When to ask my HT for reference?

[Giraffe5]

At what point do I ask him for a reference? I am applying for a job this week. It's the first job I've applied for since being at my current school and it's just because it is in 'that' school- the school I've always wanted to work in. Chances are I won't get it- but I am going to apply.

I don't want my HT to write me off and I will explain that it's just because it is a school I've always wanted to work in. Do I wait to see if I get an interview? Or do I ask before I apply??

You don't ask for a reference, the School you are applying to will, some ask for references when shortlisting and some ask after interview/offers. However I would speak to your head and let them know you are applying and the reasons why. Good luck!

Oh god I hate this, only in teaching do you have to tell your boss prior to applying that you are looking elsewhere. Definitely give them a heads up-I’ve always spoken to my heads face to face and said ‘just to let you know.... I’m applying for a job at x doing y role and you may be asked for a reference, hope that’s ok?’ And it’s alwsys been fine (if occasionally a little awkward!) good luck! Am currently also in this situation (but I have got an interview 👏👏) so am on tenterhooks at the moment!

It's a courtesy to tell the HT that you are applying and that they may be asked for a reference, partly because schools are so awful at actually asking for refs and may send them through on the day of the interview asking for immediate turnaround. Worth telling the HT's PA as well.

I agree that it is annoying to have to do it.

You have to speak to your Head in any case - for giving them the heads-up about the reference, and asking for the day off for an interview.

You certainly do ask for a reference! It’s annoying and embarrassment to be phoned up to give a reference and not know that the person has applied for a job!
Keep it factual - ‘I’m applying for the job at x school. Could I give your name as a referree please?’ They have to be your first named reference anyway.

Parrotonmyshoulder is it just in education we need to ask before we apply. My friend has just said it seems silly to 'show your hand' before you know whether you have an interview.

I have always asked before applying but my friend who isn't in education thinks this is crazy

Only in education! But really considered discourteous not to do so.

Safer Recruitment says that the prospective employer should take up two references before interview. On a practical level, this means before inviting you to interview.