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Interview

13 replies

Atii · 08/07/2026 18:03

Hello Everyone

Has anyone been through consistent rejection in interview?

So, I'm newly qualified teacher, and I had a few interviews recently and been rejected every time. I don't know what is about me but recently I've been very cold and with no enthusiasm. I was the opposite side before I completed my PGCE. So, apparently in interviews I show no interest even though I am very excited and love to work but I cannot express it. Have you been through this before and what is your method to pass this situation?

Thank you

OP posts:
SaraHoliday · 08/07/2026 21:45

Hi

Is that the actual feedback you've received following interviews? x

Pieceofpurplesky · 08/07/2026 22:02

Teaching interviews are usually very strange in that you spend the day with the other candidates and it is an all day thing! What has been the feedback?

SaraHoliday · 08/07/2026 22:24

I work in HR. Not so much now - but when I worked in HR in a Higher Education setting, we often had full days of interviews. 'Myers Briggs' personality testing was in vogue then; even that can be 'fudged' if you are self-aware.

The interview is actually a small part of the process, we're looking at how you interact with others - from the person on Reception to the other candidates. Mainly as some people can 'ace' an interview but in reality aren't the correct candidate.

There are definitely some 'red flag' things that I've witnessed:
Someone who did not speak to anyone else at the coffee break time...
Someone who went outside to sit in their car rather than wait with the others...

What happened in your interviews?

Was it an informal meet, interview and test?

Atii · 08/07/2026 23:03

SaraHoliday · 08/07/2026 22:24

I work in HR. Not so much now - but when I worked in HR in a Higher Education setting, we often had full days of interviews. 'Myers Briggs' personality testing was in vogue then; even that can be 'fudged' if you are self-aware.

The interview is actually a small part of the process, we're looking at how you interact with others - from the person on Reception to the other candidates. Mainly as some people can 'ace' an interview but in reality aren't the correct candidate.

There are definitely some 'red flag' things that I've witnessed:
Someone who did not speak to anyone else at the coffee break time...
Someone who went outside to sit in their car rather than wait with the others...

What happened in your interviews?

Was it an informal meet, interview and test?

I'm still waiting for feedback, but from what I remember, I arrived 30 minutes early because I live nearby. I waited in reception and went over my notes again to make sure I remembered the STAR technique, as when I'm nervous I sometimes forget to explain my experience properly and end up giving short answers.
While I was waiting, I had a brief conversation with the receptionist. I'm usually a smiley and friendly person, although I wasn't sure afterwards whether that might have come across the wrong way.
I'm neurodivergent, so interacting with new people can sometimes be challenging. However, once I feel comfortable and safe, I'm a very social and engaging person. In unfamiliar situations, especially interviews, I sometimes become so nervous that my mind goes blank. Looking back at previous interviews, I know I haven't always been as engaged with the questions as I would have liked.
I genuinely love working, and I believe I can do the job well. Sometimes, though, certain people or environments make me feel anxious, and when that happens, I struggle to be myself and to communicate my experience and abilities in the way I know I can.

OP posts:
Atii · 08/07/2026 23:04

Pieceofpurplesky · 08/07/2026 22:02

Teaching interviews are usually very strange in that you spend the day with the other candidates and it is an all day thing! What has been the feedback?

I'm still waiting for them . But I'm feeling that maybe I wasn't engaged.

OP posts:
Atii · 08/07/2026 23:05

SaraHoliday · 08/07/2026 21:45

Hi

Is that the actual feedback you've received following interviews? x

No, I will get feedback tomorrow.

OP posts:
SaraHoliday · 09/07/2026 00:07

Atii · 08/07/2026 23:05

No, I will get feedback tomorrow.

Let me know how it goes x

Ask if there was anything specific.

It's good to know so you can change that for next time.

