Job Applications and Interviews

1. Job Applications and Interviews Produced as part of the Partnership Development Schools (PDS) Strategy Phase 3 2008-09 (Lead PDS: The Park Community School. Contact Chris Ley (cley@parkcommunity.devon.sch.uk)

2. Job Applications • Where to find jobs: • Times Educational supplement (TES) out on Fridays • Also available on-line (www.tes.co.uk) with job search facility • The Guardian on Tuesdays • Local Authority bulletins • Local newspapers

3. Job Applications • Finding information about schools • It is advisable to find out more about the school than the information they send you as that will give a positive spin. • Other sources include: • www.ofsted.gov.uk • Local authority website • www.edubase.gov.uk

4. Job Applications • Pay and conditions • Most job advertisements do not state a salary but refer to pay scales. • You can find pay scales on www.teachernet.gov.uk • Public schools usually have their own pay and conditions. Be sure to find out the hours you are expected to work.

5. Job Application Forms • If possible copy the form so you can practise your application. • The form should be kept clean and uncreased. • Use black ink and capitals for the main part of the form), remember this will be photocopied and both light ink and handwriting becomes harder to read. • Your personal statement can either be handwritten or word processed.

6. Job Application Forms • Always be totally honest, any “mistakes” could lead to instant dismissal later. • Select your referees carefully. One should be a placement school and the other an academic reference (your PGCE provider). • For schools, name the Headteacher although s/he will delegate the actual writing of the reference to someone who knows you. • Let referees know that you have made an application and named them.

7. Job Application Forms • Be careful your hobbies and interests do not suggest someone who will have trouble fitting in work! • Be sure to give your current address to speed up communication, sometimes there is a very short turn around between application and interview. • Some schools invite you to apply on-line. Get someone to check this before you press “send”.

8. Curriculum Vitae • Many schools invite candidates to send a CV, sometimes in addition to the application form and sometimes instead of this. • Aim to make it no longer than 2 sides of A4 and print on white paper. • If it is longer than 2 pages, reduce items not relevant to education. • Avoid long pieces of prose, it is a summary.

9. Curriculum Vitae • Make sure there are no gaps in the timeline, they might assume you were in prison! • Give grades for A level and class of degree. • It is to you advantage to mention subsidiary subjects you have studied as it gives the school greater flexibility. • Your part-time jobs might illustrate skills such as dealing with young people, dealing with the public, handling money.

10. Personal Statement • This gives you the opportunity to tailor your application to the individual school. • Make sure you have the correct name for the school, a generic letter needs careful proof-reading. • Limit it to 2 sides of A4, size 12 font, on white paper. • Explain why you have chosen to apply to that school, refer to Ofsted reports or awards gained but not proximity to where you live.

11. Personal Statement • Read the details about the school that you are sent and make reference to them. • Be prepared to answer questions on the contents of your statement, don’t lify something that sounds good but you do not understand! • Aim to convey enthusiasm for both teaching and working with young people.

12. Job Interviews • Interviews are an inevitable part of the selection procedure and can be stressful • Interviewers will try to make allowances for being nervous and want you to present yourself in the best possible light. • Practice relaxation techniques to help you give your best.

13. Job Interviews • What to wear: • It is a formal occasion not a fashionable event • Aim to wear something appropriate and comfortable so that you can forget about it and concentrate on the questions being asked.

14. Clothes for Interviews • Male: • Trousers, shirt and tie essential, jacket desirable • Female: • Avoid low necklines and short skirts • Trouser suits are acceptable these days • Jackets desirable • Keep jewellery and make-up to a minimum • Pick a hairstyle that is low maintenance • PE Candidates: • Bring (clean) sports and wash kit

15. Interview Process • You have done well to be selected for interview as most schools get more applicants than they have time to see. • The size of the interview panel will vary from school to school but will generally include: • Headteacher • A Governor • Head of Department

16. Interview Process • The interview begins the minute you arrive; support staff, teachers and students will be asked for their opinion of you. • Most interviews include a teaching episode (see later). • You should expect to be shown round the school and meet key people. • If an opportunity presents itself talk to students and members of the department you hope to join.

17. Interview Process • Many schools now have a student panel. Despite the understandable fear of the adults being interviewed, these young people take the process seriously and do not chose on the basis of who has good looks or is “cool”. • Tour of the school – keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

18. Interview Process • Some main panels are more experienced and skilful than others. • Think carefully if the school is the right place for you, the interview procedure is a two-way process. • If you withdraw you might not get your travelling expenses but that is worth it so you do not end up in the wrong job.

19. Actual Interview • A firm handshake is important • Try and smile when you are introduced even if you feel nervous • Sit back in the chair and, if you are likely to fidget, clasp your hands together • Direct answers to all the panel not just the person who asked the question

20. Actual Interview • Be prepared for some of the panel to take notes during your interview. • Be prepared for topical questions by reading lead articles in TES throughout your course. • Prepare questions to ask the panel but do not raise issues that have been dealt with earlier. Questions about the NQT programme or opportunities for professional development create a positive impression.

21. Interviewers are looking for someone who: • Matches the job description most closely. • Will fit in with the existing staff most easily. • Will be able to contribute most effectively to the work of the school. • Can articulate their personal motivation and goals. • Shows enthusiasm for their subject. • Shows enthusiasm for working with young people. • Shares the school’s philosophy on teaching and learning.

22. Interviews It is always disheartening to be an unsuccessful candidate but in most cases it means someone else was a better “fit” for the role than you. Ask for feedback on your performance to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

23. Teaching Episode • Contact the school to check: • Number of students • The ability level • Whether there are any special needs • Produce a detailed lesson plan and take at least 3 copies with you. Give copies to staff observing you.

24. Teaching Episode • Often schools have more than one episode happening at a time. Do not be put off if staff move in and out of the room as they attempt to observe all candidates. • Give the school as much notice as possible if you require specialist equipment. • Do not totally rely on PowerPoint as technical failures do happen and this might affect your level of confidence – too many can be boring!

25. Teaching Episode • It can be useful to take sticky labels and ask the students to write their first names in capitals on the label and then stick it on their chest. This makes interaction with unfamiliar students easier. • No matter how short the episode you should explain the learning objective(s) to the group and use a plenary to check if they have been achieved even if you have to cut the activity short.