The International Schools Review Forum

We've been cold-contacted by a few schools that we are very unlikely to sign contracts with. What's the protocol here? We could certainly use some interview practice (and you never know, we might fall in love), but I don't want to string anyone along. Is there a code of ethics for interviews?

An interview is just that, an interview. It's not an offer. It's not a contract. It's just an interview and there is nothing wrong with going into one with the feeling that you were unlikely to sign a contract with. I think as long as you keep an open mind there is nothing unethical about it. You never know. They may knock your socks off, or even better that HOS could end up at a school that you would sign with. Never hurts to make new friends.

Good luck to you.

If they want to interview you and you don't have jobs yet, why not? You might be surprised at how it turns out! ;-)

In the end, worst case scenario is you might not take a job offer. That's fine. But at the same time, you might have met an administrator or director that you think you would love to work with - just at a different school than the current one.

Good luck with your interviews!

It's only unethical if, after the interview, you string them along if they say they'd like to hire you. But agreeing to interview is not the same as agreeing to take the job. If they want to interview you and you don't mind interviewing with them, why not do it? Best case scenario: they blow you away with how awesome the school is and you end up with a job. Worst case scenario: you still don't want to work there, but you got some good interview practice.

From an aspirational POV If your TRULY not interested in the school, and your 100% doing it ONLY for interview practice then you should inform the school of your current position and intentions and ask if they would like to proceed with the interview. They may have a young admin who needs some interviewing practice as well.

In your situation since your open (regardless of how little) to the possibility, their is no harm in giving the school the opportunity to "sell you" on their school, location and position. It may be a hard sell, or even an impossible one, but thats a factor in any type of negotiation.

Thanks, folks. I really appreciate the advice.