I have an interview for a Lecturer job.

[AliasGrape]

It is for the faculty of Education at my local university, where I recently completed my MA and received a distinction and the ‘outstanding performance prize’. The faculty advertised for 6 Lecturer/Senior Lecturer posts with various specialties, one of which was Early Years. I have no previous experience teaching/lecturing in HE, I have taught at primary level, predominantly within Early Years, for over 12 years now.

So I’m really happy to have an interview as, although the job listing did say that a PhD was ‘optional’, I had thought that not having one would disadvantage me. It might yet, but I’m glad to have the interview anyway!

Except I’ve only had teaching interviews for the last 12+ years and don’t really know what to expect from this. I have to prepare a presentation which I’m ok with, but I’ve no idea on the sorts of questions to expect. I don’t really know how universities work as employers, only as a student. I clearly need to start doing some reading in the HE sections of the TES and so on, are there any other tips anyone can give me for how best to prepare, what sort of reading I need to be doing, and also what to wear!?!

Can anyone help?

Read up on TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework) - it’s one of the main things my Uni’s focussing on at the moment

Is the university / dept active in research? Might they ask you about your research experience / interests?

Thanks @igivein - I’ve been reading a little about the TEF, I believe it is a focus for them, my tutor from MA told me they received silver and are really aiming for gold next time.

@MajesticWhine - the job description focuses mainly on teaching but does also mention research. Obviously I have only had experience up to Masters level, though would be keen to continue to EdDoc or PhD whether or not I’m successful in applying for this post. I do need to put some more thought into that so I can talk more knowledgeably about it - I can talk about my MA research happily but I will no doubt be up against people with more experience.

Congratulations on your interview! I have a feeling you may be interviewing at my workplace...! TEF is definitely a focus for any post-92, you should also read up on the UG units offered on the programme and be prepared to talk about how you would contribute to them.

Good luck. I don’t think the lack of a PhD will disadvantage you once you’ve got an interview. I recently applied for and got a lecturing post which said PhD essential and I don’t even have a Masters!

Know some stuff about that institution, so league tables, NSS (national student survey) score.

Prepare for questions like why have you applied for this job, what do,you think some of the challenges would be if you got this job, give an example of a time when in your previous job you’ve had to go out the way to support a student.

I think enthusiasm and passion go a long way. You have a lot of hands on experience of early years teaching so sell yourself on that point.

Good luck!

I can only speak to interviews in the Humanities, but you can expect questions on what you will bring to the job and your teaching philosophy (you should for instance understand what research led teaching means, especially if it's a high ranking institution).

If it's a teaching and research contract, you may need to answer questions about research plans.

Are you based in England?

Total obsession with NSS and bum wiping students at the moment. Focus on things such as retention and the 'student experience'