School support staff job

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I have recently had two interviews for a couple of support staff jobs that I really wanted. Feeling despondent. Was turned down for both. The last one said I had all the right skills etc but someone with more experience got the job and could fill the gap more quickly than someone who has never done the job before. I haven’t worked this role before.

I don’t know why I am actually writing this. It takes so much time and effort to apply for school jobs as they ask for so much more I feel. Do people actually get hired if not actually worked the job in the past? Just feeling down really as I really wanted the job.

Keep trying. I’d never worked in education before but for a job in it and enjoy it. The right role will come along. Have you thought of doing some volunteering in a school you like so that you’re a known quantity? That might help.

Schools are under massive financial pressure right now so no surprise they have gone for the safer option. They may also be expected to give the role to the person who fits the role profile more accurately. Someone with school experience will generally answer questions more confidently and knowledgeably. I’m going to guess the successful candidate got a higher score by the panel. It’s not personal.

Keep applying. If they offer a detailed feedback session, take it to see if there were questions you could have answered better. The schools I have been governor at are happy to do this, teaching is a very reflective profession and they are used to giving and accepting feedback. But other roles will come along and next time, you might be best fit. In that respect, it’s luck of the draw. (And the most experienced person on paper doesn’t always get the job. I was on a panel once where a TA role had one applicant with more experience than the rest but at interview, it became clear they had very fixed views in certain areas, which did not fit with the school’s values. They did not get the job!)

Good luck.