Waiting for the call

highly1111 · 11-06-2015 4:21pm #1

I don't really know why I'm posting as the situation is completely out of my control. I suppose I'm just looking for some empathy! I had an interview on Tuesday and was told I'd hear back on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning latest. However, principal said it would 99% be Thursday. Interview went well but as we all know - its incredibly difficult to tell. The wait is killing me. The summers of uncertainty are the worst thing about this profession. This job would mean a lot for my family. I've young children and we desperately need financial stability. Thankfully my husband has secure employment and it could be worse I suppose.

smallgarden · 11-06-2015 4:24pm

I hate the waiting. It's worse when they give a day but they dont ring you on that day. Fingers crossed for you. Im wary of June interviews for being ones for jobs that are long gone

highly1111 · 11-06-2015 4:27pm

smallgarden wrote: »

I hate the waiting. It's worse when they give a day but they dont ring you on that day. Fingers crossed for you. Im wary of June interviews for being ones for jobs that are long gone

I hear you. I just hope the fact they bothered interviewing means there's an actual vacancy. I must have applied for over 20 positions and I've been called for interview twice. Another one on Tuesday - however, that one is a chunk of a distance away and this one would be ideal. I'm trying to clutch on very rare straws.

smallgarden · 11-06-2015 4:35pm

Ive always found that August is the better month for interviews, more real jobs. Although that could be just in my area as its one of the last to be decided on

Postgrad10 · 12-06-2015 9:40am

Some They say they will ring and then they never do so try not to be too disappointed.

it's cruel, it really is.

km79 · 12-06-2015 10:26am

Postgrad10 wrote: »

Some They say they will ring and then they never do so try not to be too disappointed. it's cruel, it really is.

Many moons ago I went for an interview before lunch one afternoon and came home to find a letter had arrived in the post saying I was unsuccessful!!!!!!
interviews in June are mainly making up numbers sadly especially now with interviews after year 1 for all

highly1111 · 12-06-2015 11:08am

Just got the call. Didn't get it. Went to someone with more experience.

Postgrad10 · 12-06-2015 11:35am

At least they had the manners to let you know. Head up and keep on trying

Starkystark · 12-06-2015 3:56pm

In the same pickle myself - still waiting on a phone call. Had the interview yesterday.

Crazyteacher · 12-06-2015 4:45pm

Starkystark wrote: »

In the same pickle myself - still waiting on a phone call. Had the interview yesterday.

Fingers crossed for you starky.

highly1111 · 12-06-2015 6:09pm

Starkystark wrote: »

In the same pickle myself - still waiting on a phone call. Had the interview yesterday.

Good luck. What are your subjects?? Its tough out there.

pconn062 · 12-06-2015 6:25pm

In a similar situation myself, expect I had an interview for a lecturing position in an IT. Only had the interview this morning and already wondering how I am going to cope over the weekend. I also wasn't given any indication of how it would be before hearing. I actually already work in the Institute on a part time basis, but this is for a full time role. The suspense is horrible.

Starkystark · 12-06-2015 6:32pm

highly1111 wrote: »

Good luck. What are your subjects?? Its tough out there.

Geography and English. Currently teaching Geography, Citizenship and PSHE in England at the moment. I really want to come back home.

Starkystark · 12-06-2015 6:32pm

pconn062 wrote: »

In a similar situation myself, expect I had an interview for a lecturing position in an IT. Only had the interview this morning and already wondering how I am going to cope over the weekend. I also wasn't given any indication of how it would be before hearing. I actually already work in the Institute on a part time basis, but this is for a full time role. The suspense is horrible.

Good Luck!

patriciaf6 · 12-06-2015 8:13pm

Is it a good idea to ring for feedback? I got a letter today saying I was unsuccessful for an interview last week!

mtoutlemonde · 12-06-2015 11:38pm

patriciaf6 wrote: »

Is it a good idea to ring for feedback? I got a letter today saying I was unsuccessful for an interview last week!

It is a good idea but not all principals/chairpersons will be happy to provide you feedback.

TheDriver · 13-06-2015 10:52am

ETB schools will tell you to talk to HR.

highly1111 · 13-06-2015 11:03am

Starkystark wrote: »

Geography and English. Currently teaching Geography, Citizenship and PSHE in England at the moment. I really want to come back home.

Well good luck. They're good subjects. I hope you get it. My subjects are business, accounting and economics. Fingers crossed we'll get there.

