Multiple applications in... what if I get 2 or more interviews?

[MNHubbie]

This is a question directed to those in state teaching roles within the UK. The situation with interview and applications are very different in teaching to other jobs.

Just to give an example you (almost) always tell your boss you are applying, you (almost) always get your job offer on the same day as the interview (more senior jobs may have 2 or 3 day interviews but they too find out at the end of the last day), you openly go on an interview rather than going sick and (and this is what my question revolves around) you are expected to accept the job there and then.

I've got about 5 applications for promotion in at the moment and I am working on another 8 at the moment (love my job but need promotion and want to relocate. It is also reaching the point where with my experience, what I've achieved and so on it will look odd if I'm not moving up at the moment).

What happens if I get a job offer (chance would be a nice thing... it is bloody tough out there) and have another interview coming up for a higher grade/better placed job?

Could happen. It hasn't yet but given that the resignation period falls pretty soon after we come back from the holidays (another way we are different. We can only leave at certain points in the year) IF I am going to get any offers they will come thick and fast with the possibility of interviews on the same day (another gamble to think about... but one I guess I solve by trying to figure out which one I want more/have the best chance with).

Now in any other job if I was successful I could just say "I'll get back to you in a week" and nobody would bat an eyelid after all they've probably taken 3 weeks to let you know since the day you had off sick to see them. But I've never heard of this in teaching and I don't know how it would play.

Lets say I am lucky enough to be offered the post of head of science at a school not too far from the coast but the same week I have an interview for assistant head at a school on the beach. It potentially could happen (if my assistant head applications aren't laughed at)... and it is a strange concern.

I know I am a strong candidate and I am coming second every bloody time and (until my last application to a far too posh school that I didn't really expect to pan out) I have always gotten an interview from my applications. I'm working on why I'm not converting (it is something different each time so nerves rather than me. I've got all they want but need to put it together and believe in myself more on the day) but what if this happens?

Odd question I know and for those outside of teaching it might not make sense at all which is why I'm really just asking those who are in education for advice here. Can you (if one gets lucky) postpone your answer to an offer of employment?

Thanks for reading.

Sympathies with the 'always coming second'. I am having the same experience (but with moving onto a more senior university job rather than school job). What are you doing to improve your chances? I'd be really interested to know!

As for your main dilemma... In universities, you usually get an offer on the day, but you do not have to give an answer immediately.

I guess you could accept and then change your mind if you get a better offer (although this would make me feel uncomfortable). In your position, I would be honest and say that you can't give an immediate answer and give the a clear date by which you will have made a decision.

That's what I'm thinking but as you know it feels so odd to do in education.

In terms of improving my chances I work hard on the areas that are highlighted in feedback and project more confidence in them next time. Then in my next feedback that area is highlighted as my biggest strength and my biggest strength from the previous time is suddenly my biggest area for development!

I go from interviewing "really articulately with a strong understanding of the post and a definite vision" to "giving formulaic answers as if ticking off a list" or have observed lessons that "try to pack too much in" to "spot on" to (the same lesson, just as successfully taught in a different school) "not showing enough range"

But yes my gut says I just be honest... or ask for a couple of days to research affording the actual move.

Thanks

I don't think I could ever accept and then go back on it. Teaching is too incestuous to do that and it makes me icky to think about doing it.

The feedback can be frustrating can't it! The only consistent feedback I've had is that I do not project enough confidence - which is difficult to address, because I am actually quite confident in my abilities, but not a naturally gifted presenter.

I completely agree with the going back on your word - I know people who do that, but I never could. Good idea to ask for extra time to consider the practicalities of a move. If you have DC's, you could also ask for extra time to look into schools etc.

That's possible but they may also just say "now or never"... I've just never heard of anyone doing it in teaching. If I get two interviews as described I'll speak to my current head for advice and ask her to check the burgundy book if needs be.

Confidence is key unfortunately but it is fakable with practice. I don't sleep much on the run up to an interview as I'm running through every possible question and answer in my head but on the night before I'm so knackered I sleep like a baby.