“Energy is eternal delight” — so its opposite is…?

“(h/t to William Blake who, though dead, deserves eternal credit for the eternally delightful maxim.) If, like mine, your own heart seems to pump more espresso than blood, then it may be important to consider the energy coming from those interviewing you.

I’m not saying interviewers need to be manic or anything; I’m just saying a lack of excitement, of a sort of buoyancy—of even a decorously restrained intensity—when discussing educational vision while courting for a temporary professional marriage may be, well, a screaming red flag.

Granted, the interviewers are stuck in their hotel rooms interviewing candidate after candidate for many more straight hours than the candidates themselves, but still—we’re all teachers, current or past, so we should be pretty good at keeping our energy level up whenever a professional client enters the room, be it classroom or hotel room. The short version? Beware the droopy interviewer, and put a gold star by the inspired/inspiring one. You are, after all, bound to be sitting in many more meetings with them if you sign the contract to work with them. If they’re sleepy, chances are you’ll be a sleepy worker with them. But if they’re exciting—in a way that rings true (and we all have what Hemingway calls a “shock-proof sh!t-detector,” don’t we, to distinguish real from fake excitement, yes?)—then consider fishing your pocket for that ring, and dropping to your knees on the spot.”*

There really is nothing quite like stepping into someone’s hotel room for an interview. When you pause to think about it, the entire setup feels a little strange. Recruiters are often confined to the same room for the whole day, interviewing candidate after candidate, so it’s understandable that energy levels may dip. Still, there are ways administrators can improve the experience.

Simple changes can make a difference. Bringing along school materials—logos, photos, or a slideshow—can help the room feel less sterile and more representative of the school itself. Shifting the interview format toward a more conversational tone can also help, even something as small as offering tea or coffee. Some schools might even take the discussion on a short walk around the hotel, inside or outside. That last idea may sound unconventional, but recruitment fairs are already unusual environments. A little creativity could benefit everyone involved.

Most of us have experienced interviews where the interviewers appear disorganized or only vaguely aware of who is sitting in front of them. Some seem confused or out of sorts, unable to project any genuine enthusiasm for their school. As Clay Burell points out, however, these logistical flaws shouldn’t matter if the person is truly excited about their workplace. That excitement—or its absence—should be clear. If administrators don’t seem to enjoy working at their school, it may be a red flag worth noting.

At the same time, it’s important to account for cultural differences. Some international schools, particularly British international schools, tend to operate with a more formal, reserved style. That seriousness can easily be mistaken for boredom or lack of passion. In reality, the school may be a very engaging place to work once you’re there, with colleagues who are lively and enjoyable in less formal settings.

The takeaway

At international school recruitment fairs, pay close attention to how engaged your interviewers appear. Energy is hard to fake, and sustained enthusiasm usually reflects a healthy working environment. While cultural context matters, consistent disengagement often tells its own story. The people interviewing you today are the people you’ll likely work with tomorrow—and their energy may offer an early glimpse into what that future could feel like.