TheDriver · 13-06-2015 11:26am

Unfortunately those 3 subjects are more like 1 subject and that could be the biggest challenge. It would be difficult to fill a timetable for you in most schools

highly1111 · 13-06-2015 11:42am

TheDriver wrote: »

Unfortunately those 3 subjects are more like 1 subject and that could be the biggest challenge. It would be difficult to fill a timetable for you in most schools

Yes. There's not a huge demand for accounting and economics especially. I've lots of experience teaching maths but I'm not registered to teach it with the TC. If things don't work out this summer I might have to go back and do the relevant courses to gain qualification - but with 3 young children and a lack of funds - it would be very difficult.

TheDriver · 13-06-2015 11:51am

Keep pressing the maths or willingness to do it/experience. I know its not what u want to hear but I wouldn't shortlist you if its only business subjects as I would foresee timetabling and CID issues down the road. However resource and maths would be of benefit so make sure its obvious. Best of luck.....

highly1111 · 13-06-2015 12:07pm

TheDriver wrote: »

Keep pressing the maths or willingness to do it/experience. I know its not what u want to hear but I wouldn't shortlist you if its only business subjects as I would foresee timetabling and CID issues down the road. However resource and maths would be of benefit so make sure its obvious. Best of luck.....

Thanks for your honesty. The school I've just finished in (I was doing a one year fixed term) have a vacancy for a SNA next year and have basically told me its mine it I want it - however, I don't know if it would look better or worse on my CV?? As a step back??

I also lecture part time, I've a masters, industry experience, have worked consistently inbetween having my children, have worked in the community, active in a sports club - and I'm not even getting shortlisted for a lot of jobs which say they're just looking for the business subjects. That said I've another interview on Tuesday so maybe the other jobs are just already earmarked. I genuinely don't know what to think.

However, I'd be genuinely interested to hear your thoughts on SNA for a year. Would the fact that its the same school make it appear "less bad"??? That they offered me a job but it wasn't a teaching one. The principal said he'd employ me tomorrow. He just can't offer me teaching hours.

TheDriver · 13-06-2015 12:12pm

Even though adverts only say business etc, its to maximise the applicants base and then a decision can be taken on preferred 2nd subject. I could advertise geography and art and get 1 whereas geog could get 100 and then I decide on 2nd subject.

The SNA is difficult but in your circumstances, it might be a good option. However be careful if you are on an old payscale as being out of teaching could put you on new terms. Taking on SNA is neither good nor bad but I personally wouldn't take on a teacher as SNA and in interview they never cone across as good as trained SNAs.

highly1111 · 13-06-2015 12:45pm

TheDriver wrote: »

Even though adverts only say business etc, its to maximise the applicants base and then a decision can be taken on preferred 2nd subject. I could advertise geography and art and get 1 whereas geog could get 100 and then I decide on 2nd subject.

The SNA is difficult but in your circumstances, it might be a good option. However be careful if you are on an old payscale as being out of teaching could put you on new terms. Taking on SNA is neither good nor bad but I personally wouldn't take on a teacher as SNA and in interview they never cone across as good as trained SNAs.

Thank you. I haven't been department paid since 2012 so I need to call the department on monday and clarify my position. I was also advised to get this past year recognised by the department for my increments etc. I was department paid pre 2011 but I need to find out exactly how it all may pan out. I've been mostly department paid since I graduated in 2010 but I wasn't working between August 2012-August 2014 as I had 2 babies in 18 months and then when I went back in august 2014 I was privately paid.

maynooth_rules · 13-06-2015 3:12pm

Postgrad10 wrote: »

Some They say they will ring and then they never do so try not to be too disappointed. it's cruel, it really is.

I find this utterly disgusting. Have gone to a handful of interviews where the principals did not have the basic decency to even let me know. Yes they are busy, but a little respect to the person who has attended the interview should be expected.

patriciaf6 · 13-06-2015 3:34pm

Any advice on how you get a job when you know other candidates have more experience?

Mardy Bum · 13-06-2015 6:41pm

patriciaf6 wrote: »

Any advice on how you get a job when you know other candidates have more experience?

Your reference will be hugely important. Be very confident but also reflective and self aware. Know your subject inside out and show your passion. Find out what is going on in the school extra curricular wise and show your passion for this also. Talk about teamwork and where you have demonstrated this. Don't be modest was one of the best pieces of advice I got.

