Band Leadership – “How to Crush Your Leadership Audition/Interview”
Make sure not to come off as arrogant when talking about your strengths and try not to be too self deprecating when talking about your weakness. Just be fair. You can also include a specific way you are working on improving in that area or mention who it is in the band that you would lean on to help balance out your shortcomings.
One of the most common questions involves a scenario and asking you what you would do or how you would respond to the situation. Sometimes there is a right answer and sometimes there is not. Sometimes it is very open ended. Take your time to think about these and if you need to, ask some clarifying questions about the scenario before you dive into an answer.
Here’s your chance to show you have put a lot of thought into being a drum major. If you have, you’d have a lot of questions right? You should have questions for your interviewer but keep it brief. You’ll have more time for questions later and drum major audition day may be a very long day for your band directors.
When you do, come prepared with what you think the role should include so you can ask follow up questions and have a dialog about the topic. Just the fact that you ask your band director this question and that you have given it some thought, will show a lot of initiative on your part.
This question is checking you in two ways. First, do you have a healthy sense of humility or do you feel entitled to the position. And second, if you truly have the mindset of wanting to serve the band program, you should be able to think of a few ways you can do that without the drum major position.
FAQ
What questions are asked in a leadership interview?
- Tell me/us about the time you demonstrated leadership skills at work? …
- What is your leadership style? …
- Which supporting skills do you think are more important for a leader? …
- How do you manage a conflict situation? …
- What was the hardest decision you have taken as a leader?
How do you pass leadership interview?
- Prepare your ‘situations’ for STAR in advance. …
- Understand leadership qualities. …
- Be specific. …
- Try not to waffle. …
- Remember to talk about how you took on a leadership role or demonstrated leadership qualities.
- Don’t badmouth your former co-workers. …
- Don’t talk about failures where you are unable to redeem yourself.
What do you expect from a leadership interview?
- Can you tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
- How do you monitor the performance of the people that you have to lead?
- Are you able to delegate responsibilities efficiently?
- How would you describe your leadership style?
- What can you do to motivate a team?
What do you say in a drum major interview?
I would show up early and leave late and make sure I am always prepared and providing a good example for everyone. One of the reasons I want the position is because I think I can do those things really well and as the drum major I would be able to have a bigger impact.”
