Job interview etiquette

[gloobe]

Name changed.
How long is an acceptable period of time to ask to consider a job offer?

Sadly not long. I was given 5 days once because of a specific circumstance, but more usual is 24 hours or, if offered on Friday, until Monday

Generally schools expect a decision on the day. I was allowed 24 hours once as it was a large move and we needed to discuss it with my partner’s employer, but I’ve not heard of anyone being given longer than that.

Thanks for your replies. I'm having a potential dilemma- have 2 interview days apart and not sure what to do

In a teaching role? The general advice here is to be honest with the employers. I think it depends on context though. Some ages / subjects are so desperate for staff that you could probably negotiate an earlier interview or longer decision period. Others are so competitive that you’d need to decide there and then.

My friends in other sectors think this is crazy but as others have said it is normal for schools to expect a verbal acceptance on the day. 24 hours is sometimes given on request, especially if the job requires relocation. In every interview I’ve had I’ve also been asked if I would accept the role if offered it.

Are you in a shortage subject / area? Can you visit the schools to help gather some more info before interview?

In shortage subject, main issue for me is likely to be pay scale as will be part time. I know the job that interviews later will honour my previous pay scale point.

Which role would appeal most if the pay was the same?

If it's a real shortage subject and you're prepared to negotiate and give the impression you will walk away otherwise, then do that. Be open at the end of the interview, and say you have an interview a few days later where you know they will honour your pay scale point. Tell the first school you like their school for xyz reasons but that if they want you, they will either have to potentially wait a few days, or match pay scales.

If you're worried about ending up with no job offer at all, unfortunately, you may just have to accept the first job regardless if they offer.