Job application dilemma (maternity vs permanent)

[redsquirrel07]

Hi everyone,

I'm seeking some advice for applying for jobs. Currently in a maternity cover post for A-Level, so looking for a new role in September.

There haven't been many vacancies for my subject (Psychology) for September - I've been keeping an eye since Jan.

However, I've applied for another maternity cover social sciences job (not just teaching psych - I only have experience of psych but willing to take on another subject). In the meantime, a permanent psych job has come out which I am really keen on.

However, the maternity job deadline is this week and the permanent deadline is next week, and I'm worried that if I potentially get an interview for the maternity cover and they offer me the job, I might be missing out on a shot at a permanent position.

I feel I'm much more likely to get the maternity cover as fewer people will apply so I want to be realistic, and am worried that if I decline an interview for the temporary role and then don't get an interview for the permanent that I'll then be left with less opportunities than before.

Sorry to ramble I hope that makes sense - I find it hard in teaching that you are generally expected to accept on the day if offered, I don't think it's like that in many other industries?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thank you in advance :)

I don't think there is an easy answer here. It is one of the problems of the way teaching interviews are conducted. You have to weigh up how hard it will be to get another permanent position if you held off for this and didn't get it. My gut instinct would be if so few jobs are coming up to take the maternity post if you are offered it, and gain experience in a different area, which would stand you in good stead going forward.

Thank you for your advice. There definitely isn't an easy answer which is what I'm grappling with!

The soc sciences maternity cover school have also just advertised for permanent psychology post, so if I get to interview/offered for the maternity I might at least ask about the permanent one since it's in the same school/department!

Thank you again!

Good luck!