Teaching Interviews ?

NCW feen

Are candidates entitled to feedback from an interview by law ?
Also, does a school have to call a minimum number of candidates for the interview process ?

rainbowtrout

What do you mean by law? Do you mean should everyone automatically receive feedback or should you receive it if you request it? If you want the marks you got at your interview you are entitled to a copy of them.

Don't know about the minimum candidates. If only one person applies for the job and is suitable then that should be enough.

clo1

Hi guys, I feel this is the relevant thread to add to. I have just done a load of interviews to get into teaching after qualifying a year ago in English/Guidance. I have already been offered two contracts (not great hours tbh) but I am wondering is there many interviews that take place in august too, should I hold it in case I get a better offer then? Advice please

gaeilgebeo

Take what you are offered.
You can always accept a better contract at a later stage.
I would not turn anything down in the hope of getting something better.
Too risky.

clo1

Yes I have accepted both offers. I've just heard that better offers and maybe better contracts can come up in August so I suppose I can always refuse the offers if a better one comes along in August

aunt aggie

clo1 wrote: »

Yes I have accepted both offers. I've just heard that better offers and maybe better contracts can come up in August so I suppose I can always refuse the offers if a better one comes along in August

You've accepted both?! That seems a bit OTT considering you don't really want either of them. I would decide which contract you'd prefer and continuing applying in the hope of better. No point annoying two schools in August.

clo1

Hi yes I agree but neither have been confirmed yet i was just verbally offered both so when i receive written confirmation/a contract then I can refuse the one I want least, thats my thinking on it.

Mardy Bum

clo1 wrote: »

Hi yes I agree but neither have been confirmed yet i was just verbally offered both so when i receive written confirmation/a contract then I can refuse the one I want least, thats my thinking on it.

You won't get a contract till a few weeks into term.

clo1

Yeh I will be gettig written confirmation of both posts in a week or so so I guess i may make the decision then.

Powerhouse

I would totally agree with the view that you take what is offered now and if you can better it later so be it. 'A bird in the hand' and all that.

I wouldn't worry about 'annoying schools' later by withdrawing from a job - remember that principals will break jobs up and offer short hours to people when it suits them without giving a care about annoying people. Suit yourself in these situations.

aunt aggie

Really? I have never gotten a contract before August at best but I understand your position better now. Will you be required to sign and return contracts in the next few weeks?

clo1

Well I have now been told that I will formally get offered the maternity via letter this week and the 11 hour contract will be sent to me in august so I guess I have a bit of time before I need to make a decision and maybe there will be a better offer in august (fingers crossed!)

clo1

Also, I have just noticed a job I interviewed for and got rejected for is now being readvertised, what is the story here? Does it mean they are looking for something else? Im assuming I wouldnt need to reapply as they have already screened me?

highly1111

clo1 wrote: »

Also, I have just noticed a job I interviewed for and got rejected for is now being readvertised, what is the story here? Does it mean they are looking for something else? Im assuming I wouldnt need to reapply as they have already screened me?

I'd pick up the phone to the school and check it out - they could have offered but the candidate may have turned it down.

clo1

Ok I will do, although I assumed if they knew I was interested at the interview they would have called me to see if I wanted the post rather than start recruitment again? I assume they would call through the other interviewees?

highly1111

clo1 wrote: »

Ok I will do, although I assumed if they knew I was interested at the interview they would have called me to see if I wanted the post rather than start recruitment again? I assume they would call through the other interviewees?

I agree. Can only imagine it been readvertised if it was a change of hours/contract??? Very unusual.

Mardy Bum

highly1111 wrote: »

I agree. Can only imagine it been readvertised if it was a change of hours/contract??? Very unusual.

It's not unusual. It does happen although sometimes the job may be split in two as a result.

clo1

Mardy Bum wrote: »

It's not unusual. It does happen although sometimes the job may be split in two as a result.

So would the best way be to shoot them a call and see what the story is or to just reapply like I did the first time around?

Mardy Bum

clo1 wrote: »

So would the best way be to shoot them a call and see what the story is or to just reapply like I did the first time around?

