Middlesbrough Schools’ Teaching Alliance GETTING YOUR FIRST JOB IN TEACHING UNDERSTANDING THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS SCHOOL DIRECT Initial Teacher

Middlesbrough Schools’ Teaching Alliance

GETTING YOUR FIRST JOB IN TEACHING

UNDERSTANDING THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW

PROCESS

SCHOOL DIRECT

Initial Teacher Training – School Direct 2014/15

MFC Weds 25th February 2015


THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS YOUR NQT

(NEW AND QUIETLY TERRIFIED!)

YEAR


By the end of this session:

• Finding your first teaching post• The application process• The interview process• A Head Teacher’s perspective• An Interviewee’s perspective• Learn how to cope with ‘rejection’ and

make the most of ‘feedback’


How to find your first teaching post

• Local Council websites• Times Educational Supplement (TES)• Local press• National press• Ear to the ground


MAKING ‘LOOK-AROUND’

VISITS TO SCHOOLS


‘Look-Around’ Visits to SchoolsDO:• Visit• Smile• Pre-visit research• Ring to make an

appointment• Prepare a list of questions• Remember a ‘date’ is a

two-way process• Dress appropriately• Go alone!

DON’T:• Under-estimate the value of

this• Miss out the visit• Be late• Take photographs without

permission• Forget to ask pertinent

questions• Be a question ‘terrorist’• Make comments about the

school to other ‘prospective candidates’


TASK 1:In small groups make a list of things you would be looking out for on a visit to a prospective school


THE APPLICATION PROCESS


The application process

• Preparation• Research ~ including school websites,

visits to the school, local intelligence, Ofsted

• The application form including letter of application and references


The application process ~ preparation

• School Direct course including all assignments, research and practice periods

• Identifying your key strengths ~ accurate self evaluation ~ constructively critical

• Identifying your key areas for improvement ~ progress you have made

• Demonstrating that you are a reflective practitioner

• You can’t just turn it on at interview!


TASK 2: The application process

• Write down 3 things you have found out about yourself as a result of being on the School Direct programme…..let’s make them 3 good things you have found out or had reaffirmed!

• Go walkabout …… share your thinking with others…..and listen to what others have to say about you!



• Now write down the key area, aspect or issue that you have identified to date that needs addressing through your professional development ~ before you complete your training…..be ready to share it!


The application process ~ research

• The best applications ~ irrespective of job level ~ are aligned to the needs of the individual school

• Finding out as much as you can about the school environment and its particular challenges will enable your application to shine

• From the application pack you should already have a feeling for the ethos of the school, its pupil intake, staff size, etc.

• But there is plenty more you can do to demonstrate your understanding of the school and the NQT role you are applying for


The application process ~ research ~ do your homework

• School websites ~ a useful source of information• Visiting the school ~ if possible before the interview• Ofsted website ~ how was the school judged in its

last inspection• Government performance tables• Local intelligence ~ building your own data base• Beyond interview ~ what level of support will you

receive from your school/LA/Alliance/sponsor when you are an NQT?

• Choose your school as carefully as they WILL choose you


The application process ~ research ~ get to know the process

• Most schools still want you to fill in an application form ~ but an increasing number are also choosing to ask for CVs

• Some expect applications to come straight to the school whilst others may use local authorities or recruitment agencies to field applications

• Governors and Heads frequently point to the number of applicants who have NOT read the small print carefully…..


The application process ~know what’s expected of you

• Read the advertisement thoroughly• Download the application pack, job description,

person spec and application form (if appropriate)• Some may still send things by post!• Note any fixed dates including the closing date

and interview dates• There may be tens of applications for each NQT

post ~ don’t fall at the first hurdle!


The application process ~ the application form

• Completing the form ~ time, focus, precision, accuracy

• Letter of application• References • CV ~ if requested

NB:• Middlesbrough’s application

form• CES application form



• Familiarisation time ….. Take a few minutes to flick through the application form(s)

• Any surprises, questions, uncertainties?

Skooel …


The application process ~ polish your letter of application/personal statement

This is where you can distinguish yourself from other candidates and prove that you are worth a closer look at interview. So ~ you need to show that you:• Possess the particular knowledge, skills and

experiences they seek• Have done your research, understand the school

context and how you would fit in• Bring a commitment and passion for their school

and community


The application process ~letter of application ~ TOP TIPS!

