good job already. There's nothing shouting that it needs to be changed. I'd also feel a bit uncomfortable suggesting that things need changing when I haven't really seen the workings of the school yet.

[MonstrousRatbag]

OK, why not tell stories about things you fixed at other places, to showcase your skills?

Prep a very short general intro, then name 3 key relevant skills. Create a narrative for each using SOAR or STAR:

Situation
Objective
Action
Result

Situation
Target
Action
Result

To wrap up, you could hypothesise 2-3 possible future challenges or opportunities and say why or how you would be good at dealing with those.

[HubertCumberdale]

The things that make you unique are your experiences, so I would build this out of examples from past employment.

[TrashcanMan]

Focus on your contacts, your specific skills, give examples from your direct experience

[TrashcanMan]

Fundraising, community links and raising the school's profile, all important to schools

[SewingBox]

Thank you that's really helpful. Obvious now you've told me I need to show how I'd do some of the great things I've done elsewhere, there.

I think I was trying to make it more difficult/impressive than it needs to be.

[TrashcanMan]

Input to school inset and training days as well, schools are always looking for new ideas

[Sarsaparillajones]

Actually I think you might be slightly overthinking it. When I set presentations for interviews I often ask what the candidate, as x post will achieve. I think the key bit her is not you, but you as Business Manager IFYSWIM. What I want to see in this situation is do they understand the role, and what will they actually do if they are in it. So I'd start from these are the key things a business manager will achieve for your school (and it sounds like you can talk on this comfortably) and then give specific examples of how you would implement or when you have done this previously. What are the things you know a good business manager should do ? what's listed in the role description / job pack - any idea of priorities ?

[SewingBox]

Thanks Sarsaparilla, that's the conclusion I've come to. They want to know I understand the role because TBH, very many people doing it already, don't!

[SewingBox]

Well, thank you so much for all your help. They offered it to me on the spot!

[MonstrousRatbag]

Yay!
That's great, well done!

[CloserToFiftyThanTwenty]

Congratulations!

[TrashcanMan]

Brilliant news! Congratulations!