SaraHoliday · 09/07/2026 00:27

Atii · 08/07/2026 23:03

I'm still waiting for feedback, but from what I remember, I arrived 30 minutes early because I live nearby. I waited in reception and went over my notes again to make sure I remembered the STAR technique, as when I'm nervous I sometimes forget to explain my experience properly and end up giving short answers.
While I was waiting, I had a brief conversation with the receptionist. I'm usually a smiley and friendly person, although I wasn't sure afterwards whether that might have come across the wrong way.
I'm neurodivergent, so interacting with new people can sometimes be challenging. However, once I feel comfortable and safe, I'm a very social and engaging person. In unfamiliar situations, especially interviews, I sometimes become so nervous that my mind goes blank. Looking back at previous interviews, I know I haven't always been as engaged with the questions as I would have liked.
I genuinely love working, and I believe I can do the job well. Sometimes, though, certain people or environments make me feel anxious, and when that happens, I struggle to be myself and to communicate my experience and abilities in the way I know I can.

Ok.

So, the best things to do are:

Familiarise yourself with wherever the interview will be taking place.

It's positive that you had a chat with the Receptionist.

Research as much as possible i.e. look in-depth at the school website, social media and whatever trust it's incorporated into (I can't say anything about teaching specifically as I have no idea!). Try and mention that you have done this.

Do you take in a copy of your CV or application with you? It's handy to refer to and shows you are organised and have the know-how to plan ahead.

If you do think you've missed out on explaining something, ask the panel "Is there anything you'd like me to expand on?". Then they should say if they think an answer to a question needs more depth. That's a really important thing as if they are scoring applicants using a points system, you not only get points for engaging/asking but you get the opportunity to go back and attain extra points on something you haven't touch on.

Relax. Be confident. Remember everyone else is there for the same reason.

It's a 'numbers game' really. You can even ask how many applications were shortlisted to be interviewed.

Before they phone you with feedback tomorrow, make a list of things you want to ask.

Good luck. You can do this. Sometimes it just takes a while. You will get there.

Atii · 09/07/2026 15:06

SaraHoliday · 09/07/2026 00:27

Ok.

So, the best things to do are:

Familiarise yourself with wherever the interview will be taking place.

It's positive that you had a chat with the Receptionist.

Research as much as possible i.e. look in-depth at the school website, social media and whatever trust it's incorporated into (I can't say anything about teaching specifically as I have no idea!). Try and mention that you have done this.

Do you take in a copy of your CV or application with you? It's handy to refer to and shows you are organised and have the know-how to plan ahead.

If you do think you've missed out on explaining something, ask the panel "Is there anything you'd like me to expand on?". Then they should say if they think an answer to a question needs more depth. That's a really important thing as if they are scoring applicants using a points system, you not only get points for engaging/asking but you get the opportunity to go back and attain extra points on something you haven't touch on.

Relax. Be confident. Remember everyone else is there for the same reason.

It's a 'numbers game' really. You can even ask how many applications were shortlisted to be interviewed.

Before they phone you with feedback tomorrow, make a list of things you want to ask.

Good luck. You can do this. Sometimes it just takes a while. You will get there.

I'm still for them to get me a feedback, but didn't hear anything back yet! Unfortunately!

Thanks for tips!! Actually I just received another email for being shortlisted for a permanent teaching role ! I am over the moon as this role is my own specialty. I'm just so scared to loose this interview as well! Interviews will be on Monday!

OP posts:
Atii · 09/07/2026 15:07

SaraHoliday · 09/07/2026 00:07

Let me know how it goes x

Ask if there was anything specific.

It's good to know so you can change that for next time.

Thank you Sara, I'm still waiting for them to call me.

Good news is I've been shortlisted for another and much better position but I'm so scared to messed up again :(

OP posts:
SaraHoliday · 09/07/2026 16:10

Atii · 09/07/2026 15:06

I'm still for them to get me a feedback, but didn't hear anything back yet! Unfortunately!

Thanks for tips!! Actually I just received another email for being shortlisted for a permanent teaching role ! I am over the moon as this role is my own specialty. I'm just so scared to loose this interview as well! Interviews will be on Monday!

That's really good! You can treat the first one as a practice interview for the one you want! x

SaraHoliday · Yesterday 20:45

@Atii

Have you heard about the interview?

pamelabrown · Yesterday 21:34

Good luck

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