Waiting for the call

hockey21 · 03-07-2015 7:41pm

Hi everybody
Just wondering how long after the closing date will you hear from a school to be asked to come for an interview iv sent out a lot of applications and in hearing nothing at all
thanks

mtoutlemonde · 03-07-2015 8:03pm

hockey21 wrote: »

Hi everybody
Just wondering how long after the closing date will you hear from a school to be asked to come for an interview iv sent out a lot of applications and in hearing nothing at all
thanks

You may not. Some schools don't have the manners to reply.

hockey21 · 03-07-2015 8:22pm

yeah it's so annoying just waiting some closing dates were last week and heard nothing so frustrating that they don't even acknowledge your application ahhhhhhhhhh

NufcNavan · 04-07-2015 12:31am

I just got a rejection letter from an ETB stating that they needed x amount of years experience before considering putting teachers on my subject's shortlist. Not even for a job itself, just to be shortlisted...

No mention of such a requirement before filling out their ever so long application form accompanied with teacher reg. and Garda Vetting proof.

Honestly, I feel that the ETBs are loaded with pencil pushers and jobsworths. The reason seemed made up, like they had to do it just to cut down on the list. I'm sure it was someone's ever so important job in some office somewhere to type that automated message to me and another's also extremely vital job to put the letter into the envelope and seal it.

Crazyteacher · 04-07-2015 8:12am

NufcNavan wrote: »

I just got a rejection letter from an ETB stating that they needed x amount of years experience before considering putting teachers on my subject's shortlist. Not even for a job itself, just to be shortlisted...

No mention of such a requirement before filling out their ever so long application form accompanied with teacher reg. and Garda Vetting proof.

Honestly, I feel that the ETBs are loaded with pencil pushers and jobsworths. The reason seemed made up, like they had to do it just to cut down on the list. I'm sure it was someone's ever so important job in some office somewhere to type that automated message to me and another's also extremely vital job to put the letter into the envelope and seal it.

Think we got the same letter from the same ETB. It's time they advertised their essential criteria on their adverts just like they do in the UK. It would cut down on all the work they make for themselves! Same ETB only moved away from 5 copies of application forms and all documents this year since they merged. I'm giving up on said ETB anyway.

Crazyteacher · 04-07-2015 8:15am

NufcNavan wrote: »

I just got a rejection letter from an ETB stating that they needed x amount of years experience before considering putting teachers on my subject's shortlist. Not even for a job itself, just to be shortlisted...

No mention of such a requirement before filling out their ever so long application form accompanied with teacher reg. and Garda Vetting proof.

Honestly, I feel that the ETBs are loaded with pencil pushers and jobsworths. The reason seemed made up, like they had to do it just to cut down on the list. I'm sure it was someone's ever so important job in some office somewhere to type that automated message to me and another's also extremely vital job to put the letter into the envelope and seal it.

On the other hand I have to say I find LMETB HR very good . Incredibly respectful. Their principals really do use their sub panel too.

hockey21 · 04-07-2015 8:22am

yeah the cutting down the piles of applications for various reasons is grand but I'm trying to move schools cos wev just built our house I cannot understand how I'm not even getting to the interview stage when I've 14 years experience I even went and did a two year diploma in eduction and have done a tonne of extra short courses I starting to think am
I too old do principals want teachers just out of college or is somebody just lined up for all these jobs even though you have to put in all your degrees dips and a load of documents I dunno??? Becoming very disheartened with the whole situation

r93kaey5p2izun · 04-07-2015 11:42am

I'm in the same boat hockey21. Trying to get out of my school because policy is to keep everyone on part time CID. I've 10 years experience with an M.Ed and lots of short courses/CPD but can't even get to interview stage. I'm desperate at this stage. Heard yesterday I will only be getting my CID hours and no RPT hours next year. Hard not to feel this is punishment for not being "grateful" for what I had. I tried years of keeping the head down and hope for improvement and that got me nowhere. I tried discussing things with principal and now I'm worse off. Best of luck in your job search.