You could call and ask for feedback on your previous application or reapply. I would say reapply. You could do both I suppose.

clo1

Well i just reapplied this morning via email so I guess Ill see what comes of it.

highly1111

clo1 wrote: »

Well i just reapplied this morning via email so I guess Ill see what comes of it.

Good luck.

NCW feen

What kind of questions could a person get asked about assessment for learning ? Also what are good responses to the question, how would you contribute to the ethos of this school ?
I've talked about being respectful, being positive in your dealings with students and staff, acknowledging pupils achievements in the past.

seavill

AfL I suppose what strategies do you use what do you find most effective. How would you use X method teaching topic Y from your subject.

The ethos question there isn't a standard answer that will completely depend on the ethos of the school. Make sure you know what their ethos is off by heart and if they are an ERST or CEIST etc school what are their principles

aunt aggie

I find that in interview I am mostly asked, how do you assess students? Its a nice open question that lets you talk about assessment for learning as well as of learning. Definitely refer to strategies which you've used before and work well with your subject.

Contributing to the ethos of the school, is an opportunity to talk about ethos but also mention how you contributed to your previous school community by supporting extra curriculars and accompanying school tours etc.

Interviews are a lot more about what you can do for their school, rather than
learning off theory of teaching and their ethos. Schools do like to know that you've done your research but definitely try to bring all answers back to your own experiences.

TheDriver

Once you have your subjects and qualifications, interviews are to see if you're suitable for both the job and school. E.g. Someone ranting about something or someone dressed terribly inappropriately and acting strange. Seen it all.....

Postgrad10

TheDriver wrote: »

Once you have your subjects and qualifications, interviews are to see if you're suitable for both the job and school. E.g. Someone ranting about something or someone dressed terribly inappropriately and acting strange. Seen it all.....

Would love to hear those stories! How can you tell if they are suitable? I'm sure many have the same qualification, dress smartly, and answer the questions sufficiently. How do they stand out from the rest? It must very difficult for interviewers.

TheDriver

Quite the opposite in fact, you could have 15 people in the door with very good CVs, qualifications on paper etc but impressions can be poor off of 50% of them in the 1st minute [nerves etc aside]. Unfortunately dressing smartly isn't common place but there have been some scandalous stuff come through my door also, not to mention people blatantly lying about things and just a general inability to act appropriately e.g. I have sat through a 10 minute rant from a teacher regarding the injustices of special needs provision [the type of rant where 30s would have succinctly got the point across]. Unfortunately the real good stories are unsuitable for this forum but trust me when I say it can be difficult and also comical at times. The reality is that you must show others you are good and not just know it yourself..........

mirrorwall14

TheDriver wrote: »

Quite the opposite in fact, you could have 15 people in the door with very good CVs, qualifications on paper etc but impressions can be poor off of 50% of them in the 1st minute [nerves etc aside]. Unfortunately dressing smartly isn't common place but there have been some scandalous stuff come through my door also, not to mention people blatantly lying about things and just a general inability to act appropriately e.g. I have sat through a 10 minute rant from a teacher regarding the injustices of special needs provision [the type of rant where 30s would have succinctly got the point across]. Unfortunately the real good stories are unsuitable for this forum but trust me when I say it can be difficult and also comical at times. The reality is that you must show others you are good and not just know it yourself..........

Oh I'm sooooo interested now

Postgrad10

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Oh I'm sooooo interested now

You'd think dressing smartly would be something all candidates could achieve. How can they go wrong? And what could they possibly lie about ? Their qualifications?

r93kaey5p2izun

It seems the whole interview process could do with an overhaul. There are countless reports of interviewers being rude, not paying attention, lying about jobs, asking totally inappropriate questions. And The Driver has posted many times about how common poor behaviour by interviewees is. And since subsequent poor job performance of those chosen by interview panels is regularly cited as a reason for schools messing around with contracts to avoid giving CIDs, it appears the whole system is not fit for purpose.

