2 Interview Dilemma

[MrsPea93]

I have two interviews next week for very similar head of department roles in two very different school settings.
The interviews are on Monday and Wednesday but the issue is that I would prefer to get the Wednesday role.
I don't want to pull out of the first in case I am unsuccessful with the second but I want to be honest and open with the first employer.

Has anyone ever had a similar experience in a school setting? Usually, it is expected in schools that you would accept on the day but I'd like to request a slight extension to respond if I am offered the position.

Would welcome any advice - busy mama looking to return to full time after working part time for a few years to raise my children etc. and feeling a little bit out of my depth about making the right decisions!

Is it not possible to say the truth? “I have another. interview this week. I would like to make the best choice for myself. I will come back to you later in the week.”?

I would just be honest - tell them you have two interviews and you want to attend both and then make your decision based on that.

your other option would be to attend, accept it if they offer it to you, then if you get the Wednesday one, tell Monday that you’ve changed your mind?

Yes, I have had almost the same experience. School 1's interview was 250 miles away, but near to where DH lived. School 2's interview was within walking distance of my house. DH and I had agreed that whoever got the first job would relocate. I went to school 1 and as it was such a long drive back, they interviewed me first then sent me on my way. An hour from home, they called and offered me the job. I decided to be honest and say I had an interview at another school the following day, so please could I have 24 hours to think about it. To be fair, they agreed. I went to the 2nd interview, which I really thought I wanted but the HoD was a moron and I got bad vibes. I went into the formal interview and told the Head that I was withdrawing, but thanks for the opportunity. She was lovely, wished me luck in my move and said if it didn't work out, to contact her. I took school 1's job, which was a HoD post, sold my house, bought another one and moved, all in the space of 4 months (in the late 1990s).

As a retired Headteacher, I would say don’t mention anything until they phone to offer you the job. Then ask for 48 hrs to think about it/discuss with family etc. if they want you they’ll agree to that.
No school wants to think they are your second choice so I wouldn’t necessarily mention the other interview.

This, but you can mention it at interview two, I'm sitting on an offer, I'd prefer this but I need to tell them by tomorrow morning. Might make you more desirable to them.

Thank you very much for the advice ☺️☺️