hockey21 · 04-07-2015 12:12pm

yeah it's so disheartening are we too qualified or too old and might have an opinion? My friend seems to think principals want people out of college as they'll do whatever I think she's wrong but so far I haven't a single interview. I've done loads in my school to contribute to the school community I don't know I'm wondering do I just have to resign my job and go subbing for few years so principals get to know you I just don't know the other thing I've heard is principals like to employ locals so I don't know what to do I'm primary school. In the ads that request all documentation I believe these have to be real jobs making you go to all that trouble or am I wrong? I really don't know if anybody knows could u tell me where I'm going wrong?? Is it just the case that people are lined up for jobs and the best candidate is not interviewed or successful in getting the job??? I don't know

gaeilgebeo · 04-07-2015 12:23pm

I think there are genuinely very few jobs.
I know that any jobs that have come up in my own school have been for a few hours here and there.
There are no 22 hour jobs.
Redeployment has also been an issue.
You must also remember the massive volume of applicants for each position.
It's huge.

I can completely understand the frustration and it's very easy for me to say, keep trying.
All it takes is one break and you can get sorted.
Unfortunately, it is a principal's market at the minute.

hockey21 · 04-07-2015 12:27pm

yeah I'll just keep applying and hope something comes up as my husband said to me think of it as playing the lotto you might win and you might not so I'll keep applying and see what happens thanks ðŸ˜Š

gaeilgebeo · 04-07-2015 12:39pm

I genuinely don't think there's an age discrimination either.
I work in a big school and have seen teachers straight out of college and those with more experience get contracts.
Hang in there.

hockey21 · 04-07-2015 12:45pm

Yep I'll keep going hopefully I'll at least get 1 interview ðŸ˜Š thanks will keep ye posted how I get on ðŸ˜Š

mirrorwall14 · 04-07-2015 12:49pm

Huge amount of non jobs with the switch over to the new CID rules. In our school multiple jobs were rolled into bigger contracts. In one particular job the person in situ didn't even get called for interview due to the phenomenal level of applications and the standard of qualifications

r93kaey5p2izun · 04-07-2015 12:58pm

Yes, I'd well believe it. I don't know how I can improve my chances for the future though. If I failed at interview I could accept it but failing to even get to interview is crushing.

mirrorwall14 · 04-07-2015 1:17pm

I wouldn't get disheartened. To be honest give the he level of applications I'm hearing about (400+ Per position) I know our management/secretaries don't have time even to skim that many, never mind do it for the 7/8 jobs advertised so I suspect a lot of schools are just running out of steam and not getting through reading them all

Rainbowshimmer · 04-07-2015 1:27pm

aunt aggie wrote: »

Would you consider speaking to Principal of the school you verbally accepted an offer from? I've found Principals are very understanding of conditions and they might be willing to give you two weeks before expecting a final answer and signed documents. If you're luckier closer to home then I'm sure they'll have someone waiting on a call who'd be happy to step in. AND its also a big plus when you're able to point out in interview that you already have an offer from somewhere else!! Don't mention the school by name though, unless they're already on your CV.

It would be better to speak to school management rather than leave them wondering why it's taking you so long to sign documents. That's just my point of view. Someone with more experience of hiring in schools might be able to offer you better advice.

I was actually thinking of that, however I am dealing solely with the secretary and haven't spoken to the principal at all, so I'm assuming he's on holiday at this stage. It's not a contract I've been given, rather the appointment form that goes to the department for payment. Thanks for the advice. As I said I would hate to leave anybody down, but I can't help thinking that if I get the next job, that opportunity is not going to present itself again for a long time.

evolving_doors · 04-07-2015 1:47pm

Rainbowshimmer wrote: »

I was actually thinking of that, however I am dealing solely with the secretary and haven't spoken to the principal at all, so I'm assuming he's on holiday at this stage. It's not a contract I've been given, rather the appointment form that goes to the department for payment. Thanks for the advice. As I said I would hate to leave anybody down, but I can't help thinking that if I get the next job, that opportunity is not going to present itself again for a long time.

