Applying for jobs in Ireland while working abroad

aunt aggie

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has any experience applying for teaching jobs in Ireland while working abroad? I am currently working in the UK but I will be returning to Ireland at the end of July. I know that a lot of jobs are advertised much earlier than this. Will principals take my application seriously when it is very unlikely I will be unable to attend a face to face interview?

I know the jobs market is very competitive and I'm afraid waiting until August to begin job hunting will damage my chances of getting a job for September. But I don't want to waste my time and annoy school management with an application that will just end up in the bin.

If anyone has been in a similar situation, I'd appreciate your advice. Also if anyone has received applications from teachers outside of Ireland, I'd love to know your opinion.

* I posted in Teaching Abroad but got no response. Just looking for some honest advice. *

poolsandles

Are you primary or secondary?

aunt aggie

Secondary, currently teaching Maths but also qualified in a second subject.

unknowngirl!!

I applied for my position while abroad in France. However, as a French teacher the school management found it a positive thing that I was spending a month abroad.

On my application I stated I was in France doing a language course for all of June but that I would be available for a Skype or phone interview. I was shortlisted but because it was a 'promising' job (replacing a retired teacher) with full hours I decided it was worth flying home to do the interview. The school were very obliging and stayed late on the Friday evening to facilitate me travelling from the airport.

They rang me the following Monday, when I was back in France, to say I got the job and they emailed me a contract which I was able to scan back.

I'd say apply - where there is a will there is a way

aunt aggie

Thanks. Some people have suggested that I make myself available for Skype and telephone interviews but I'm guessing school management would prefer to meet potential teachers face to face. Especially when there are so many people applying for one job.

Unknowngirl, were the school willing to interview over the phone before you decided to fly back?

unknowngirl!!

Yes, via Skype.

I wanted to give myself the best chance so I returned. Was worth it in the end but to be honest I was getting good vibes from their interest. I wouldn't have returned if it wasn't full hours or if they weren't showing as much interest!