• Tailor the letter for each job application• Keep it short ~ min. 1 side of A4 max. 2• Address it to a specific person• Refer to the particular school and the specific

job you are applying for• Strong first paragraph describing your

experience and expertise and what you would bring to the school


The application process ~letter of application ~ TOP TIPS!

• Outline significant learning and professional development in your training ~ give some insight into your personality

• Short closing statement demonstrating your excitement for the post and passion for beginning your teaching career

• Keep it concise, easy to read and jargon free• Edit out all typos, formatting and spelling errors• Get it checked by a reliable source


TASK 5:The application process

~ letter of application

• Have a go ~ Draft a first paragraph. Imagine you are applying to your host school ….. you need to cover your experience and expertise to date and consider what you would bring ) to the school ~ (think about your own personal characteristics

• Write for just 5 minutes and then share with a colleague


The application process ~ references

• Mainly used now to confirm an offer of a post • Choose your referees wisely• Check that you have their permission to use

them as a referee• Give them details of the post(s) you are

applying for• Bring them up to date with any recent

developments/changes to what they know about you


The application process ~ put together a winning CV

• 2 sides of A4 is plenty• Concentrate on achievements when outlining your

work experience• Tailor your information to the job you are applying for• Use the first person singular ~ the school wants to

know what you can do• Avoid any gaps in dates ~ if you have had any time

out state what and why• Check for spelling, punctuation and grammar• Have it validated by someone you trust


The application process ~covering letters

Now with so many online applications ~ less likely but just in case ~ they give an opportunity to bring a CV or application form to life and inject an impression of enthusiasm for the job

Key essentials:• Brevity• Core credentials • How your experience matches school needs• One or two measurable achievements• Why you want the job


The application process

• Any questions?


The interview process

Congratulations ~ you have made it through to interview. But before you get your interview dress/suit pressed, it’s best to

find out what interviewers are likely to throw at you!


The interview process ~ interview tasks

• Panel interview ~ could be the Head Teacher, future colleagues, governors etc.

• Pupil interview ~ ‘If you were a chocolate what chocolate would you be…and why?’ Don’t expect gimmicks as feedback from pupils is being increasingly listened to

• Presentation ~ could take many shapes and forms ~ normally for NQT you would have any title in advance

• Teaching ~ proving that you can do it in the classroom• Group discussion ~ less likely but has been known• In-tray exercise ~ possibly testing your problem solving

skills


The interview process ~ the cornerstones

• Be prepared• Make an

impression• Get to grips

with tricky questions

• After the interview


The interview process ~ be prepared

• Research the school ~ be aware of what Ofsted say about the school, be knowledgeable about their website, show yourself as being reflective if you have visited the school

• Understand the job ~ sounds simple enough as you are applying for your first post ~ but schools are very different and you will have to work out how the NQT fits into the full school profile

• Know yourself ~ read through your application/CV/portfolio ~ work out how your knowledge and experience fits with what the school is looking for. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Identify your audience ~ your responses need to be accessible to everyone on the panel ~ likely to be HT, possibly a member of SLT and a governor


The interview process ~ be prepared

• Practise answering questions ~ in front of the mirror or with people you can trust

• What have you done and achieved? What skills have you used? What are your strengths?

• Think of real examples where you can demonstrate different competencies such as leadership, teamwork, creativity and autonomy


The interview process ~ make an impression

Interviewing is not a precise art. Many appointment decisions are strongly influenced by what happens in the first few minutes of interview.

First impressions do count.

So:• Dress appropriately ~ think formal business wear• Get there on time• Acknowledge everyone in the room• Use open body language• Be friendly and confident but not too chatty

Remember this is an interview for a professional post!!



• Gauge the level of formality or informality and adapt your style accordingly

• Answer the question ~ may seem obvious but is a common downfall

• Judge the length of your answers• Use specific examples to prove your strengths• Answer all questions with enthusiasm and

confidence• Avoid ambiguous answers e.g. ‘I think I could’

‘..maybe’ or ‘..probably’



• Be ready for the question that requires you to think on your feet. ‘What makes you laugh?’ ‘If you were an animal what would you be and why?’ ‘When was the last time you cried?’