Forget about pleasing others, a job nearer to home with somewhere you know is like gold-dust. I know I'll be criticised for 'not being grateful' or 'letting the school and the kids down' ...but... for now take the job you have and do the other interview. Take whichever job suits you best, it's not as if it's half way through the term and you'll be leaving exam students without a teacher all of a sudden.

Every single school has seen last minute adjustments to the timetable in September. They'll get over it, and I sincerely doubt they'll find it hard to get another suitable candidate (if they've done everything correctly during the initial interview).

hockey21 · 04-07-2015 2:14pm

Gebgbegb wrote: »

Forget about pleasing others, a job nearer to home with somewhere you know is like gold-dust. I know I'll be criticised for 'not being grateful' or 'letting the school and the kids down' ...but... for now take the job you have and do the other interview. Take whichever job suits you best, it's not as if it's half way through the term and you'll be leaving exam students without a teacher all of a sudden.

Every single school has seen last minute adjustments to the timetable in September. They'll get over it, and I sincerely doubt they'll find it hard to get another suitable candidate (if they've done everything correctly during the initial interview).

You need to do what's best for you

Crazyteacher · 04-07-2015 3:20pm

hockey21 wrote: »

yeah the cutting down the piles of applications for various reasons is grand but I'm trying to move schools cos wev just built our house I cannot understand how I'm not even getting to the interview stage when I've 14 years experience I even went and did a two year diploma in eduction and have done a tonne of extra short courses I starting to think am
I too old do principals want teachers just out of college or is somebody just lined up for all these jobs even though you have to put in all your degrees dips and a load of documents I dunno??? Becoming very disheartened with the whole situation

They don't want young graduates either. Don't worry. It's all pure luck.

hockey21 · 07-07-2015 1:59pm

Does anybody have any idea how to get your teaching application noticed?? Sent out loads of applications hearing nothing back any ideas how to be noticed????

Mardy Bum · 07-07-2015 2:28pm

hockey21 wrote: »

Does anybody have any idea how to get your teaching application noticed?? Sent out loads of applications hearing nothing back any ideas how to be noticed????

Go to the school with it.

spurious · 07-07-2015 2:36pm

Make sure your application follows the instructions in the advert.

Do NOT

send it in an envelope that looks like it was addressed by a six year old. If you do not know where on an envelope an address should be written, find out.
Send it to anyone other than the person stated in the advert. If it says send it to the School Secretary, do not send it to the Principal.
Use an old Principal's name, if you are addressing the Principal.
send a paper application if an electronic one is requested (and vice versa)
use silly colours of pen to address the envelope

I saw all of the above when helping with applications for jobs in English and Chemistry in the last couple of years.

Jobs are few and far between, some people do themselves no favours at all in how they present their application.

hockey21 · 07-07-2015 3:19pm

spurious wrote: »

Make sure your application follows the instructions in the advert.

Do NOT
send it in an envelope that looks like it was addressed by a six year old. If you do not know where on an envelope an address should be written, find out.

Send it to anyone other than the person stated in the advert. If it says send it to the School Secretary, do not send it to the Principal.

Use an old Principal's name, if you are addressing the Principal.

send a paper application if an electronic one is requested (and vice versa)

use silly colours of pen to address the envelope

I saw all of the above when helping with applications for jobs in English and Chemistry in the last couple of years.

Jobs are few and far between, some people do themselves no favours at all in how they present their application.

Thanks yeah iv done it all I even find out chairpersons name and address it to that person I type my addresses iv actually done everything except put a massive sticker on it saying please read this I suppose it's a waiting game and a good bit of luck thanks for your reply anyway

lulufinn90 · 10-07-2015 1:47pm

spurious wrote: »

Make sure your application follows the instructions in the advert.

Do NOT
send it in an envelope that looks like it was addressed by a six year old. If you do not know where on an envelope an address should be written, find out.

Send it to anyone other than the person stated in the advert. If it says send it to the School Secretary, do not send it to the Principal.

Use an old Principal's name, if you are addressing the Principal.

send a paper application if an electronic one is requested (and vice versa)

use silly colours of pen to address the envelope

I saw all of the above when helping with applications for jobs in English and Chemistry in the last couple of years.

