Going for interview - food/ textiles technician - what will I be asked?

[DoleWhipFloat]

I have never worked as a food technician in a school before.
I am going for an interview, as food and textiles technician in a secondary school.
What sort of questions am I likely to be asked?

Thank you

Jobs in a school nearly always have a safeguarding question (always for a teacher not sure if it's always for a technician but could well be). Correct response if you are concerned about a child is to tell the designated safeguarding lead and never promise confidentiality to a child.

This document is useful to read (the third one down that says part 1, if you get a job in the school you will be expected to read it anyway!) - www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2

Thank you! That is very useful.

I've never worked in a school, or with food before, but I am hoping my enthusiasm will get me through.

Ooh it would be my ideal job if I wasn't a full time teacher.

Tell us about about your self (30 second elevator pitch)
Why did you apply to this school/ what do know about school (research and flattery)
What skills do you have..(enthusiasm for food here)
What personal qualities make you a strong candidate for the role (?organisation and ?compassion)
What challenges could the role present and how would you solve then (??fast paced environment, unexpected problems) How do you manage time effectively (??diary/email/list and the benefits -know the difference between urgent and important)
Give an example of when you worked well in a team (?and the impact of your role in the team -make it relevant to the role applied for)
What attracted you the role of x
What would you do if you saw a student misbehaving? (Answer: speak to student and follow school policy- refer to class teacher in lesson or teacher on duty at break)
Statutory Safeguarding question. (Answer: report to designated safeguarding lead and make dated notes)

The best food tech I worked with made whipped up a batch scones for our year team meeting when my head of year was a food teacher - that's going the extra mile!

Any questions if be happy to help And good luck.

I think if you prepped these on a mind map under headings you will be able to answer most questions. There will probably be another student based on me but I can't think of it if the top of my head.

@cherrypiepie

You are incredible, thank you so much for this! I really appreciate the time you put in and it’s given me a lot of confidence just reading it.

Thank you 🙏

Ah no problem!

It's fairly generic but I suppose it's a post that doesn't require formal qualifications. (Maybe include can learn quickly!)

Our amazing department technicians (not in my department as we don't have any) are just warm friendly well organised, resourceful, can think on their feet and will always stop and help any member of staff that needs help with anything.

Not sure if you will be student facing but may well be a question about "helping a student who is struggling".

Research safeguarding question for updated answer.

@cherrypiepie

Ah no problem!

It's fairly generic but I suppose it's a post that doesn't require formal qualifications. (Maybe include can learn quickly!)

Our amazing department technicians (not in my department as we don't have any) are just warm friendly well organised, resourceful, can think on their feet and will always stop and help any member of staff that needs help with anything.

Not sure if you will be student facing but may well be a question about "helping a student who is struggling".

Research safeguarding question for updated answer.

I’ve taken your questions plus the safeguarding info and I’m writing my answers down. I am learning a lot just doing that to be honest. I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, I thrive under pressure and I have completed a hygiene and safety certificate in my own time to show how enthusiastic I am about this post. Hopefully I’ll be well prepared for the questions, as the job is ideal and I think I would really enjoy doing it. The pay isn’t great, but I think job satisfaction is more important to me. I do appreciate the help I’ve gotten here! So thank you once again.

Hi
I'm a technician but not in food sadly!
The most important questions are about safeguarding issues. Look up school policy and if they have named head of safeguarding team, mention. Check school ethos too.
Then it will be the usual about yourself. You may be invited into have break with teachers and/ or support staff so you get a feel of the school and also check you out too!
Know/ mention your health and safety. Organisation skills, sticking to guidelines and procedures, meeting deadlines, realiability etc. (as others have mentioned) Also Check out CLEAPSS website - useful for techs.
Hope this helps. Good luck

There may also be questions about organisation of time.
Sorting/prepping lessons
and ordering ingredients and sourcing equipment.

Don't forget GDPR