Have you ever applied for a job above your expectations

[Shadowboy]

And got it?

I mean a job you applied for off the cuff, just in case; didn’t actually expect to get but we’re then successful?

Yep. Went from a child minder to manager of 13 members of staff in a pre school.

Never in my dreams did I expect that

Yes. I applied for my current job on a whim as I wasn't happy in my previous role, wasn't really looking for a new job, but saw it advertised and applied late one night after a stressful day. Didn't overthink the application, sent it off, and forgot about it, until I got an interview!

It's the perfect role as it's professionally and personally satisfying, challenging but not stressful, part-time, not a bad commute, well paid for the work and is carrying out a role I genuinely believe makes a difference.

Yes, twice!

The first was a job doing exactly what I was already doing but with a different company. I was only 21 at the time and it was more than double the salary I was on so I thought there'd be heaps of competition from older more experienced people, but I got the job.

The second was a job I had the technical skills for but I had zero experience working in that particular industry. It turned out there were two of us shortlisted, the other candidate had experience in the industry but not as technically skilled as me. They also told me afterwards they didn't like his personality and thought I was a better fit.

Both of these experiences taught me that not every employer wants pure technical skills or experience on paper, the better ones look for the right personalities and who they think are capable.

Hmmm that’s good. Maybe it’s worth just dropping in an application for a job that I’m probably not fully experienced in....

I started a thread recently about not being able to get beyond senior middle management and on to SLT, so I apply for basically everything. I hardly ever get shortlisted (four times in about 7 years) but the one time I applied for Deputy rather than assistant Head (and it was this time of year btw) I got an interview. I didn't get the job but it is always worth applying , time consuming as it is!

Yep, interviewed for a head of English role across 10 schools in an academy trust when I was a head of year and got it. The interview was also on my final day of school before a year off on maternity leave!

Assuming we are talking teaching jobs here shadow, there is a definite level at which you are more likely to be in a small field of applicants and a level at which the field is bound to be huge.

Yes. It meant a move of 250 miles and I only applied because I wanted to work nearer DH - we decided that whoever got the first job moved to join the other. This was a promotion and I was in a school at the time where my face did not fit [Malbecfan-speak for the Head was a tw@t]

I didn't even know where the place was. They interviewed over 2 different days and called me to offer the job when I was almost home. I was stunned. The next day I already had an interview lined up at my local grammar so I asked for 24 hours to think about it, to which they agreed. As soon as I walked in the grammar school and met the HoD, I knew it wasn't the school for me. When I went in for the interview with the Head, I told her straightaway about the promotion 250 miles away and she was lovely and encouraging. She also said if it didn't work out, to give her a call. It did work and although not at that school for logistical reasons any more, it was a good move.

I like malbec speak.!

Yes. I was working as an officer in a london borough but it was not particularly skilled just high pressure as a front line service. I saw a job in transport planning for a different borough. I had no qualifications or experience in transport planning, just my degree in government and an interest in public transport.

I went for it and was interviewed, they liked me but offered the job initially to the man in his 50s with years of experience... Then he bailed so a few months after I was interviewed they called me back and offered me (mid 20s no direct experience) the job. I was able to do a transport planning masters while I was working there (on day release) and enjoyed learning on the job. So yes go for it. Nothing ventured etc.

Literally done this today. Very experienced teacher but not advanced my career since having children. Just applied for a SENDCo job. Totally unqualified but enthusiastic and hardworking. Not quite sure what came over me to send the application but it's done now!

Next week I'm probably going to apply for a deputy head job. The second thing on the list of essential criteria is 'proven experience on SLT'.

I've never been on SLT.