Failing and Interview for Hod Role

[Wisenotboring]

I've just completed a grueling interview day for a HoD role in a core subject. I didn't do a great job upon reflection and have been called today to say I wasn't successful. The feedback came from HR and was extremely minimal. I had another interview a while back where I received no feedback despite requesting it! I think manservant need tightening up a bit but other than that I don't know where to go to push myself past the post. I've spent loads of time on the internet researching potential questions and giving thought to how I could answer them. I think my mind goes a bit blank when put on the spot. Without significant feedback, I'm struggling to know how to improve further. Any advice or encouragement gratefully received!

My answers may need tightening up...

Sorry to hear you were unsuccessful

Can you get someone to do a mock interview for you? I did this a couple of years ago - went for second in a core faculty and didn't get it. Job came up a year later so I reapplied and got an ex head to do a mock interview. It really strengthened my answers and I got the job. Used his advice recently for a HoF interview that I was successful in.

It may be something relatively easy to put right but that you are maybe unaware of.

I do wish schools would give decent feedback though. I've had interviews in the past where I wasn't successful and had no feedback and it's really frustrating.

It’s just taken me an upsetting amount of interviews to get a HoD role (also core). I’ve only had one decent headteacher give me proper feedback.
I would suggest that if you can, find a senior member of staff who will do a mock interview with you and give you feedback. My answers apparently weren’t as detailed as they could be at times (and I once failed for not mentioning the national curriculum 🙄).

Many thanks both. Yes, I think a mock interview is the way forward here. It's been a while since I interviewed unsuccessfully for jobs (apart from the most recent 2) and I have been shocked by how little care is given to the fact that preparing for an interview is such a costly process in terms of time and effort. In the past I have have recieved lengthy feedback from the head via phone call or maybe email. I apprciate time moves on and clearly things have changed. As it happens the schools are both independent and I wondered if maybe there is a certain arogance because of that? Thanks again, I will arrange some mock interviews...