This is a good time to become a school principal. The need for education administrators is expected to grow by about 8% between 2008-2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that this anticipated growth---which is about as fast as the average for all professions---is because of fewer applicants for some positions, expected retirements and growth in enrollments of school-aged children. That's excellent news for qualified applicants. However, a school principal job won't just be handed to you. An aspiring principal must come into the interview prepared.

Find the opening. You might be disappointed if you simply look at a newspaper's classified ad section. Typically, schools advertise openings on their district website and the state's school boards association website. Publications geared for administrators and teachers like The Chronicle of Higher Education also have job listings.

Research the school. You need to know everything you possibly can about the school. Any information about the institution is fair game in an interview. For example, you should know the school's scores on the state's standardized test, the racial and ethnic makeup of the student body and teacher-to-student ratio.

Practice questions and answers. As a principal, you must show leadership skills and confidence. You don't want to stumble during the interview. The National Middle School Association broke the type of questions an applicant might get asked into eight common categories---background, students, general leadership, leadership when it comes to instruction and curriculum, leadership in staff development, leadership in specific situations, school climate and community and your professional identity and development.

Have questions for the superintendent and school board. Usually, the interviewer asks if you have any questions at the end. This is a good time to show your knowledge about the school and your competence by asking questions about topics that weren't covered in the interview. You should have some if you spent time researching the school properly.

Follow up. You should send an email or write a letter when you arrive home from the interview. Thank the person for the interview and re-state your interest in the position. If you don't hear back in an appropriate amount of time, contact the superintendent.