Gutted

LegacyUser

Hi all

I know this isn't as serious as some of the problems here but I'd love some advice as I actually haven't a clue where my life is going at the moment

Basically, I have been applying to teaching courses for the past few months. I went for 3 interviews and didn't get the first two because my Irish isn't fluent (its for primary teaching). I had an interview over the the UK last month which was my last attempt at getting in - but unfortunately I didn't.

I have a year and a half experience behind me working as a teacher, got an amazing reference, wrote what I thought to be a great personal statement and had a solid presentation planned. I had prepared for all the questions and duly answered them in the interview. One of the interviewers showed me back down to the reception area and said that I had done 'very well'. She said it in a very certain way rather than as a polite end of interview thing.

To say I'm gutted is an understatement. I have been working towards this for so long and I just don't know what to do now. I also found out that one of the other people that I met at the interview got in with way less experience than me.

I can obviously apply again next year but the thought of going through it all again kills me. I'm 27 now and if I have to wait until next year to apply again, I'll be pushing 30 when I'm qualified.

I don't know what I'm going to do for another year. There's not much work in anything related to teaching at the moment so I've been on the dole for the past few months and just getting occasional work. The thought of doing this for another year fills me with dread.

Does anyone have any advice at all? It was one thing being on the dole temporarily with the hope that I was going back to college in September, but now I just feel like my life has no purpose at all. I needs ideas on something to do next year - I know I'll crack up totally if I'm unemployed for much longer.

duckielover

hey i read ur post and im soo sorry, i know you must be gutted but u just got to fight back and show those interviewers next time that they need to have you. do u mind me askin where you applied? i am in college at the moment and i am thinkn of applying for eaching courses espeically the hibernia one as it would give em a chance to work maybe part time as well but the cost of it is scaring me as I have no idea where I would get the resources, I think you got to keep motivated this is what you really want so fight for it

The first thing you need to do is ask for feed back form the interview...it will help a lot....you don't know what the other candidates were like, its just unfortunate they could have had a lot of very strong candidates....

If you realy want to do it you will find a way

Maybe for this year you need to concentrate on Irish ..do some sort of course join an Irish conversation group...They are a great way of improving your grasp of the language and you meet interesting people

Re apply again..you seem realy determined

good luck

pookie82

Why not use the year to concentrate on becoming fluent in Irish?

Though I will warn you, as I have just mentioned in another thread, I know countless people who are going back to re sit Irish or do the H-Dip and competition for positions has never been higher so you need to be on top of your game.

appleb

Have you considered doing voluntary work in a local school? You will gain experience and keep you busy

LegacyUser

pookie82 wrote: »

Why not use the year to concentrate on becoming fluent in Irish?

That's what you do.
Go back next year fluent in Irish, you want to be a teacher, do up a lesson plan and teach yourself Irish.
Also look at doing some part time courses to make you a more attractive applicant.
- First Aid course
- IT training course
- Music stuff

It's one small set back, at least you have a goal and something to focus on for the next year, stop the whinging

LegacyUser

dfgdfgdfgd wrote: »

stop the whinging

I don't think the OP's whinging. He/she has had a knock back and is letting off some steam.

Maybe you should stop whinging about people letting off steam

Piriz

Hi OP,
I'm in a similar position to you, different career direction though (occupational therapy).
I applied to a course and got to the interview stage, felt well prepared but fluffed it at the interview (well i thought I did anyway). I asked for feedback and was given my interview score. I missed out on placement by a whisker..so close. This has given me the confidence to apply again to the same university next year, this time i'll be fully prepared.

You see its what I want to do with my life and while its another year to wait I couldn't see myself giving up on my career dream. I have also to try find a job and there is not much out there.

I considered doing the equivalent course in the UK too but I think I will wait and get my qualification here instead, post qualification it'll be better on paper etc.

What i'm saying to you is 'perseverance' is key! If its what you want to do you need to keep going, you are not in control of course schedules so you have no choice but to wait it out.

I guess I should add; consider the reality of this career you are trying to pursue regarding future employment. Primary teaching might be extremely difficult to land your first job post qualification so be aware of this cycle repeating itself (will be the same for my career too).

anyway, as hard as it gets, perseverance is the word to find some comfort in!
good luck!

LilMrsDahamsta

If you've done three unsuccessful interviews for very similar courses, it might be worth seeking professional advice regarding interview skills before next year. There are companies out there that specifically prepare candidates for interviews, including academic interviews. They're pretty expensive, but if you really think it's the interview rather than your experience is letting you down, it might be something to consider before next year.