Interviews... keep getting pipped at the post by NQTs!

[Teaandtoastie]

I came to teaching late, I’m 40 and I qualified 2 years ago. My fixed term post is coming to an end so I’m doing the interview rounds. Three interviews so far and each time it’s been 5 trainees and me- they give the job to one of the NQTs every time!

I always get good feedback- how can I make myself stand out? Am I just too old next to all these new and shiny (and slightly cheaper) twentysomethings? 😫

[Ella1980]

I was a HLTA briefly once before whilst a qualified teacher and I loved it! I especially loved the fact I was actually paid for my time and not working hours upon hours extra from home!!

[Holidayshopping]

If I get the job (which I am really hoping I do, it sounds great!) likelihood is the class TA will be more qualified than the class teacher.

Which then causes problems in itself. My friend left teaching to work as a TA and really struggled. Apart from the pay being less than what she had been paid for 2 days a week teaching, none of the teachers (on the whole-young and relatively inexperienced) wanted a TA who ‘knew’ more than them.

Her experience was VERY valued by the head-he really couldn’t believe his luck (wehay, I can’t believe that I’m getting a teacher prepared to work for pennies!) but the teachers hated her!

Good luck with the interview though-hopefully it’s not like that everywhere!

[Ella1980]

Proof that it's budget and me...applied for a TA role yesterday. Got a call today inviting me for interview!

What a mess the education system is in. If I get the job (which I am really hoping I do, it sounds great!) likelihood is the class TA will be more qualified than the class teacher. I don't mind that at all, I'm not at all proud in that way, just think it's sad that recruitment decisions are having to be made solely on the cheapest option.

[millimat]

It's a sad state of affairs. I need to get out of my current school but can't imagine I'll find anything else as a teacher. I'm UPR3 and part time.
What chance do I have in a primary school with all the budget cuts alongside an nqt? Absolutely none. ( Not that there's any part time posts anyway).

[Ella1980]

Feeling very down indeed tonight. Got another rejection today. In total, I think I'm on about my 8th application in which I've not even been shortlisted. I don't think I'm ever going to be able to get a teaching job. Currently considering a TA role as some income is better than none and it's pretty much urgent I get back into work.

[NinnieNouse]

Me too! I’ve sent you a PM! Very strange indeed! I will see you in Sept!

[HighVoltageYes]

What a strange coincidence! Yes I am...we didn't formally meet but clearly we will! I better name change

[NinnieNouse]

@HighVoltage In the East? I’ll try and figure out how to PM. Are you in the English department?

[HighVoltageYes]

@NinnieNouse I think you may have got a job where I work... seaside town? If so, hello And see you in September I could be wrong! Sorry, can't work out how to private message on the app!

[NinnieNouse]

@InTheRiver Does your town begin with L?

[Intheriver]

It must be your subject or area. I'm in a town, with high deprivation and teach English. We advertised and received one application...one! We are always advertising! We also have cover supervisors taking a class as a regular thing too as we are understaffed.

[Missmarplesknitting]

Congratulations!!

[NinnieNouse]

Thank you @Ella!!!

[BelleSausage]

Really sell yourself OP- especially all the other subject experience. The right school will want you and not the NQT. These are obviously not the right schools, yet.

I have been for some shocking interviews where I was the only candidate and not offered the job. Does that mean I’m crap? No. The schools were a terrible fit for me. Thank fuck I didn’t get offered a job. I’m now in an Outstanding school doing really well/ great observations and loving teaching again.

There will be a place for you somewhere. Keep looking.

[Ella1980]

@NinnieNouse Aw huge congratulations! Awesome news! 😊

[NinnieNouse]

I got it @Ella! It’s secondary, English!

[Ella1980]

@NinnieNouse Awesome! Was this in primary or secondary? All of the schools around here seem to be swamped with NQT applicants! Really hope you get it 😊

[NinnieNouse]

Just got back from an interview- I’m the only candidate- fingers crossed.

[leccybill]

I'm UPS2 in MFL too, many years in the job. I left a post and did supply for a while, lots of MFL opportunities came my way. I'm back in a perm post now, teaching in another subject area aswell too. Many schools prefer a 'safe pair of hands, honestly.

[Teaandtoastie]

leccybill thanks- I live in a university town so unfortunately loads of trainees about to qualify around at the moment and I can’t travel too far for work because of the DC. Will definitely bring up the PSHE etc and I think I will try to bring every answer round to my recent Y11 experience- trainees normally don’t get let near Y11s!

[leccybill]

There's a real shortage for Spanish in my region but not so much for German which is being phased out.
Definitely big up your PHSE Citizenship teaching, it's often a role that no-one wants in a high school.
You sound great- good luck!

[junebirthdaygirl]

I was out of teaching rearing children and when l tried to get back in l found newly qualified teachers getting ahead of me. In lreland so not a financial thing as all salaries come from central government.
A friend who interviews said all the young people are so confident and totally sell themselves. While those of us of an older generation were brought up to be modest and a bit low key thus underselling ourselves.
I went all out for my next interview, going against my natural instincts and got the job. There since and very happy.

[Dermymc]

You teach MFL and can't get a job? I thought there was a shortage?

I'm expensive now and dreading job change time.

[claraschu]

This is terrible, and OP you sound amazing, and have done so much!

[shishnfips]

@Ella1980 oh fair enough. I've taught 4 of my 7 qualified years in private - I vow to never ever return to state!