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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

time off for interviews - how much is enough?

16 replies

worriednow1 · 26/12/2014 19:54

have attended about 5 interviews since sept and no job offers. So frustrating... just thinking what to do next term - worried and very very anxious ....about HT and the school will not like it... BUT there is no other ways to move on for me apart from going to interviews... what sort of approach would you take please? Not applying? spacing out my applications? Thank you!

OP posts:

HettyD · 26/12/2014 22:35

Hi, that sounds like a LOT of work! Have you thought about looking through your application with someone from current school?? Check there are no glaring errors? Could you also ask someone (slt? Senior tutor??) to stage a mock interview?? I just think 5 interviews must be really demoralising and it would be worth asking for feedback?? Hope you find something, I think school HAVE to give you time off for interviews but they don't have to like it I am afraid...

FabulousFudge · 27/12/2014 01:22

They have to give you time off for interviews. I'm sorry you've had so many unsuccessful ones in quick succession. The whole process of applying and being interviewed is so time consuming and emotionally tough. I think the fact that you're being invited for interview means your application must be good. How do you feel your interviews went and what feedback did you receive?

Original poster

worriednow1 · 27/12/2014 05:37

I did have some feedback and my own observations. I think in many cases it was what would be the best fit for the Department. If someone else offered something that I did not have then that person was selected. I have some skills that other candidates do not have but these skills were not needed by the schools I applied for... If I take time off for interviews means that my present classes suffer from the lack of continuity as cover teacher needs to take classes. My employer suggests that I seem not to care about it? But what can I do? All interviews are during day time...

OP posts:

FabulousFudge · 27/12/2014 12:47

Is your job permanent? May I ask why you're leaving? The right job will be out there for you - you just have to believe that.

Original poster

worriednow1 · 27/12/2014 13:03

yes permanent. i feel i have been undermined for a several years now. I am not growing there...i am so stressed in my department meetings, opportunities taken away, my requests not listened to - is it some sort of bullying etc? I think I am getting ill from this. My confidence and self-esteem at extremely LOW level now.

OP posts:

FabulousFudge · 27/12/2014 14:20

That's really tough and I'm sorry this is happening to you. Could you resign anyway and just do supply for a while until you get your confidence back?

Original poster

worriednow1 · 27/12/2014 14:24

what if I do not find a suitable position whilst supplying? my confidence would go even further...I am not young and job market is tough...I wonder whether to go part time in case I do not find by the end of May or so?

OP posts:

FabulousFudge · 27/12/2014 16:44

You might find you love supply! It's hard at first, but once you get your regular schools who re-book you time and again it's great. People say thank you and appreciate you stepping in to cover. You get to make contacts and get your face known and then you might get offered long term cover or part time work that way. You get to leave at 4pm and have your evenings and weekends to relax and apply for jobs. You can easily make yourself available to look round schools beforehand if you're supply too. When you get re-booked, your confidence soars! You also learn loads whilst on supply.

I would definitely ask to go part-time in your shoes.

EvilTwins · 27/12/2014 23:20

What subject do you teach?

Original poster

worriednow1 · 28/12/2014 12:24

Art and ICT and I am not sure how I would fit in in supply work with these subjects?

OP posts:

EvilTwins · 28/12/2014 22:38

Where in the country are you? I would have thought that there was quite a demand for ICT teachers.

Original poster

worriednow1 · 29/12/2014 14:31

i am not enjoying ict wouldprefer ro develop art subject

OP posts:

GingerbreadPudding · 30/12/2014 16:24

Sounds as though there is tension between you and your current school in which case they will be keen for you to move on and won't begrudge you interview time. I wonder if you need to take time to visit schools prior to application and meet with the head/HOD as appropriate for a really good conversation so you're only applying for jobs you have a strong chance of getting.

Original poster

worriednow1 · 30/12/2014 17:15

what if i still not get the job by the end of this academic year, can i repair my relationship with the current school?

OP posts:

EvilTwins · 30/12/2014 18:38

It's a long time til the end of the year. What is it that's caused current problems, do you think? How long have you been there?

Original poster

worriednow1 · 30/12/2014 20:30

avout 10 years at current school. the problems caused by me asking for more responsibilities and running activities and not getting permission. started to apply to other schools really intensively

OP posts:

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