Unsuccessful for job in current school

[Peakan]

I was unsuccessful in applying for a permanent position at my current school. I am in my third year of teaching and experienced in teaching the year group required for the post however let myself down in my lesson observation for the position, which was ultimately given to an external candidate. This has really exacerbated my constant feeling of not being a good enough teacher and I am full of anxiety for the future.

Has anybody been in a similar position? How do I get past this and build my confidence up again? I feel so tired

I'm so sorry you were unsuccessful it's doubly hard when it's the school you are working in. I once went for a promotion that went to an external candidate and it does sting.

Hard as it is, dust yourself off (there may be other opportunities at the school). Get some detailed feedback on your interview/lesson.

Start applying elsewhere- you have some experience under your belt and in the current climate that should help.

You didn’t necessarily let yourself down. The other candidate just might have been on superb form and too great an appointment for them to miss. That doesn’t mean that you didn’t perform well or impress them. It just means that someone else impressed them more on the day: it’s easier to go for it as an external candidate because there is not as much pressure teaching in front of strangers!
As the previous poster says, ask for some constructive feedback.