I've just finished PGCE, applied for around 20 jobs, but not one interview. I don't understand. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet, but I'm older than the average graduate, but not too old, I have experience in schools previous to the PGCE, and have worked with children with emotional, behaioural disorders and special educational needs, have done well at uni, and the reference I was shown from my secodn placement was glowing. What is wrong with me. Should I give up and go back to what I was doing? Should I carry on trying. Have joined agency and intend to call all local schools and offer up my services as supply so they can cut out the middle man. Any other advice, please.
2006-09-02 04:56:21 · 15 answers · asked by emily_jane2379 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Can't move at the moment, due to partners commitments, stuck in Cheltenham for time being
2006-09-02 05:00:31 · update #1
When I finished college I applied for a teaching job that I was capable of doing even though I wasn't qualified for - thankfully I got it. Even then it took 18 months and 13 job applications to get the job I was qualified for. I was only interviewed for the last 2 applications - so even within the system it can be a long drawn out process.
Try applying for classroom assistant jobs, Learning Support - anything else that is very closely related to what you are qualified to do. With your foot in the door and experience behind you, then your chances might be improved.
Even though you have experience from before your teacher Training, it is what you are up to now that will sell you in a job interview.Coming straight out of college is very difficult - think how many students there are up and down the country trying for the same jobs. It's scary!
Take yourself into local schools - just to introduce yourself and show interest and be a face rather than a name on a piece of paper. If only on a supply list then it could help you get work you might otherwise be passed over for.
Most of all do not give up!!
Good luck!
2006-09-02 05:15:34 · answer #1 · answered by wee stoater 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you need to address interview techniques, or that you simply applied too late and the jobs have already been filled up? Or that you are so experienced that the Head is afraid you're a "threat" to his/her position? If you are applying for a specific position, act as it is the job that you want and keep your opinions about how you would want a school to be etc as that is a Headteacher's job. Keep trying, don't give up.
Just think of it this way, better to persevere than take up a job that will end up miserably When you do get a position, it'll probably be the best job you've ever taken.
Good luck.
2006-09-02 12:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by 675 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personal experience: definitely get into as many schools as possible on supply, in the area you want to work in (and you also get to hear about the jobs that are coming up). When I was looking to move from my first teaching post, I repeatedly came second to the supply teachers that had already been working in the schools / classes in question.
Good luck!
2006-09-04 16:27:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont give up. Whilst your doing your supply work, you will have some days free. How about setting one day a week aside and doing some voluntary work in a school. You could try at the school your did your placement at. They already know you and you never know, when a job next comes up, they might ask you!
2006-09-04 12:46:38 · answer #4 · answered by ravi'n'jay 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may not be you have a problem but maybe the way you present your letter of application. in as much as you could just type it up using a computer the interview would prefer it if you used your hand's to write it and make it neat. also make it neat that is your envelope, even the paper if you do not address it properly it may never eb\ven get read by the interview also try to go over your spellings.
2006-09-02 12:25:06 · answer #5 · answered by j-angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try asking if the place where you did your second placement has any vacancies - we've just taken on one of our third year PGCE students. You're tried and tested there which gives you a BIG advantage!
2006-09-03 07:18:23 · answer #6 · answered by Purple 8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep your chin up, you dont know what is arouind the corner
I recently applied for, interview with and landed a new job (was already employed at the time). Gave my notice, havent even started new job yet and now have another interview next week for an even better paying job
2006-09-02 12:04:52 · answer #7 · answered by capollar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you had any feedback from the people that you have applied to.
Revise your CV in case that is not getting enough attention.
Keep trying.
Most importantly stop thinking it is anything to do with you personally. They have not interviewed you, they do not know you.
2006-09-02 12:10:57 · answer #8 · answered by Phil J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep trying go to the managers of the business and speak with confidence about your work experience you will get there in the end
2006-09-02 12:20:19 · answer #9 · answered by paris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apply to more and call them to ask why - it might help you with your further applications. Don't give up! Good luck
2006-09-04 04:15:33 · answer #10 · answered by sara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