Going into the last half-term of the academic year without an NQT post secured can feel scary. But never fear, Grainne Hallahan has seven suggestions to help your job hunt
If you’re an NQT without a job in the last half-term and you’re starting to panic...don’t.
It’s easy to compare yourself to those around you. During my own ITT year, I remember that horrid sinking feeling as others on my course secured jobs while I felt as though I would never find the right school for me.
Today, those feelings can be exacerbated by the social media announcements of your fellow trainees across the UK as they update their status with news of their jobs for September.
But even if you are still without a role, there is no reason to worry that you won’t gain employment for the coming year.
In fact, the last half-term of the year is a really busy time for job advertisements - and what’s more, you’re now competing against only other NQTs and returning teachers, as all those currently in a school have passed the 31 May resignation date to start a post in September.
So, what should you be doing? Here are my seven steps for all would-be-NQTs who want to ensure job-hunting success:
1. Reset the job alerts
Assuming you already have signed up for email alerts, now is the time to go back and have a look at what you’ve put in place. Perhaps when you first started hunting for jobs, you had a few search filters set up that now, a few months along, you want to adjust.
Sometimes, setting distances just a touch further than you would be willing to travel brings up schools right at the border of your commuting limit, for instance. It would be dreadful to miss out on your dream job just because it was 500 metres outside of your filtered distance.
2. Speak to your ITT provider
If you feel like you are in need of some specific advice, or need someone to have a look at your letter of application, or perhaps just run over some interview questions with you, then you should reach out to your ITT provider.
Your mentor and course leaders will be very pleased to help and will be able to give you the support you need.
3. Get interview ready
Being prepared for interview will help you build your confidence, and also help when you’re writing your applications. The more you can reflect on your teaching practice, the better you can explain it to the interview panel.
One of the great things about teaching is that we’re a profession that strives to grow and develop our newer teachers. After any unsuccessful interview, you should ask for feedback. And even if you’re not being shortlisted, it is fine to ask for feedback at the application stage.
Once you’ve got the feedback, you need to act upon it. If you’re not sure how, or what to implement, then email your course tutor or mentor, and ask for their advice. They will know you best and be in a good position to offer guidance.
5. Don’t lower your expectations
There is nothing worse than feeling as if you have no choice, and pushing yourself into a decision that you’re not 100 per cent on. You need to believe in yourself, and know that the right job is out there for you in a school that will value you and be excited to have you on their team.
The worst thing you can do now is take a job you’re not totally dedicated to because then you do both yourself and the school a disservice.
6. Be proactive
Now is not the time to be coy and shy. If there are schools you would love to work at, write to them and tell them so. Schools may be dealing with some unexpected resignations as the deadline arrives, so you might just be the one who sends the right email at the right time.
Do not let any anxieties about not having a job yet stop you trying to find a new one. Tell your fellow trainees, tell your mentor, tell everyone who will listen. Teachers find out about vacancies in unusual ways, and so it helps to let others know you are on the lookout for a job.
7. Have a back-up plan
This year has had more than its fair share of disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If you do find yourself without a school place secured for September 2020, remember that you do still have options.
You have QTS, and you’re able to teach. You could either continue your job hunt in September when vacancies will begin to be advertised for October and January starts. Or, you can take a supply job, either by going through an agency or contacting schools directly.
Watch: How to get a job in the summer term
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