VEC Interview - Any Advice

funktastic

Hey,

I've been given an interview during the following week by the VEC for a post-primary position. Does anyone have any advice/tips about the interview? Is it a large panel etc

Letter I've been given says each candidate has been allocated 15 mins for interview and key areas will be:

- Knowledge of the syllabus
- Planning and preparation
- Professional responsibility
- Information handling
- Interpersonal skills

I haven't been on a VEC interview before and it seems quite in-depth. Just wondering if anyone has any advice based on past experience.

Thanks.

spurious

The size of the panel depends on the VEC and who they have available to them on the day of interview. In CDVEC it's usually between 3 and 5. One will be a DES representative, one from the committee and one will be a person connected with education - possibly a Principal or retired Principal. At least one member must be of the same gender as you.

They tend to stick to the application form for a while to put you at your ease. Somebody might throw in a question about planning for a particular ability level group, or how you would make your subject interesting to a disaffected student or something about avoiding discipline problems in the class.

From what I remember there is lots of opportunity for you to talk away. Don't be shy about talking about any extras you have done - helping with sports, organising plays/shows/trips etc. Try slip in mention of things that indicate you know what is going on in your subject - is it one of the syllabi being rebalanced? What future developments are planned? If it has changed recently what do you think of the new syllabus? Have you corrected your subject? All those sort of things show you're someone with an interest in your subject and its development. Find out about the VEC - how many centres have they? Are they involved in traveller education/prison education/community workshops/curriculum development/teacher training etc. Show you are aware of what the VEC does and how it is structured.

In my day (before the Ark) they were quite entitled to have part of the interview in Irish (and they did) but I'm not sure if that still applies - unless Irish is one of your subjects of course.

I hope it goes well for you. If it is CDVEC, I'd be quite willing to help you out with more information, as I know them best.

Rosita

Out of curiosity, does anyone know what the category 'information handling' means?

forestfruits

as far as i know information handling is to do with how you deal with confidential info in relation to the kids

hazeler

When I went for my VEC interview there was 5 people on the panel. I got the same type letter as you did, the girl before me was in for 10 minutes. I was in for 25 minutes. Longest but the best 25 minutes seen as I got the job!!!

In saying that it was pretty tough, I was asked on everthing on the list, I would advise a good chunk of preparing!!! answer the questions as best you can, be clear and direct to the point (I know that sounds like the obvious, but a friend of mine got a feedback sheet from her interview and on it, it said that she couldn't be heard by the panel at all times. Needless to say she didn't get it.)

Know your buzz words, the VEC love the "holistic, team-player" style of teaching. They want to see you can be part of a team, as well as working off your own intiative. Know how to deal with problem and special needs kids as well as the regular main-streamers. Make sure they know you are you are into further development and updating your skills...

Hope this helps!

Ferris

Hi,
I have an interview next week with cdvec, I'd love a few pointers! Is it likely i will be asked specifics about the course syllabus?
Thanks

spurious

Ferris wrote: »

Hi,
I have an interview next week with cdvec, I'd love a few pointers! Is it likely i will be asked specifics about the course syllabus?
Thanks

You might be, particularly if it's something like Religion, where there might be a discussion of 'faith-based' approaches compared to others.

They will generally stick to your application form though.

AfL - Assessment for Learning is a big thing in the CDVEC at the moment.
The CDVEC have always been big on innovation, introducing PLC courses, being involved in ISCIP, the Humanities programme etc. over the years.

They like if you show you know about the organisation - it's very big. Be aware of things like their Sports and Cultural Council, Curriculum Development Unit, dedicated Psychological Services team - know about all the wide-ranging things they are involved in. If you're employed by the CDVEC, you're employed in an organisation that gives HUGE opportunity to work in all sorts of places.

Good luck.