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Applying for new job with current principal as referee

  • 05-08-2011 10:09AM
    #1
    vamos!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 525 ✭✭✭


    Morning all. I know similar questions have been asked but I am looking for a bit of advice regarding job applications. My principal told me to get out there and look for a job before he knew that he had definite hours for me. He then offered me 9-10 hours which I accepted. I want to keep applying for more hour jobs but am nervous about his reaction as he is obviously my last employer so would have to be a referee. I think that he would probably understand and the odds of me getting a better RPT are slim, but I dont want to rock the boat. Any thoughts?


Comments

  • #2
    Toto Wolfcastle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,005 ✭✭✭✭Toto Wolfcastle


    Do you have a good relationship with him? If so, tell him that you are still looking as obviously 9-10 hours is not enough to live on. He should understand.


  • #3
    vamos!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 525 ✭✭✭vamos!


    Our relationship isnt great as I was only subbing in the school so I dont really know him. He is sound enough but really made the job offer sound like he was doing me a favor and I was lucky to stay in such a great school. I wonder do schools only contact referees if they are going to offer you a job?


  • #4
    dazed+confused
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,019 ✭✭✭dazed+confused


    This is common enough in any job hunting situation. You just ask your new employer not to contact your current employer unless they are intending to offer you a job.

    If you are the last candidate then they will offer you the job as long as you get a half decent reference from your current principal.


  • #5
    doc_17
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,906 ✭✭✭doc_17


    It's a tough one...I was in a similiar situation 2 years ago. I was told there was probably nothing for me (at the end of May) to maybe having 10 hrs (at the end of June) and I was looking elsewhere and found a job with full hours elsewhere in the VEC scheme. I had him down as a referee and got the job.

    If you are happy in that school then my advice would be stay....there will probably be retirements coming up and that might bump you up. You will always pick up substitution as well to bump up those hours.


  • #6
    gaeilgebeo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 909 ✭✭✭gaeilgebeo


    vamos! wrote: »
    Our relationship isnt great as I was only subbing in the school so I dont really know him. He is sound enough but really made the job offer sound like he was doing me a favor and I was lucky to stay in such a great school. I wonder do schools only contact referees if they are going to offer you a job?

    To be honest, the principal really is doing you a favor giving you 10 hours of your own. And you are lucky. I know teachers in my school who have lost their jobs this year and would give their right arm for such hours.

    If these hours are your own, chances are they will be built up over the year with subbing, resource etc... You have one foot on the ladder. If you get hours next year and the year after etc...you are on the road to a CID. Having your own hours in a school is very valuable considering the job situation today.

    If you get another job with let's say 22 of your own hours, go for it, but theses are hard to come by unless a maternity leave/career break etc..
    I would not give up my own hours in a school for someone elses in another school.


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  • #7
    vamos!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 525 ✭✭✭vamos!


    I know how lucky I have been and it is the first time that I have been in the l right place at the right time. There will be no retirements, extra hours or other teachers going on to be a year head or postholder in the next 4 years. I teach subjects which are in decline i my school. I know it is common practice to hold references until after the interview but I cant imagine it happening in teaching this year. I have just seen 15 and 17 hour RPTs advertised and am wondering if my loyalty to my school is naive.


  • #8
    elmo33
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6 ✭elmo33


    If anyone ever gives a "bad" reference they may end up in court so most employers with a bit of cop on know that the old "if you've nothing nice to say, say nothing at all" saying applies for references. I would agree with other comments there - if you are going for a role, chances are previous employers will suffice and they won't need your current one unless they are on the verge of offering the role.
    If this guy is making out he's doing you a favour then just be killed thanking him for everything if the time comes that you do need him as a referee and explain with bills / rent etc you need a role with more hours. Roles in teaching are hard to come by I hear so I can appreciate your dilema. Keep him sweet :)


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