Ultimately though what you did in your previous school will be what it comes down to. If you worked well with others, participated in EC, demonstrated excellence in some area and did a brilliant job in the classroom you can get a job ahead of someone with more experience. You must be fit to communicate this though.

patriciaf6 · 13-06-2015 7:13pm

Thanks for the great advice! Very disheartened at the moment after not getting a job that I interviewed for last week! I'm only out a year and had a fantastic year in a local school! I got so involved and gave it 100%! I got excellent references and it's just hard luck that there is no hours there for the coming year after doing a cover of 22hrs. Now I'm beginning to wonder how I'm going to compete against those with more experience but your advice has been so helpful!

TheDriver · 13-06-2015 8:29pm

maynooth_rules wrote: »

I find this utterly disgusting. Have gone to a handful of interviews where the principals did not have the basic decency to even let me know. Yes they are busy, but a little respect to the person who has attended the interview should be expected.

Sometimes we cant ring because it must be sanctioned etc, other times its because we are snowed under getting through the paperwork of interviews which believe me is a hell of a lot.

highly1111 · 14-06-2015 10:50am

TheDriver wrote: »

other times its because we are snowed under getting through the paperwork of interviews which believe me is a hell of a lot.

The Driver, I've a huge amount of respect for you based on what I know of you from boards. However, I cannot accept this as an excuse. Even an email with a bcc to the unsuccessful candidates with a one liner is sufficient. It takes 2 minutes yet relieves a massive amount of stress.

TheDriver · 14-06-2015 1:53pm

I agree but we are not allowed email, HR has to look after all communication. Like I said previously, there's an awful lot of bits and bobs that mean a phone call or email isn't possible. E.g. Waiting for number 1 to accept before telling rest sorry..... No excuse but its a very tiresome system

Alex Meier · 14-06-2015 3:19pm

Postgrad10 wrote: »

Some They say they will ring and then they never do so try not to be too disappointed. it's cruel, it really is.

It's highly unprofessional that anyone would interview someone and not get back to them when they say they will.

Principals/Deputy Principals who do that should be sacked.

goldencrisp62 · 14-06-2015 3:23pm

Head to the UK guys.

Plenty of jobs on offer and plenty money to be made too

highly1111 · 14-06-2015 4:56pm

goldencrisp62 wrote: »

Head to the UK guys.

Plenty of jobs on offer and plenty money to be made too

Not an option for many with mortgages and young children.

Mardy Bum · 14-06-2015 6:40pm

goldencrisp62 wrote: »

Head to the UK guys.

Plenty of jobs on offer and plenty money to be made too

The money is crap in the long run unless you go into leadership.

Starkystark · 14-06-2015 6:50pm

goldencrisp62 wrote: »

Head to the UK guys.

Plenty of jobs on offer and plenty money to be made too

Already here - just about getting through the year! Turned from a healthy positive person into an extremely unhealthy person reliant on tablets for anxiety!

Money is crap aswell! Would rather be subbing and living at home.

pandoraj09 · 15-06-2015 10:29am

Guys, I have been reading on this forum and I can get a real sense of your pain. I genuinely feel for you all. One thing that you should be shouting from the rooftops is that it is hugely unfair, unethical and immoral that teachers who have retired are back working in teaching, in some cases the September after their retirement. I heard last week of a DP who "retired" and is now back working in her school as a regular teacher. This seems to be particularly the case in fee paying schools, they take back the retired teacher and pay them privately. I know of another school where a teacher of a practical subject "retired" and was back the following September, not in a private school, teaching his classes so they wouldn't lose the advantage of the continuity of having the same teacher all the way to JC or LC.
You should be lobbying your TDs, making your voices heard in any way you can, about this practice. Those jobs should be yours, and not for people with mortgages paid off, families raised who got a nice lump sum and are in receipt of a pension. Just another example of unfairness in this corrupt country of ours!

Starkystark · 15-06-2015 5:45pm

Still no word!

I travelled back from England and everything!

highly1111 · 15-06-2015 5:53pm

Starkystark wrote: »

Still no word! I travelled back from England and everything!

What a joke. Was it a Dublin school? I wish we could name and shame!

Starkystark · 15-06-2015 5:59pm

Pm'd you!

patriciaf6 · 15-06-2015 8:09pm

Starkystark wrote: »

Pm'd you!

When was your interview? Stay positive!

gaiscioch · 15-06-2015 8:20pm

goldencrisp62 wrote: »

Head to the UK guys.