On the dressing smartly issue, while I think a suit is the safest option, I have heard 3 principals/DPs complain that they aren't looking for office employees and that such attire is inappropriate for teaching interviews and would give a negative impression. It seems you can't win.

chippers

I agree the interview system needs to be changed. The 20 minute interviews where the interviewees try and learn answers off by heart beforehand is a terrible system. The whole 'tell me about a time when you had to.....'. Then the interviewee pauses, pretends to think for a couple of seconds and trots out an answer or derivation of it learnt before hand. It's all so fake. 20 minutes is not long enough for the panel to get a thorough understanding of the candidate and whether they are an appropriate fit for the role and vice versa it's not long enough to give the candidate a proper opportunity to present themselves and what they can bring to the role.

aunt aggie

I have been trying to be really optimistic this year but so far no interviews. I just got rejected for a job that advertised 5 hours in my main subject. I've been teaching it for five years, including two in England, and I'm up to date on all curriculum changes. Looking at my application, I gave examples of my use and experience of different teaching methodologies, ICT strategies and involvement in extra curriculars, and I really don't know what else I could have done to get shortlisted. Considering it's only for 5 hours, I can't imagine people much more experienced than me applying.

With the changes to CID, is it possible that schools don't want to interview as many people when they already have a candidate in the school? Has the interview process changed in any way because of the new law?

Really trying to stay positive but by this time last year, I was asked to three interviews and I got a job from the first one!

patriciaf6

Stop it's a disaster! I was lucky enough to get a job offer at the end of last week but then today recieved a letter from a school closer to home to say I wasn't shortlisted for a 6 hour contract! You literally just have to apply for everything because now it's impossible to tell what's a genuine job and what's not! Stay positive,it only takes one phonecall for it all to change!

aunt aggie

Patricia, looking through your posts I'm fairly certain we were rejected for the same job today!! I changed the hours slightly and didnt mention subjects because I didn't want the post to be too identifiable but.. it's nice to know it's not just me. Congrats on the job!

patriciaf6

I'll pm you in a few!

Corkgirl18

Quick question. I'm an NQT just qualified this June.
A job vacancy came online yesterday so I emailed my application yesterday evening. This morning I got a call for interview THIS Thursday.
I've heard jobs with very short closing dates are already filled basically.

I wouldn't mind going for experience (have only done 2 interviews-both v good feedback) but its at the other end of the country and there would be a lot of hassle and travel expenses involved.
What is the likelihood that there is a vacancy? I suppose I should go just in case? Its a fee paying secondary school if that makes any difference.

Mardy Bum

Corkgirl18 wrote: »

Quick question. I'm an NQT just qualified this June.
A job vacancy came online yesterday so I emailed my application yesterday evening. This morning I got a call for interview THIS Thursday.
I've heard jobs with very short closing dates are already filled basically.

I wouldn't mind going for experience (have only done 2 interviews-both v good feedback) but its at the other end of the country and there would be a lot of hassle and travel expenses involved.
What is the likelihood that there is a vacancy? I suppose I should go just in case? Its a fee paying secondary school if that makes any difference.

If you can afford to get there the experience is invaluable if it is your first. The job probably is gone and if it isn't usually with fee paying schools they know who they want.

r93kaey5p2izun

So disheartened. Didn't even get an interview for 16 hours in a school I really wanted. I've 10 years experience, honours degree, dip and masters. Had a principal look over my application. Don't know where I went wrong but so disappointed.

Mardy Bum

Rebecca Miniature Catapult wrote: »

So disheartened. Didn't even get an interview for 16 hours in a school I really wanted. I've 10 years experience, honours degree, dip and masters. Had a principal look over my application. Don't know where I went wrong but so disappointed.

How's the references?

r93kaey5p2izun

Mardy Bum wrote: »

How's the references?

Well it's my current principal and DP but who knows tbh. I'm certain the DPs reference is excellent. The principal is a difficult person so I would never be sure. There is absolutely nothing bad they could say and I have got on very well in several inspections, do several extra curricular activities, lots of CPD and have excellent attendance and punctuality.


I have CID but there is no prospect of improved hours and principal has been awkward to speak to about this. It would be pretty sh1tty of them to scupper any chances I may have elsewhere now when they are not willing to improve my CID after 9 years. There are over 20 teachers on part time CID in my school, some there up to 12 years.

If my principal is giving me a poor reference then I may give up my career altogether at this stage.

