What puts you off a job at interview?
If the class you are to teach your interview lesson to are terribly behaved, and you are told that they are one of their best classes, that would set alarm bells ringing for me. When one member of the SLT (senior leadership team) slags off another member to your face might also be a cause for concern.
emmadrg
If there are areas of the school they don’t let you see and if students are part of the interview panel.
coolasacucumber
“Must have a sense of humour” in the advert.
v12
When kids in your interview lesson try to use iPods despite the fact that it’s top-set Year 9 and the deputy head is in the room. For me it shows a lack of respect and none of the classes we use on interview would dream of it (even my Year 10 set 5s!)
kritur
When the head has clearly not read your application form and spends the whole interview talking about himherself.
When you are left to start your interview lesson by yourself because the observer has not arrived.
When you are left in a tiny room for half an hour at the start of the day and then rushed into the interview lesson without time to set up.
When the head of department takes a deep breath and smiles wryly before answering your questions.
When everyone tells you that the school is currently undergoing a transformation.
When you are only asked one sensible question all day and your very average answer is greeted with over-the-top approval.
All this happened to me at the interview for my current post. I could see this was not the school for me but I needed a job. I was right, but I’m making the best of it.
figgins
When they split the candidates up and take them for a tour of the school separately, accompanied by members of staff rather than pupils.
When no one speaks to you in the staffroom at lunchtime even when conversation is attempted.
When you don’t get to meet the members of the department.
When they give you a room change at the last minute, so the kids spend ages getting settled because they’re out of their usual routine. Also, when said class are usually taught by supply teachers, so they think I’m just another one.
Despite the fact that the school was only four miles from home instead of my current 44, I withdrew.
wiemaranerlover
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