Plenty of jobs on offer and plenty money to be made too

There are "plenty of jobs" for a reason. See Teacher stress levels in England 'soaring', data shows (March 2015)

The money, however, is dire. I was plagued by agency recruiters (how very Thatcherite to create a lucrative group of private teacher recruitment agencies and pay the actual teachers a pittance) until I removed my name from all of them. They were offering the offensive salary of £22k or £23k, and trying to get me excited about getting a few hundred pounds back if I signed up to their company. No recognition for postgrad degrees or anything, and about 6 or 7 weeks more work each year.

In sharp contrast, I started on €38,000 here. The English system is a yellow pack system with teachers turned into burnt-out, creatively emaciated pen pushers filling in form after form. Unlike, say, financial whizzkids in "the City", teachers and their work are not valued in that society. A massive 40% of English teachers quit their jobs within the first year (2015). There will always be jobs for Irish people in such a system.
I decided to take the hit, stay in Ireland and do subbing wherever I could get it rather than become one of the many Irish people who return from the English system with their mind and self-confidence damaged.

As an old teacher always said to me, in Ireland teachers are drawn from the top 10% of secondary school classes; in England they tend to be drawn from the bottom (or thereabouts) 10%. Pay peanuts, get monkeys, and they'll accept monkey conditions.

gaiscioch · 15-06-2015 8:32pm

Tactically, I'd always tend to think I'd never be called for an interview and, if I was, I'd leave it thinking I didn't get it. None of this reflects on how I did, just on lowering my expectations in order to avoid disappointment. I'd never expect any sort of response to any interview if I didn't get it (although once or twice I have phoned just for feedback on how I could improve), and have long since stopped expecting responses to applications that weren't successful.

That way, if I get offered a job it can only be a pleasant surprise. It's hard but try and move on the minute it's over because you can't get yourself down mulling over it. No room for disappointment! Keep knocking on doors and something will come up (I easily applied for more than 100 jobs before I got my current one).

Starkystark · 16-06-2015 4:38pm

patriciaf6 wrote: »

When was your interview? Stay positive!

Thursday. I rang the school today and they said they sent out letters today so I presume I've been unsuccessful.

highly1111 · 16-06-2015 4:42pm

Starkystark wrote: »

Thursday. I rang the school today and they said they sent out letters today so I presume I've been unsuccessful.

You never know starkystark. I got called for an interview via letter and it wouldn't surprise me if I hear one way or another via letter also. I had an interview today so the wait is back on for me. I hope the post arrives tomorrow for you.

Starkystark · 16-06-2015 4:48pm

highly1111 wrote: »

You never know starkystark. I got called for an interview via letter and it wouldn't surprise me if I hear one way or another via letter also. I had an interview today so the wait is back on for me. I hope the post arrives tomorrow for you.

Just got to keep on trying and applying!...and be more positive. The very least I'm going back to Ireland in July and getting out of this hell hole.

Starkystark · 16-06-2015 4:52pm

highly1111 wrote: »

You never know starkystark. I got called for an interview via letter and it wouldn't surprise me if I hear one way or another via letter also. I had an interview today so the wait is back on for me. I hope the post arrives tomorrow for you.

Just got to keep on trying and applying!...and be more positive. The very least I'm going back to Ireland in July and getting out of this hell hole. Oh and Good Luck Highly! Rooting for you! (PS I know thats weird - but its good to hear that we're all in the same position and all in support of each other.)

oneright · 17-06-2015 7:01pm

I'm in the same position, I've been in London 2 years and just want to go home. I've applied for 30 - 40 jobs now at home and have only heard from 2. Both of these were to say thanks but no thanks, at least one want to keep me on file. Teaching in London is great but the paperwork is killing me and I'm in school from 730am to 7pm most days but money is good.

smallgarden · 18-06-2015 1:44pm

Got offered 11hrs but its privately paid hours so hesitant. Theyre wanting me to sign contracts next week

gaiscioch · 18-06-2015 2:18pm

smallgarden wrote: »

Got offered 11hrs but its privately paid hours so hesitant. Theyre wanting me to sign contracts next week

Of course if you have nothing better you'll take it (don't forget to ask about the likelihood of paid subbing per week, just to put down a marker). I had around that in hours one year, asked the principal to combine them into a four-day week and used my spare time to go back and start another degree at night which improved my employment prospects considerably thereafter. I definitely would see how you could combine those hours with some outlet for career progression in that year. Better to light a candle than curse the dark, as they say.

patriciaf6 · 18-06-2015 2:35pm

I'm getting more and more disheartened after each interview. Teaching interviews aren't great for the confidence when you don't get offered the job!

Waiting for the call

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