Is applying for jobs in a school fruitless?

[pandapickle]

I've applied for 3 different jobs in local schools and haven't even gotten to the interview stage. Am I being terribly naive in thinking these jobs are actually open for applicants?

To give a bit of background I worked in a well known creative company for 10 years before taking time off with DC. I have PA experience and was accepted onto a teacher training programme so feel my manner with children would be suitable for a school. For each job I haven't even gotten to the interview stage.

DH works as a Manager in the city and hires several times a year so I'm confident there aren't any problems with my applications.

I’m also not quite sure why you think being accepted but dropping out of a teacher training course shows you would be a good candidate. It is probably more likely to suggest a lack of commitment.

What jobs are you applying for?

OP doesn't say she dropped out of teacher training. She says she had a place on one. So maybe went through the application process and decided not to go forward for some reason? Anyway, @pandapickle as you can see schools get hundreds of applications for each job. You need to stand out. You don't say but do you have any experience in a school apart from as a pupil or a mum? Can you volunteer? Ask for unpaid work experience? I know these may not be open to you. Or call and have a chat with the named person before you apply for the next one to give you a better idea of what they are looking for. IME schools jobs do often go to people they know because those candidates are best able to demonstrate in application and at interview that they have the required skill set. ( former teacher, PTA chair and governor here)

IME schools jobs do often go to people they know because those candidates are best able to demonstrate in application and at interview that they have the required skill set. ( former teacher, PTA chair and governor here)
I agree and they understand the school context because a school where you're likely to end up dealing with lots of multi agency admin, processing lots of SEND/Safeguarding admin is quite different from a school where you'll end up fielding complaints from angry parents because they missed the trip/book fair/extra curricular deadline but they were busy and should be allowed to shout and demand their child's way in.

I work as school admin. Done so for 7 yrs (changed establishment few years ago) and this week I'm applying for a 30 hour job within the council.

But i was told when I started working at this school, that I was the only applicant. Cant see how, but it was true.

You have to be terribly two faced. Smile when you want to scream “fuck off” many times a day. Roll the eyes you have at the back of your head when mum appears to speak to the teacher.

But the best bit us the gossip about the parents in the staff room.

Just keep looking at the council website

I’ve worked in schools for 8 years, but prior to this I applied for about 20 TA jobs. It’s really hard to get in.

I work in school finance, I've never worked in a school before and this was the first school interview I had although I have always worked in finance.

I agree with a pp who said it's often who you know. Many of our admin have had other roles in the school from dinner ladies to volunteer helpers.

I would say it's not in any way an easy job, I have worked in investments/private banking in the city and I have never felt as under pressure as I do now, it is also manic and non stop from the moment I walk in to the moment I leave for very little pay.

Many school job adverts offer a chance to go on an informal visit to the school, most definitely do this and if you can get some volunteer experience.

Thanks for all the replies and ideas. I'll look into volunteering, which I do have time for. I also like the idea of calling up and talking to the person hiring.

Just a note - I'm obviously not including on the application the fact that I turned down teacher training! I included it in my initial post to show that I was able to demonstrate that I can communicate with children effectively.

I also have a degree and have finance/ business/ admin experience at a well known and liked company.

How does turning down teacher training show you can communicate with children effectively?

To me it shows you have changed your mind about working with children.