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    Job Interviews

    The 10 Biggest Problems that Newly Qualified Teachers Face when Applying for Jobs

    • Categories Job Interviews, Teacher Tips & Tricks
    • Date February 7, 2022

    “I’m still waiting to hear back from them, it’s been 5 days now since the closing date though. Is there any chance I could hear back from them at this stage?” Does this sound familiar? For NQTs and those moving schools – they all face a similar fate when applying for jobs each year.

    In this blog post, Orla Dempsey from Orla Dempsey Coaching outlines the top 10 biggest problems that NQTs face when applying for jobs.

    1. Being unknown in the local area

    NQTs choose their preferred location after qualification. Many choose to stay in their home county while others relocate to their nearest big city in search of work. As a new teacher to the area with no principals or teacher network to share your reputation – it can be hard to get your foot in the door in schools.

    2. Living in a difficult county to get jobs in

    The western counties are especially difficult to secure jobs in. Not impossible – but because the populations and schools tend to be smaller and networks are closer it can be challenging to get a job in those counties.

    3. Being unsure how to fill in the SAF

    This is a big one! New teachers lack experience and thus, confidence while filling in the SAF. They ask questions such as “What if I’ve no professional development courses to put in?” and “I don’t have extra-curricular activities to offer.. what should I do?”. They often rely on looking at examples from teacher friends who’ve secured jobs – to see what they have written in their form. It is very confusing indeed.

    Take a peek!

    4. Fitting in work with interviews

    Depending on the summer work that you’ve secured, it can be hard to get time off for interviews and sometimes it’s a worry in case two interviews happen on the same day. NQTs often ask if it’s ok to ask for an interview to be rescheduled. Balancing work, job applications and a personal life can be a challenge.

     

    5. Simply 'being a number' in interviews

    Because of regulations, there must be minimum number of teachers interviewed for a role. Often an interview happens, and there’s already a teacher working in the school who has impressed them. Candidates sometimes feel that the interview panel have already chosen the winning teacher and are disengaged with what they are saying. This can be annoying and frustrating – especially when teachers have put so much effort into preparing for interviews.

    6. Making your experience seem transferable

    Many teachers have work experience in retail, administration or hospitality and they struggle to show how their experience can be an asset to a school. How can I make my experience stacking shelves or using the till seem relevant? they ask.
    Focusing on the things we do in school like communicating, solving problems, listening to others etc can be a great way to show transferrable experience.

    7. Being paid for the Summer

    July provision is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about working with children and parents and creating. BUT it’s not paid until November (correct as of December 2021). Many teachers need either to sign on, or work in a part-time job. It may be useful to think about a plan b for summer income.

    8. Friends getting jobs first

    As the summer ticks by, jobs are offered and it can be difficult being the last one securing a job. You are happy for friends of course, but it can be hard – waiting for a school to offer you a job. Fears and hurt creep in and NQTs tell me that they question the quality of their SAF, they wonder what others are doing (that they are not doing) and get disillusioned with the system.

    Take a peek!

    9. Postal applications

    Some schools require postal applications which means lots of photocopying. That can work out very expensive!


    10. Not understanding the school.

    Advertisements on the job websites all look the same but from my experience, each school is very different! Having a deeper understanding of the school you’re applying for – can help greatly when applying for jobs. Real life experience and reputation there is very valuable.

    It can certainly be a challenge to get your name out there in those first few months and years as a job seeker.

    HOWEVER…. It’s not all bad when you think of your job search like this…

    • The average wait to secure a job is 3-6 months – That should help you put things in perspective. (Ref)
    • You are not alone – across Ireland (and across the world!) there are teachers waiting to hear back from schools. Tap into that energy and gain reassurance that your time will come.
    • What’s for you, won’t pass you. You’ve heard this before and I know that even from every opportunity that I found challenging – I learned something from it.

    If you’d like to learn more about how to make informed job applications that you feel proud of – you can check out my online course here

    OR

    You can learn more about my services and products here.

    back to school tips

    Back to School Tips for Teachers

    September 18, 2023 No Comments

    Going back to school is a nerve-wrecking time for everyone – including teachers! It is a brand new start; a chance to do things differently and establish a new routine. We asked some of our followers what are their “Back to School” tips for teachers.

    Read More »
    rahoo

    Are you confident using Formative Assessment methods?

    September 5, 2023 No Comments

    Did you know that 74% of teachers do not feel confident with formative assessment teaching methodologies?
    As we approach the new school year, this survey conducted by Rahoo Training in 2020, and its findings, should be at the forefront of a school leader’s mind.

    Read More »
    Niamh_Cullen_Principal

    Webinar 8th November 2023: How to Enhance the Teaching & Learning of Maths with Formative Assessment

    September 5, 2023 No Comments

    “How to Enhance the Teaching & Learning of Maths with Formative Assessment” is 1 hour in duration including Q&A opportunities.

    This webinar will be hosted by a Nadine Lyons, Maths Lead Practitioner at South View School Dubai.

    Read More »

    What is the Silent Phase?

    June 13, 2023 No Comments

    Supporting EAL (English as an Additional Language) students in schools can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Here are some ways that schools can support EAL students.

    Read More »

    Refer a Friend!

    May 25, 2023 No Comments

    Give 10%, Get 10% with Rahoo’s Refer a Friend Programme!

    Read More »

    The Not-So-Secret Diary of Rachel O Connor

    May 10, 2023 No Comments

    My name is Rachel O’ Connor, I am in my 10th year as Principal of Ramsgrange Community School, situated on the Hook Peninsula in Southwest Wexford. I will begin in a new position as Deputy Director of NAPD on September 1st 2023.

    Read More »
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