• Be aware of body language ~ do not lean back or slouch as this can make it look too relaxed ~ you can project confidence and interest by leaning forward slightly ~ crossing your arms can be defensive so pick a neutral position

• Maintain sincere eye contact but avoid staring ~ the 70% rule


The interview process ~ DON’T

• Give one or two word answers (unless specifically asked)• Be overly negative about past experiences/jobs• Get angry or use inappropriate language• Use colloquialisms/slang/bad language• Talk extensively about personal details• Sit down before you are invited• Smoke before the interview• Chew gum• Take notes• Be late• Lie

Yo Dudes!Wassuuuuup?


The interview process ~some basic interview questions

• Tell me about yourself• Why teaching? What attracts you to the profession?• Tell me about a time when you have…; failed …; gone

beyond what was expected of you; worked in a team; shown leadership abilities; dealt with change; worked in a stressful situation, etc.

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?• What is your most significant achievement?• What three words best describe you?• What three things have contributed most to your personal

development and why?


The interview process ~some basic interview questions

• Why should we offer you this job…..your first teaching post?

• Why do you want to work in this school?• What are your future aims/goals/career plans?• How do you organise yourself?• What could you bring to our school as an NQT?• What would you want pupils/colleagues/parents

to say about you after you have been here for a term/year?


TASK 6:The interview process ~ work in groups of 3

• Select a question from the ‘basic questions list’ and pose the question to one of your colleagues whilst the third observes ~ then repeat the process until you have all had the chance to be interviewer, interviewee and observer

• If, when in role as interviewer, you feel the answer hasn’t been full enough ~ ask a supplementary or follow–up question

• You have 3 minutes for each round


The interview process ~get to grips with tricky questions

Pupil interviews aside, it’s often the most routine questions that can put you off your stride• Why do you want this job in this school?• How would you help us raise standards?• What do you think underpins outstanding

teaching and learning?• During your training what have you identified as

your strengths and weaknesses?• How would you ensure that the pupils in your

class were well behaved at all times?


The interview process ~Ready now for the real thing?

• Volunteer(s) to act as interviewees

• Volunteer(s) to act as interviewers – to be briefed by a ‘real’ head teacher

• Whilst the group watches…and learns


The interview process ~after the interview

• When leaving thank the panel for their time ~ and if appropriate reiterate your interest in the post

• Take time to evaluate your performance. Think about what you said and how you came across. What did you do well? What did you find difficult and how could you handle it better next time? What can you do to prepare better in the future?

• If you are successful ~ Well done!• If not ~ Do not ‘beat yourself up’• If rejected ask for feedback ~ ideally verbal ~ listen to what

they have to say ~ take notes ~ this is not time for discussion ~ simply absorb the information


Feedback …


The interview process

• Any questions?


WHAT EXACTLY ARE SCHOOLS LOOKING FOR?


“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want …”

Phil Thackstone Head Teacher – Lingfield Primary

What are schools looking for?


Not the ABCs of Interviewing but the CCCs (and more than a few Ps!)

• Concise ~ Prepared, Practised, Pertinent, Preciseand stick to answering the question

• Charismatic ~ Passion, Positive, Pace, Pitch- speak with passion and enthusiasm, avoid mention or talk about negative things

• Convincing ~ Personal, Proof, Pictorial~ tell a story with your answers to provide enough detail and evidence of why you are what you say you are and do it in a colourful way

• Remember ~ A good application will get you the interview; a good interview will get you the job!


Interview Video

• http://youtu.be/fipSEmdj3i0

http://youtu.be/fipSEmdj3i0




WHY do you want to teach?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o53i0kL6-Jw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o53i0kL6-Jw




Useful Links

Web Addresses:• http://

www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2013/sep/07/nqt-survival-guide-teaching-tips

• http://newteachers.tes.co.uk/• http://ltss.beds.ac.uk/careers/first_impressions/ (interview preparation

style/clothing video)• http://www.newandquietlyterrified.co.uk (blog)

Twitter:• @newteacherstalk• @MyEdHunt• @tesNewTeachers• @NQTUK• @MSTAlliance

http://www.newandquietlyterrified.co.uk/









Documents

Middlesbrough Schools’ Teaching Alliance GETTING YOUR FIRST JOB IN TEACHING UNDERSTANDING THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS SCHOOL DIRECT Initial Teacher