Mardy Bum

Rebecca Miniature Catapult wrote: »

Well it's my current principal and DP but who knows tbh. I'm certain the DPs reference is excellent. The principal is a difficult person so I would never be sure. There is absolutely nothing bad they could say and I have got on very well in several inspections, do several extra curricular activities, lots of CPD and have excellent attendance and punctuality.


I have CID but there is no prospect of improved hours and principal has been awkward to speak to about this. It would be pretty sh1tty of them to scupper any chances I may have elsewhere now when they are not willing to improve my CID after 9 years. There are over 20 teachers on part time CID in my school, some there up to 12 years.

If my principal is giving me a poor reference then I may give up my career altogether at this stage.

You sound like a valuable asset to the school you are in currently.

aunt aggie

I would imagine if you are getting one kind of reference from principal and then the DP of the same school is saying something different, then the school you are applying for will be able to read between the lines.

Dont give up at this stage! 10 years and YOU know any school would be lucky to have you with that commitment and experience.

evolving_doors

Mardy Bum wrote: »

You sound like a valuable asset to the school you are in currently.

20 teachers on part time CID's and the poster is still on part time CID after nine years. Id say that principal wants to keep all those valuable assets right where they are.

Any chance there are hours available in your subjects but they are being split between teachers?

mirrorwall14

Make sure you are requesting an increased CID in writing every year

r93kaey5p2izun

Gebgbegb wrote: »

20 teachers on part time CID's and the poster is still on part time CID after nine years. Id say that principal wants to keep all those valuable assets right where they are.

Any chance there are hours available in your subjects but they are being split between teachers?

Yes lots of us have same subjects. Three with my subjects since I started. The union have been involved but have been unable to help due to technicalities. Principal said he was surprised to hear I'm unhappy as I have the one of the "best" CIDs (14 hours!!) and exact words were "I don't understand what the problem is, you're getting paid for full hours".

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Make sure you are requesting an increased CID in writing every year

I have done since you posted that advice earlier this year. Thanks.


I think current school is a lost cause tbh at this stage. Terrifying to be looking at giving up CID in the hope of progressing but so disappointing to not even get an interview. I was precluded from applying for a particular position this year as not on full hours (as were several other interested parties) - really brought home to me the hopeless situation I'm in, and that's before you even consider the issue of financial security.

mirrorwall14

Rebecca Miniature Catapult wrote: »

Yes lots of us have same subjects. Three with my subjects since I started. The union have been involved but have been unable to help due to technicalities. Principal said he was surprised to hear I'm unhappy as I have the one of the "best" CIDs (14 hours!!) and exact words were "I don't understand what the problem is, you're getting paid for full hours".



I have done since you posted that advice earlier this year. Thanks.


I think current school is a lost cause tbh at this stage. Terrifying to be looking at giving up CID in the hope of progressing but so disappointing to not even get an interview. I was precluded from applying for a particular position this year as not on full hours (as were several other interested parties) - really brought home to me the hopeless situation I'm in, and that's before you even consider the issue of financial security.

That sounds challenging to say the least. And very unfair of the principal, he has to understand job security? No chance of a management change coming?

gaiscioch

Rebecca Miniature Catapult wrote: »

I'm certain the DPs reference is excellent.... If my principal is giving me a poor reference then I may give up my career altogether at this stage.

If you haven't a reference from another school, could you not ask some other senior member of staff for that second reference on the grounds that they worked closer with you? I gave one to a new teacher a while back as I was her cooperating teacher.

in_the_sky

Mardy Bum wrote: »

If you can afford to get there the experience is invaluable if it is your first. The job probably is gone and if it isn't usually with fee paying schools they know who they want.

I find your quote interesting about private schools...Im a NQT and have only had 4 interviews...3 with fee paying schools, and no luck. The same thing pops up about not having enough experience, would you reckon that these positions are already earmarked? Clearly they can see on my CV that I dont have alot of experience...do they do this to NQT's like me that are (clearly) inexperienced, and maybe a little naive?

I found that the interviewers in the private schools clearly had no interest in me (looking out the window etc)
It's very disheartening