Jobs are few and far between, some people do themselves no favours at all in how they present their application.

I second all that is in this post. I wrote on my application in purple pen. Put FAO: Headmaster/mistress/secretary etc (depending on who to send to)

Also write on the bottom left of the envelope what the purpose of the letter is eg Maths Teaching Position. If the school says apply by post or email. make sure you post it. The only job I got an interview for was based on a postal application.
Furnish your application with proof of Teaching council registration and at least 2 recent references if requested.

Hope this helps

Starkystark · 27-07-2015 7:14pm

Hello everyone,

I hope people are enjoying their summer holidays. Quick question - I'm feeling a little worried: there seems to be very little jobs being advertised for secondary schools at the moment. Is it still too early?

gaiscioch · 27-07-2015 8:02pm

Starkystark wrote: »

Hello everyone,

I hope people are enjoying their summer holidays. Quick question - I'm feeling a little worried: there seems to be very little jobs being advertised for secondary schools at the moment. Is it still too early?

I think the school principals and deputy principals escape to their villas for the month of July. They should be back in schools around the 2nd week of August and another batch of jobs should be up on educationposts.ie then (a number of teachers decide for certain at the end of the summer that they're not returning).

Alex Meier · 27-07-2015 8:28pm

gaiscioch wrote: »

I think the school principals and deputy principals escape to their villas for the month of July. They should be back in schools around the 2nd week of August and another batch of jobs should be up on educationposts.ie then (a number of teachers decide for certain at the end of the summer that they're not returning).

Villas?

I presume you were posting that in jest.

A teacher cannot decide at the end of the summer whether they're returning or not. If I decide I'm not returning next month . . . I'll be unemployed in Sept.

Timetables have been made out in virtually all schools at this stage and some schools do recruit when management return in mid-August.

Starkystark · 27-07-2015 9:06pm

gaiscioch wrote: »

I think the school principals and deputy principals escape to their villas for the month of July. They should be back in schools around the 2nd week of August and another batch of jobs should be up on educationposts.ie then (a number of teachers decide for certain at the end of the summer that they're not returning).

Thanks for your reply! Gosh I wish I had that much time to decide whether I was returning to England or not. I really hope I didn't give up my position there for nothing here.

:(

janes1234 · 27-07-2015 9:40pm

Starkystark wrote:

Thanks for your reply! Gosh I wish I had that much time to decide whether I was returning to England or not. I really hope I didn't give up my position there for nothing here.

Most jobs are sorted in June some will be left till August. Afraid there still aren't that many positions around but hang in there.

seavill · 27-07-2015 9:46pm

Alex Meier wrote: »

Villas?

I presume you were posting that in jest.

A teacher cannot decide at the end of the summer whether they're returning or not. If I decide I'm not returning next month . . . I'll be unemployed in Sept.

Timetables have been made out in virtually all schools at this stage and some schools do recruit when management return in mid-August.

I would presume they were referring to teachers who may decide to retire at the last minute, or have found another job somewhere else in August themselves thus opening a slot in their original schools

Alex Meier · 27-07-2015 11:13pm

seavill wrote: »

I would presume they were referring to teachers who may decide to retire at the last minute, or have found another job somewhere else in August themselves thus opening a slot in their original schools

I've never heard of a teacher deciding to retire in August.

The vast vast majority of teachers don't leave teaching jobs in August to pick up new ones.

The jobs that are available are one that have become available in schools since May and Principals have decided to wait until August to advertise as they know by then the number of hours and subjects on the timetable

seavill · 27-07-2015 11:16pm

I got two jobs from people retiring in August.

The vast majority don't leave no but if there are jobs up in August a number of those will be taken by people who are in jobs currently opening up more vacancies

NufcNavan · 06-08-2015 4:23pm

Anyone else found that the amount of jobs advertised this year are fairly bleak. I remember there were a lot more advertised this time last year.

man_no_plan · 06-08-2015 7:00pm

You never know what's going to happen.

Some of my colleagues have been very amorous over the summer it seems, maternity leave jobs will be going up soon!

