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Original poster

Interview Help, Classroom Assistant.

22 replies

Skribble · 10/03/2007 23:30

I have an interview on Monday for a job as a classroom assistant, so...I always get stuck when they ask, Have you any questions them?

Any questions I have had in mind always get answered in the course of the interview, so I am left with nothing to ask. I can adlib Ok the rest of the time but I dry up when asked this and normally say "Oh I think you have covered everything", which is apparantly very bad thing to say .

Any examples of other likely questions specific to this post would be appreciated too.

OP posts:
nikkie · 10/03/2007 23:35

additional training?
firstaid/child protection that sort of thing ?

Original poster
Skribble · 10/03/2007 23:40

As in, me asking what sort of training would I be able to do? Good one.

Last big interview they caught me out by asking me what further training I would benefit from. I sort of bablled on about management stuff and she said what would that be I babbled on more about leadership skills and admin. I think that lost me the job.

OP posts:
nikkie · 10/03/2007 23:45

yeah what extra would they offer you?
would you be specialising in a specific age group/subject /SN?
Is there a progression,as in at our school we have CA , TA,Senior TA and HLTA and you move along them (except HLTA which was done through interview).

Original poster
Skribble · 10/03/2007 23:55

A yes progression is a good thing to ask about too, mind you they will probably do the usual and tell me all about that in the course of the interview .

One thing I will be asking is if they are likely to offer more hours as it is only 10 a week, I didn't realise it was so few when I applied, I was blinded by term time only. I wasn't going to go to the interview but I have been advised I should go and see if there is anything else on offer and use the chance to sell myself so I will be remembered for future positions, I am still not sure if it is worth the hassle as I realy won't be able to take this job and unlikey they will say OK fine we will eploy you for 25 hours then.

OP posts:
nikkie · 10/03/2007 23:58

Possibly ask about supply on top of the 10hours ?
Assuming you aren't giving up a job for it.

Original poster
Skribble · 11/03/2007 00:14

Supply work might be an option as my other job is just odd evenings and weekends, better rate for supply work too, thanks.

OP posts:
nikkie · 11/03/2007 19:13

I do 3 days + supply and get time and 1/2 for supply so do quite well out of it

spudmasher · 11/03/2007 19:24

Maybe ask if you would be provided with some sort of mentor or if they have any sort of induction programme.

If you have anything extra to offer such as art skills, craft, dance, drama, chess or anything that could be run as a luchtime club, ask if these skills could be utilised.

Ask about the social life in the school! Do the staff go out together?

Original poster
Skribble · 11/03/2007 22:03

Thanks more good ideas.

Went to find the place today for a trial run, and it really is at the back of beyond on the most horrible road, complete with two bad areas of flooding and a stray cow .

The schools has about 30 pupils so not sure about the differences with multi primary classes. I haven't figured out how many classes there are.

I know the supply work will be well payed but unfortunatly I live at a far point of the region so almost all schools will be quite a distance.

OP posts:
Original poster
Skribble · 12/03/2007 22:50

Oh well it was a crappy little 5 minute interveiw, very shallow, and there I was all ready with my probing questions and I barely got to ask what days I would be working , me thinks they had someone lined up.

OP posts:
Linnet · 12/03/2007 22:58

sorry to hear that Skribble, will keep my fingers crossed for you finding another term time job to apply for.

Ceolas · 12/03/2007 23:00

Oh bugger. Hope you are surprised

Original poster
Skribble · 12/03/2007 23:01

Thanks, I am not limiting myself to term time now as my lovely MIL has moved 2mins from my kids school . I really am hoping to get something nearer to 35 hrs a week. We really need a decent second wage to get us back on our feet and let us get a slightly bigger house.

I am still waiting to here from another part time seasonal job I think I have a good chance of, and a couple of full time jobs which I would really like. So everything is still crossed.

OP posts:
Original poster
Skribble · 12/03/2007 23:01

Oh no surprises they phoned me this afternoon to say no.

OP posts:
Linnet · 13/03/2007 00:26

At least they phoned you. The last interview I went on for a school job they didn't even bother to phone me or send a letter saying I hadn't been successful, I thought that was quite rude.

Original poster
Skribble · 13/03/2007 15:47

Got offered an other job, it is varied hours and days and seasonal but at least I know I am employable. I will take this job but I will keep looking for something more permanent.

OP posts:
spudmasher · 13/03/2007 18:46

Good luck with the new job Skribble! Well done!

Hope it all works out for you!

pinkchampagne · 13/03/2007 18:48

Well done, Skribble!

nikkie · 13/03/2007 20:49

Congratulations Skribble

Original poster
Skribble · 13/03/2007 22:33

Thanks

OP posts:
Linnet · 13/03/2007 23:50

congratulations Skribble

Original poster
Skribble · 14/03/2007 00:06

I have two days training to go to, complete with a pack lunch. The type of place it is there is bound to be some lunch box snobbery, perhaps I will take a sausage roll, can of coke and a big sugary greggs yummyumm . They will all have flasks of homemade soup and hummus on proper bread.

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