To ask for interview help for TA position

[comfycosy123]

So I have an interview later today for a TA position and nerves are really starting to kick in now.

I have only ever volunteered in the school so I have no work based experience.

My DH is so supportive and is convinced I am going to get the job, that I'm feeling so much pressure that I'm going to mess it up and let him down when he has so much faith in me.

Any hints tips or past stories would be brilliant please!

A relative has recently been offered a job as a TA. The preparation they did beforehand was to look at the job description and, for each of the behaviours / personal qualities required (usually teamwork, initiative, reliability) think of examples from the past that showed that quality, and practised the example with me.

The question you might get is: 'Tell us about a time when you demonstrated ... teamwork?' There is a STAR technique for describing the example:
Situation: what was the situation that required the competency? (No need for too much detail, just set the context)
Task: what was the task?
Action: what action did you take?
Result: what was the result of that action?

It would be absolutely fine to use examples from your volunteering, or from a hobby - just think of examples when you worked with one or more others to get something done.

I hope this helps - it might give you a structure to think about examples you can bring from your volunteering. Good luck this afternoon!

Well they think you are good enough to offer you an interview so that's s good start.

Do you have any TA qualifications?

You can only do your best.
Don't put too much pressure on yourself.
Go in there and be as confident as you can be.

Make sure you have a tonne of questions to ask them as well.
Any interview should be two-way!
So you want to interview them to make sure YOU want the job.

Some questions you could adjust and cut etc... that seems to be good as they haven't failed me yet.

QUESTIONS
Why has the position become available?

What obstacles does the organisation anticipate in meeting its goals?

What challenges will I face?

What are the plans for the department, i.e. growth?

If growing, where is this growth coming from?

What is the most pressing directive for the new position? (1st thing I will have to deal with)

What is your background and how have you progressed within the company?

What is your position within the team?

What training will be given/provided?

Is there somebody already doing this job and will I get to spend time with them?

What would a day/week on the job look like?

What value will I add?

What strengths are you looking for in the person that will fill this position?

How much decision making authority will I have?

What resources are available to this position to achieve primary goals?

If I am successful what will I have accomplished after 3 months / 1 year, i.e. development path?

How much travel is involved during an average month?

Now you’ve had the chance to get to know me, do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job?

Can we discuss them and see if they can be overcome?

Good luck OP.
If you don't get it then don't stress about it.
It means it wasn't meant to be and there is something better around the corner.

Is your CV up to date?

Thanks everyone

I got the job !!!

Well done

Congrats OP! I bet you're chuffed, DH too 😁

Congratulations!!!!

Well done OP.
So your DH was totally right!
Onward and upwards.