You also have people who might retire or take some form of leave, a months notice is all that's needed for retirement. If you add to that a teacher wh moves job in june - probably wont be refilled until august unless it happens early.

Cheese Wagstaff · 07-08-2015 12:04pm

Got offered a job yesterday for the first time, still slowly sinking in but delighted. How long does it normally take for written confirmation to be sent? I ask because I'd like to get that before I hand in my notice, I'm currently in an office at the moment.

gaiscioch · 07-08-2015 3:12pm

I note from this BBC article, that some major companies in Britain are now not looking for academic and educational details in their application forms:

The findings come after accountancy firm Ernst and Young (EY) announced it is removing all academic and education details from its trainee application process.
EY will choose which applicants to interview based on their performance in online tests, in an attempt to improve workplace diversity.

Any chance of that type of career-specific application process transferring to teaching in Ireland? There could be a lot of merit to it. At least in my case, in my Dip year I have to say I found it challenging to switch from academic intelligence to developing a new type of creative, interpersonal intelligence which relied on a fair smattering of psychology. I was one of those people who at the start of the Dip was focused on teaching the subject rather than focused primarily on teaching the students.

Alex Meier · 08-08-2015 10:34am

Cheese Wagstaff wrote: »

Got offered a job yesterday for the first time, still slowly sinking in but delighted. How long does it normally take for written confirmation to be sent? I ask because I'd like to get that before I hand in my notice, I'm currently in an office at the moment.

Written notice?

Never heard of that in teaching. . You just turn up on day one and off you go.

annejohn91 · 08-08-2015 2:23pm

Cheese Wagstaff wrote: »

Got offered a job yesterday for the first time, still slowly sinking in but delighted. How long does it normally take for written confirmation to be sent? I ask because I'd like to get that before I hand in my notice, I'm currently in an office at the moment.

Congrats btw

I received my contract and confirmation about 5 days after I was offered the position

Cheese Wagstaff · 09-08-2015 3:53pm

Alex Meier wrote: »

Written notice?

Never heard of that in teaching. . You just turn up on day one and off you go.

I mean my current job, where I work in an office.

Starkystark · 11-08-2015 12:23pm

Gosh I'm so anxious. Been on 2 interviews - one was a preliminary interview. It was awful - one of them basically kept on asking me questions and then talking over me whilst I was answering them and asking me another question through my answers. He had his watch out in front of him - its like he couldn't wait to get me out.

Had another one yesterday - came away quite positive from it - but haven't heard anything yet. As one poster commented already these interviews do nothing for ones confidence. I really really don't want to go back to England with my tail between my legs.

I've another interview tomorrow - yet another "preliminary" interview. Easy to know that they have such a huge choice if they can have two rounds of interviews for the one position to start in the matter of a few weeks.

gaiscioch · 11-08-2015 12:42pm

Starkystark wrote: »

Gosh I'm so anxious. Been on 2 interviews - one was a preliminary interview. It was awful - one of them basically kept on asking me questions and then talking over me whilst I was answering them and asking me another question through my answers. He had his watch out in front of him - its like he couldn't wait to get me out.

Had another one yesterday - came away quite positive from it - but haven't heard anything yet. As one poster commented already these interviews do nothing for ones confidence. I really really don't want to go back to England with my tail between my legs.

I've another interview tomorrow - yet another "preliminary" interview. Easy to know that they have such a huge choice if they can have two rounds of interviews for the one position to start in the matter of a few weeks.

It's not clichéd at all to say this experience of interviews will stand to you and, in all truth, sometimes in an interview it's OK to think that guy on the panel is a prick and that, now that you're seeing it, you wouldn't like to work for him. It's not too unusual for a member of an interview panel to be obnoxious because he wants to secure the job for somebody else. I've had two experiences of interviews where I left the room thinking I wouldn't like to work for them. You are always interviewing them too, and don't ever forget that (after all, you don't want to spend so much of your life in a job where the management are not up to it).

Best of luck tomorrow.

