To think that school admin is near impossible to get in to?

[muchtooshy]

Just that really! Wanting to change jobs into school admin ideally but it seems like it is who you know or they always have someone in mind. Feels like it is impossible to go from admin (non school) to a school post.

Really trying to find a new job and put a lot of effort into the application forms but I don't even get an interview. Not even for posts that don't ask for experience or qualifications.

Is this just what the job market is like now!?

I suppose it's a popular job due to the holidays.

Have you thought about applying to one of your local schools to become a governor?

It might look good on your CV and help you make contacts at the same time.

I work just as a dinner lady, its definately who you know.

Could you go on the supply list at the council? Then when temp jobs come up you're already there should they be made permanent.

Jobs like that are gold dust for many mums...I would love one! They are few and far between.

I know two people who moved into this in the last year. One was previously an accountant. The other did a book keeping course in her own time to improve the financial experience on her cv. Doing voluntary work in a school also helps. Have a look at school business mgr roles and what qualifications are needed.

Yup. Gold dust job, and if they already know a lot of the applicants I would guess that makes a difference unofficially.

Treasurer of PTA or secretary of PTA looks good and gets you known in school

I work full time already so can't even volunteer one day a week.

I am applying for pretty much anything. Got an email last week to say I was unsuccessful getting an interview for a care assistant job and that advertisement said no experience or qualifications required!

It's definitely who you know unfortunately.

What sort of care work? :)

I have finance experience and admin experience as well as qualifications.

Just getting me down applying for all these jobs and getting nowhere!

I've applied for loads of school admin jobs and always lost out to someone with book keeping or accountancy skills. So if this is really what you want to do you might need to put yourself through some sort of finance course first.

School governors mostly meet in the evenings and even then, not that often per term.

angeal Basic care assistant post was what I applied for.

You could volunteer with PTA even if you work full time. One of the people I know who moved into this field wasn't known at the school she didn't even live in same time, but very well qualified with years of relevant experience.

Don't be down about the care job they often leave the adverts up all the time even if they don't have a specific role to fill.

Mummy lion you are right

Worra There isn't a specific school that I want to work in but maybe being a governor at one of the close to home schools would be a good idea.

I have a finance management qualification already youbethemummylion but will have a look and see if there are any school specific course available.

Have you tried a homecare agency? Most are desperate for carers.

Hmmmm, sounds like you have the financial and admin stuff covered, but not the school side, so governor or PTA or clerk to the governors would be good. Clerk is normally a paid role.

Have you thought about school nurses? They have admin/assistant posts which don't need nursing qualifications and are term time only.

Just as a ray of hope, I recently got a school admin job. Lots of people applied, I believe and I was stunned and surprised to get the job. I don't have accountancy or book keeping skills, but have helped with the books in previous jobs. I have lots of office manager/PA experience though. I was lucky as the school was expanding and took on 4 new office staff.

In that case does look like you have the finance part sorted. Trying to get a governors position sounds like a good step to get some school specific elements on your CV. Good luck.

I disagree about it being who you know, it certainly is not at my school. But when we do advertise an admin job, we have loads & loads of applicants, including loads who are already working in other schools. The ones with previous school experience tend to be the ones who get an interview. More primary schools seems to be going down the School Business Manager or Bursar route, so you may have a chance there if you have the relevant financial background.
For what it's worth, although school admin jobs are great from a school holiday point of view. The pay is rubbish & the hours are often longer than a school day, so you may need to pay for childcare. Plus the work is increasing all the time, but most schools don't staff the admin sufficiently, so the stress levels are getting higher all the time.

I did wonder if it would look bad that I would be taking a pay cut.

I am also applying for year round school admin jobs too but don't seem to get any further with those.

angeal I want a work base if that makes sense be it an office, school or care home.

Icantfindafreenickname Maybe it is just that so many apply who have school experience that they don't need to interview anyone else. I really enjoy admin and am used to near impossible deadlines - it is just a job that really appeals to me.

Do they accept people as governors who have no link to the school?