Interview Issues

[IceCubes]

Hi everyone,

I am currently in the process of job hunting, having taken an extended maternity leave 'career break.' I have two interviews lined up for this week but I have a few questions!

1. Interview #1 is on Thursday and the school have still not got back to me about what/who I am teaching. I have chased this up but still nothing. How much notice do they have to give me?
   
   
2. My second interview is for a HoD role and I have never even applied for a HoD role before so I'm not sure what to expect. Could anyone give me some clues as to what I might be asked in the interview?
   
   Sorry for the lack of coherency, I'm on the phone app and it's really very difficult to use!
   
   Many thanks.
   
   
   
   
3. My second interview is f

[cuggles]

re:HOD bit...I think some of it will be about data tracking, how you would use data to assess progress and set targets etc etc. What intervention strategies might you use dependent on said data? Also perhaps some personnel based questions about supporting NQts or struggling teachers, sharing good practice etc. Also curriculum based. Also I would look at latest ofsted framework as changed alot in last few years (I am also on an extended career break - 3 yrs so far so cant be more specific but...) they seem to be looking at whether students are making "rapid and sustained progress" - seems to be a buzz phrase and also whether lessons have both the teacher and students fully engaged. Anyway sure someone more recent will come along soon to advise you better....would love to hear how it goes as I often worry about re-entering profession in a couple of years time!
Re:- lesson content for interview one.....presumably you will hear tomorrow.....bit late but not unheard of I would say, - bit disorganised maybe!?
Good luck!

[IceCubes]

Thanks Cuggles, I will definitely update. I've finally received the details and the lesson is a very odd one for the year group I have been given! So far drawing a blank, but then I've been up with a vomiting DS2 all night...

[cuggles]

Living the dream eh icecube!! Poor you..just what you need! Good luck anyway and remember you are interviewing them as much as they you!!

[IceCubes]

Living the dream indeed! I have just received the info on the lesson for the HoD job... A twenty minute lesson on any topic! I might just get a job in McDonalds...

[cuggles]

Well that is a bit cheeky...the current hod could have given it a little thought...maybe i won't hurry back!

[IceCubes]

I didn't get the class room post! The head called and said she felt that I should be applying for HoD roles with my experience. I told her that I have one lined up and she said that I would make an outstanding HoD so I'm very happy with that!

It is a bit lazy of the current HoD to give us 20 minutes of 'anything!' A fun-filled weekend of planning ahead...!

[cuggles]

Happy planning...HOD interview sounds very promising then! Good luck!

[IceCubes]

Interview done! Now I've got to wait for the call... Today or tomorrow!

[IceCubes]

I didn't get it! Gutted! My lesson was outstanding but apparently I don't have enough experience to lead two departments and the job went to a girl who has been a HoD for four years already. Feel so disheartened, I don't know why!

[MrsSalvoMontalbano]

Icube, comiserations - but here will be others... What seems annoying about teaching interviews, unlike in other prefessions, is that they will interview numerous applicants, and then give as the reason for rejection something that was was plainly on the application (eg, not HoD exp yet) so why call for interview? A friend went for a job this week, sent by an agency, several candidates there, (and in fact she was teh only QT, others were all postgrads with no TE) day of interviews etc, and then she was told she hadn't got it because she was from an agency! Which was plain from the outset, so why waste everyone's time...? (unless they are not giving the real reason, in whcih case not helpful feedback!)

[MrsSalvoMontalbano]

professions

[cuggles]

What a shame Icecubes. Can understand why you feel disheartened but just wasn't the one for you! You have had two lots of great feedback from which to go onwards and upwards. I would keep on going for the HOD roles though if this is where you see yourself as you will get there...at least you know your lessons are outstanding, which after a career break must feel good! You have still got it!!!

[FieryChipotle]

Absolutely MrsSalvo - that is absolutely the problem. Why interview people when they are clearly not going to fit the mould? It's just a waste of everyone's time!

Thanks Cuggles! I'd like to think that I still have it, fingers crossed that one day being 'outstanding' will be enough!

[cuggles]

you'd think so! Fingers crossed for you!