Im a newly qualified teacher and having problems getting a job. ideas?

Question

sometimes i get an interview but dont get it because im inexperienced, other times i dont get an interview at all. The worst part is getting no response at all and i dont know where i stand. im not one of these people who can ring up and ask. Am i the only one having problems? any NQT;s or experienced teachers got any advise?

Answer 1

First things first sort out a really good application letter. Once you have a really good letter you will always be invited to interview. I have been unsuccesful in quite a few interviews but I have never failed to get an interview. I have an extremely good generic letter of application, but what is vital is that I also adapt the letter to fit the person spec of the job, your letter is a vital part not only in getting an interview but also in wowing the panel. You must make it look in your letter like you're exactly what they're looking for (by addressing all points of the person spec.) I am happy to email you my letter if it would be of use?

Answer 2

Getting a job in teaching can depend on a few factors - the specialism you have.  For example - physics and maths teachers are like Hens teeth and are generally employed if they have arms and legs.  Other subjects have a glut of staff.  You need to work on your letter & personal statement - try asking a friendly Uni lecturer to help.  You may also struggle in interviews and to be honest you gotta keep at it!  The questions become to sound similar and you MUST ask for feed back.  Be nice and try to get it on the day.  They've kept you all day so the least they can do is give you feedback.  Email if you can not do the face to face stuff.  If you still have no luck sign on for a Supply Agency.  My mate was a fantastic teacher and when we got him as a supply teacher (could not get a job after college) and snapped him up!

Keep at it!

Answer 3

Not sure what state you're in, but I'm a new teacher in NH and have an alternative certification, but was able to land a job. I'd check with people you know in education who might be able to put in a good word for you. I'd also actually go to schools that are hiring to drop off your application packet so that principals get to meet you right away. You should ask questions about curriculum, students, rigor, multi-discipline education, differentiated instruction, etc. Don't ask about sick days and pay scales, you can find all that on line. You really should try to network to see where the people you know can get you in. Also, if you're looking for elementary jobs, that's a tougher market so be patient! Good luck!

Answer 4

look in de newspapers as dats how my new principal got his job in my school

Answer 5

Good Lord, where are you?  Teachers here are getting 2k and 3k signon bonuses.  I thought the entire country was having a teacher shortage.    Oh well, may I suggest you hire a good resume writer?  It can be a little expensive but worth it.  I have just started a resume writing business and my clients are getting phenomenal results.  There are many good places on the internet.  Just type "resume service" in your search bar and you will get many to choose from.

Answer 6

It is really important that you get some feedback, even though you say you don't like telephoning people. If you are being overlooked or failing interviews, you need to find out what you are falling down on. That's the only way you can improve your performance in the future.  I used to work for the Human Resources team at an LEA, and schools were often seeking NQTs because of budget restrictions, so there is work out there, even for the inexperienced.

So, come on. Pluck up the courage to pick up the telephone. I used to be afraid to do that sort of thing when I was your age, but you might find some headteachers will be impressed that you are interested enough to ask how you can improve. Could score you some brownie points for future interviews with them, too.

Answer 7

What are you certified in? If you are certified in a fun area such as Art, PE, or Music, then you may have trouble getting interviews or jobs. If you are certified in a subject many people don't like to teach such as Science or Special Education, then you can get many interviews and land a job right away. How did you do in student teaching?

Answer 8

o my Mom is newly qualified too and its hard for her to get a job because the schools have to choose someone who has already had teaching experience first (its a rule or something) even if they arent the best choice. Its really stupid, but just keep looking on schools websites to see if their are openings. Dont give up!

Answer 9

I'm an experienced teacher and I'm not getting jobs because all the schools seem to want NQTs!  Remember:  you are cheap, you are enthusiastic and you are willing to learn, without any preconcieved ideas.

Make sure your letter is good.  Look at other people's if you want, but don't copy them.  The idea is that it's about you.  Call the schools who don't reply and ask for feedback on your letter.  They will be more than happy to give you advice.  They choose candidates based on set criteria, so it will be no bother to tell you which criteria you didn't meet.  If you're shy about phoning then send them an email - but it may take a while to get a reply!

After an interview schools will almost always offer feedback.  it can be hard to hear, but do take note of it.  I often write it down at the time and come back to it a few days later, when I'm not so down about missing out on the job.

And most importantly every time you go to another interview.  be confident, ask questions, smile a lot and talk to everyone - staff and pupils.  Remember your best qualities and talk about them.  Get up to date on ECM and AFL, etc and mention them in interview.  Good luck!

Answer 10

It can be nerve wracking, but teachers technically have until the middle of summer to resign from their jobs.  Keep applying, and keep calling the schools every now and then.  A bunch of teachers at my school this year weren't hired until less than a month before school started.

Answer 11

It does take time... believe me! I finished my degree in december and have only just got a job!

You might need to look for teaching assistant jobs first to gain that experience. Its not ideally what you want but it's a stepping stone to a job!

Try going through your local council to find a job! I live in Hertfordshire so use the website www.teachinherts.com... this is where I found my job! I'm sure they've got the same thing wherever you live!

Also do you use the website www.tes.co.uk! It's for all teaching vacancies across the country!

Just keep applying, and keep going to those interviews!!