Not getting shortlisted for interviews (ECT)

[Klhcoco]

Hi all,

So I graduated and did really well in 2020. I didn't secure a job that year so carried on working at the shop I'd been at for 5 years. I then left went on supply and then in 2022 managed to get a teaching job at a school I'd been a HLTA in. I applied for places in 2023 but got 1 interview and didn't get the job. Went back on supply and took a job TAing at a school I'd been supplying in. I've been applying since Jan, got 3 interviews up till April but didn't get the job - really positive and strong feedback. I've been applying since then and I've not managed to even get an interview - I've been doing the walk around, asking questions, tailoring my statements. But still nothing. I've got until 2025 to compete my final ECT year and then after that I'm not able to supply teach unless it counts towards ECT. I'm feeling so low and deflated. What can I do? I've got in touch with agencies again and been very firm that I want long term ECT roles, as my last agency only gave me TA work and I just can't afford it. What more can I do? Why is it not working out for me?

Primary or secondary?

Which part of the country?

Primary, merseyside - I think it's very competitive here

Primary, merseyside

Are you asking for critical feedback following unsuccessful interviews? If not, go back to the schools and ask.

Practise interview questions with a friend. Are you still in contact with any uni / placement tutors?

Take a copy of your personal statement to interviews annotated with notes.

Good luck and remember there will be more jobs after the May 31 deadline.

Hi yes I have done, they all gave really positive feedback and 2 of them said that there wasn't much today, just that the other person was more experienced in one case, and in the other case it was that the person who got it scored 1 more than me in the interview questions. My problem now just seems to be actually getting an interview.

Im not in contact with any I'm afraid, but I could try and speak to a previous placement mentor as we had a very good relationship and I volunteered in her class after.

About taking the annotated personal statement to interviews, can I ask for some clarification on that please?

@cliffdiver sorry I'm new and don't know how to reply just had to Google it

@careerchange456 sorry I'm new to the site and didn't know how to reply!

It's tough. Probably nothing specific that you are doing wrong. My friend had a similar experience and eventually changed sector. There were just so many applicants for each job.

Are you using your personal statement to address each point on the advert?

You should address each sub heading and the points within in, use the sub heading to structure your personal statement. For example, from the screenshot I’ve attached, your first sub heading should be ‘experience’ and you should address each point in the advert. Use real examples and the impact they had.

Look at the schools ethos / mission statement and refer to that in your personal statement.

Re annotated personal statement, I made 2 columns either side of my personal statement and added notes of key points I wanted to make (bullet points) so I could refer to them during the interview.

Move and do your ect somewhere else then. Or move to the edge of the city and commute out just to get it over and done with and get some experience.

There will definitely be more jobs after half term and less candidates in that they all have to have no job for September.

Focus on your teaching experience as much as possible, rather than too much about a TA. We just interviewed ECTs and one only referred to her TA experience.

Also be prepared for the obvious and questions and prepare answers. Prepare to go into detail about your answers, don't just give one line.

How has the teaching part of the interview gone?

I’ve reported your post and asked MNHQ to
move it to The Staffroom, as I think you’ll get more responses.

@WonderingWanda Yeah I'd love to move but can't really do that on a TA wage lol, kind of why I want a teaching job

I had this many years ago as a then NQT. I was applying for jobs in South Wales and they were like hens teeth. Eventually I applied in Somerset, got the first job I went for and have never moved back to Wales more than 20 years later! Unless there is something really tying you to that area, then consider moving somewhere else- if only to get ECT out the way. You never know- you might like the new area more!

My friend got her ect job quite late in the summer. Don’t give up! And yes, be prepared to move.

@careerchange456 Thank you for your advice! The teaching part has gone fine each time, the only feedback I was given on that was with one school that said I should have modelled a bit more

@Tidypidy I'd really love to move but I honestly can't afford it which is really stressing me out!

Hi OP,

We have moved this for you as we think you will get more responses.

@cliffdiver this is really insightful thank you so much. I have been using the person specs but I haven't structured it the way you've said - I'll definitely follow it more like you said in future and see how that helps me. I'd been told prior that it doesn't matter about the order, just that you address the points

@ImaniMumsnet hi, thank you! Where will I find it?

@ImaniMumsnet oops nevermind! Sorry I'm new to the website!

I moved for my first post as an nqt (in old money!). I ended up at the same school for 12 years and moved this year for a Senior leadership role! Dont give up!

You’re welcome.

If you have a good relationship with any SLT / teachers at supply schools then ask them
to give you constructive feedback?

Also, if you secure an interview it might be worth asking if your supply school would allow you to do a mock interview lesson at their school prior to your interview, especially if you’ve been on long term supply with them. Slightly different but my school has allowed BA/PGCE student to do this prior to them interviewing elsewhere.

Apply for jobs in areas that are desperate for teachers. Then move when you get the job!

I'm sorry you are finding it tough- it does sound like competition in your area might be the problem.

I understand that moving is expensive. However, I would strongly suggest you do what you can to apply for jobs in other areas with less applicants.

Once you have a job lined up, look for accommodation. Can you consider a house share or renting a room? Not perfect but as a start, it would do.

Hopefully someone can suggest areas you could apply to.