Starkystark · 11-08-2015 2:21pm

gaiscioch wrote: »

It's not clichéd at all to say this experience of interviews will stand to you and, in all truth, sometimes in an interview it's OK to think that guy on the panel is a prick and that, now that you're seeing it, you wouldn't like to work for him. It's not too unusual for a member of an interview panel to be obnoxious because he wants to secure the job for somebody else. I've had two experiences of interviews where I left the room thinking I wouldn't like to work for them. You are always interviewing them too, and don't ever forget that (after all, you don't want to spend so much of your life in a job where the management are not up to it).

Thanks Gaiscioch for your reply - that is very true. I would certainly not like to work for him. Fingers crossed. Trying to stay positive.

janes1234 · 11-08-2015 2:36pm

Starkystark wrote:

Gosh I'm so anxious. Been on 2 interviews - one was a preliminary interview. It was awful - one of them basically kept on asking me questions and then talking over me whilst I was answering them and asking me another question through my answers. He had his watch out in front of him - its like he couldn't wait to get me out.

First of all best of luck with everything positive thinking and you will get something. Secondly excusebmy ignorance but have never heard of second round interviews in teaching. Ive been on the job hunt each summer for years and never had that. Also I agree totally if they arent bothered with you at the interview then it shows lack if manner s and you prob wouldn't want to work for them.

aunt aggie · 11-08-2015 9:16pm

Starkystark wrote: »

Gosh I'm so anxious. Been on 2 interviews - one was a preliminary interview. It was awful - one of them basically kept on asking me questions and then talking over me whilst I was answering them and asking me another question through my answers. He had his watch out in front of him - its like he couldn't wait to get me out.

This happened to me recently. I found the interviewers really argumentative for no reason. I knew they were trying to throw me off and maybe they didn't want any learned off answers. I didn't appreciate it.

Corkgirl18 · 13-08-2015 11:03am

janes1234 wrote: »

First of all best of luck with everything positive thinking and you will get something. Secondly excusebmy ignorance but have never heard of second round interviews in teaching. Ive been on the job hunt each summer for years and never had that. Also I agree totally if they arent bothered with you at the interview then it shows lack if manner s and you prob wouldn't want to work for them.

Had 2 ETB interviews this summer that consisted of a preliminary round and a second round. Its a weird situation because they end up asking you many of the same questions they asked in the 1st round so you feel like you're repeating yourself.

hockey21 · 19-08-2015 8:09am

Corkgirl18 wrote: »

Had 2 ETB interviews this summer that consisted of a preliminary round and a second round. Its a weird situation because they end up asking you many of the same questions they asked in the 1st round so you feel like you're repeating yourself.

Hey just wondering if anybody can help when teaching jobs are advertised and they request your cv and the teaching application form is your cv supposed to read different from teaching form? What exactly are they looking for or is the job gone and hoping people wouldn't go to the trouble of filling out the two forms?Can anybody help advice from principals on this matter would be great thanks

highly1111 · 19-08-2015 8:37am

hockey21 wrote: »

Hey just wondering if anybody can help when teaching jobs are advertised and they request your cv and the teaching application form is your cv supposed to read different from teaching form? What exactly are they looking for or is the job gone and hoping people wouldn't go to the trouble of filling out the two forms?Can anybody help advice from principals on this matter would be great thanks

It just makes it easier for them to distinguish between candidates as CVs may be formatted and laid out differently. Whereas if everyone has to complete the same standard document its much easier to compare like with like. However, I agree it is a pain for us candidates!!

hockey21 · 19-08-2015 8:44am

highly1111 wrote: »

It just makes it easier for them to distinguish between candidates as CVs may be formatted and laid out differently. Whereas if everyone has to complete the same standard document its much easier to compare like with like. However, I agree it is a pain for us candidates!!

So should my cv be saying something different I've the same info on both cv mite have few new bits? But sure my second page is my referees I'm afraid to put them separate as I know principals can bin cvs with more than 2 pages but if referees are in teaching application could I leave them out of cv and have whole new 2nd page of info on cv??? I dunno I just really need a job ðŸ˜

janes1234 · 19-08-2015 2:23pm

OP is this fir primary or secondary?

Waiting for the call

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