Q: “I am a qualified and experienced teacher looking for a permanent teaching post. I have subbed, filled-in and temped for two years now. I know I am a good teacher; I love my job and my students, but am always being pipped at the post when it comes to interview. What might I be doing wrong, please advise?” – AQ (email ).
Securing that coveted permanent, contracted position or Contracts of Indefinite Duration (CID ) within teaching is a competitive and highly contested process, writes Aoife Moloney, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers.
I have met many brilliant and enthusiastic teachers, both primary and post-primary, who are disheartened with their situations. The merry-go-round of applications, short listing and interview process will take its toll on the hardiest of teachers, but when ‘nearly but not quite making it’ is a constant, disheartenment can slowly turn to complete disillusionment.
Prepare for each interview as if it were your first time interviewing for a teaching post.
Maintaining the level of enthusiasm required can be difficult if you have been through it all before. You may have answered these questions previously, it is the first time this board is meeting you.
Dissect the job specification in the application form. This can provide a good place to start preparing what you want to get across at interview.
A strong candidate will identify the extra value they can bring to the school. This comes from researching the school and identifying what is particular to them.
Tailor your preparation to each different school.
