Job interviews - feeling crap

[PGCEeek]

I'm a PGCE Secondary English student. I've been unsuccessful at three interviews in the last month.

I know it's early to be applying for jobs - but two of those jobs have gone to people I am training with, so I know it's not to do with inexperience.

I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but my mentor observations (subject, professional, uni) have been glowing throughout my training so far. My lessons described as 'wonderful', 'outstanding' etc. My classroom management has been noted as excellent. I have put my heart and soul into school life, running a club, volunteering to help with reading interventions and drama productions. I am incredibly passionate about education, so much so that I gave up a successful and rewarding 20-year career in a field directly related to English to pursue this passion. I volunteer in my free time to support disadvantaged young people in education and the arts.

So why can't I get a job?!

I'm prepping for another interview tomorrow and I just feel like withdrawing my application. What on earth am I doing wrong? How do I get through the horrible education recruitment process?!

I hate to say it, but three interviews is nothing. Well, not nothing - you have done well to get three interviews already this year. You could have been applying, then hearing nothing. So you are doing well.

However, some of our best trainees (School Direct PGCE) made 15+ applications and one had 13 interviews, to be told they came second on 11 of those occasions - by the end of term they once had three interviews in a week, and had to pick themselves up each time for the next one. Soul-destroying. He eventuslly went on supply, got a two term contract from that within the first half-term, which was then made permanent. And yes, it's his dream job in his dream school.

The ECT application process can be brutal and you have to recognize that it isn't personal and the reason someone else is chosen over you often has more to do withthe school and who they need to complement their existing team.

Always ask for honest feedback (although experience shows you won't always get it), grit your teeth and try agsin.

Your job is out there, and there is still plenty of time left for next September.

Wait til you’ve got experience of teaching in a classroom for years. Then there’ll either be nothing to apply for that will pay for your experience or or you’ll not even get an interview or if you do get an interview you’ll be passed over in favour of an ECT.

Thanks Scarby9, that's very useful and encouraging to know. I've just had my fourth rejection, and already feeling my skin is thicker and I'm taking it less personally. Thank you for taking the time to reply so supportively.

CarrieBlue- that sounds grim. Sorry to hear you've had a tough time too.

Job hunting is so hard. I have been on both sides - as a candidate and an interviewer.

Sometimes, any one of the candidates could do the job and it genuinely is hard to choose so you go with who seems to fit.

Your application is clearly good as you are getting to interview.

I would suggest seeing if someone can do a mock interview with you. It may be something you are saying/not saying/doing/not doing that can be easily rectified. When I was looking for leadership positions, I had a few rejections. Did a mock interview and got the next job I applied for!

Keep at it - something will come up.

When I was applying/interviewing for my first teaching job I applied early in the year for four roles. I got interviews for three of them. The first two were only a couple of days apart and I had a very bad experience at the first. I seriously considered quitting teaching but went for the second interview anyway and when the headteacher spoke with me after he said that they could have appointed either myself or someone else I was training with. He told me the reason they went with her was that she gave a stronger answer to just one question. He then gave me a tip that I've carried with me ever since. Write down the questions you are asked in the interview as soon as possible. Then plan answers to these questions before your next interview. I remember sitting in the staff room at my 3rd interview reading my pre planned answers and reciting them to myself. Typically I went in and didn't get asked a single one of those questions. However it gave me the confidence I needed and I got the job. Since then I have always done this. Good luck with your job hunting. The right one will be out there for you somewhere.

Wonderful advice, thank you :)

I think having kids makes me feel more is at stake, because it would be very difficult for me to work at a school with a long commute or to relocate. So I feel tense about not getting a job at a fairly local school. I need to chill out!

You sound incredible! The right job is out there for you. Interviews are awful.

Focus on interview technique using STAR format and have examples of things you have done handy. If you haven't been doing so already, note down the questions you get asked and prepare answers. You won't get the exact ones in future interviews, of course, but there will be patterns.

You've written a paragraph about yourself here that really sells you but are you making sure everything you've said comes across in interview? You have to be your own cheerleader in these things and make sure that the panel know about your achievements. Good luck!

You have to absolutely blow your own trumpet!