School one: I walk down a grey corridor, decorated only with dog-eared posters and old, faded artwork put up without a great deal of care the previous term. I’ve had trouble finding the entrance to the school. Not a good sign. Waiting for the interview in the staffroom, I recognise a woman I have met at another interview and my heart sinks - she’s been teaching a whole year already (in my eyes, that makes her incredibly experienced and therefore obviously a much better bet than me, an enthusiastic but green - as grass - NQT). I chatted to her at the last interview, and she seemed to know what she was talking about, and was very friendly and sweetI I am clearly doomed.

We are taken straight in for our interviews, without even a walk round the school; in fact, when I’d telephoned to ask about looking round prior to the interview, although I hadn’t been told “No”, I had been given the distinct impression that this was not what the school wanted, so I didn’t pursue it.

By the time I am ushered in for my interview, I am no longer sure I want the job. And as a mature entrant to teaching, with a family, I need a job badly. The interview goes quite well; the headteacher is very friendly, as is the panel. We are asked to wait in the staffroom for the interview panel to finish with other candidates - barbaric, if you think about it.

As it happens, neither myself nor the pleasant woman candidate I keep meeting at interviews is offered the job - we are pipped at the post by a woman who apparently possesses the “golden gift” - yes, she can play the piano. As we walk out of the school gates, we say our goodbyes and we both seem almost relieved at the outcome.

School Two: Another day, another thick envelope asking me to an interview. I am invited to look round the school. Things are definitely looking up. When I arrive - guess who’s there? Yes, my (by now) friend from previous interviews. We are taken round the brightly decorated school by the head, who encourages us to go into classrooms, meeting staff members and pupils.

The children are interested in this group of strange adults, and confidently answer the questions put to them. The wall displays are of children’s work, carefully mounted and imaginatively presented. The early years classes in particular, including a bright and welcoming nursery, are a delight. I want this job badly - I feel I would fit in here.

The interview goes very well; the panel members are interested in my answers, and seem encouraging. I am later told by the chair of governors - tongue in cheek, I hope - that they had to give me the job to shut me up. He adds that the real reason I was offered the post was that I was so enthusiastic about the school, and seemed in tune with what they were trying to achieve.

And my friend? She got the job, too. It turns out that there were two posts: a Year 2 (which we both applied for, and my friend has got) and a Year 5 (which went to me).

The gut feeling I had at the interview proved correct: I loved the school and developed my teaching skills under the guidance of the excellent staff there. I was encouraged to explore new areas, attend training courses and take up opportunities as they arose. A very happy time indeed.

Just stop and think for a moment, then, as you rush to fill in your applications for any and every job that pops up. Today, there is, thankfully, much more opportunity (if it is not an expectation) for job applicants to tour schools as part of the application process, and to make an informed decision about whether this school is the best place for you.

It may sound ridiculous to advise caution when all you can think about is getting a job - any job - but remember, you will be in the school for most of your waking hours as a new teacher; you will spend the rest of your time preparing for school or talking about it. Make sure that you find a school where you can be happy - and then teaching is the most wonderful, rewarding job in the world. If you are at odds with the school ethos, it is hell.

Lynn Huggins-Cooper is a lecturer on the PGCE course at Newcastle University

Passing the test

What to look for at interview

* Go with your gut feeling - do you feel welcome?

* How do the teachers you see in action relate to the children?

* How do members of staff relate to you?

* Does the headteacher seem approachable?

* Are the wall displays bright and full of up-to-date children’s work? This is an excellent clue, telling you a great deal about the school ethos.

* Is the physical environment clean and well presented? This shows that the children and staff care about the school, and feel committed to it.

* How do the children move round the school? Are they well ordered in corridors? Do staff keep quiet control or is there a great deal of yelling and scolding?