In episode 57 of the Growth and Educational Leadership podcast, I discuss handling multi-part interview questions that can throw school leaders off under pressure. I explain practical strategies such as asking permission to use a notepad, requesting clarification or repetition, and taking a brief pause to process before answering. 

I show how to decode questions by pulling out the key verbs (e.g., led, engaged, overcame, evaluated) and then chunking the response into clear sections, using sequential language and the rule of three to keep it structured without sounding scripted. I highlight common mistakes like overexplaining context, focusing too long on the first part, and rushing the rest, and I recommend keeping the impact short at the end. 

Learn more about 'Help! I’ve an Interview in a Week' here: https://www.orladempseycoaching.ie/page/247284

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Welcome and Recap
• 01:34 Why Multi-Part Questions Trip Us Up
• 02:25 Use Notes and Ask Clarification
• 07:45 Decode Questions With Verbs
• 09:07 Chunking and Rule of Three
• 10:21 Check Back and Keep Impact Brief
• 12:10 Stay Grounded and Avoid Common Mistakes
• 13:58 Structure Without Sounding Scripted

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