Should I have heard by now?

[newname0601]

I applied for a TA job in a local primary school. Closing date was yesterday at 4pm. Interviews are tomorrow. Its now 2:20. Would I have heard by now if I was getting invited to an interview? I don't know how it works when the timings are so tight. Do they have to do a full school day before then sitting down to read the application forms and invite people? I've not been on the phone or out all day so I don't miss a phone call.

It sounds like a very rushed process - I would have thought they would look through applications as they came in and have some kind of shortlist going before the closing date, but they're not giving much notice if interviews are less than 48 hours after closing!

I'm afraid it doesn't look good if you still haven't heard. The tight timescale makes me wonder if they already have someone in mind for the job and they're trying to make it as hard as possible for anyone else to apply without it being too obvious that it's not a genuine open contest.

Do you know or have a connection with the school at all, or was it just a convenient location?

Yes, I've been volunteering there one day a week for a year now. I don't have a TA qualification but the job description specifically said you didn't need one, just experience (which they know I have) and a willingness to work towards a qualification which I have (I'm already enrolled on a course).

Sorry - I'm guessing from your last post that you still haven't heard. Unfortunately, when they say qualifications are not needed that is just to make sure they get plenty of applications. If any of the others do have a qualification, they will get the interviews.

My advice now would be to keep on volunteering there, and use the placement to help you get your qualification. Don't be put off applying for other jobs that come up, but don't get your hopes up until you've got that bit of paper.