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How NQTs Should Go about Finding their First Job

Avoid getting wrapped up in the competition for NQT positions and focus on finding the right job for you, says Rebecca Matthews…

Rebecca Matthews
by Rebecca Matthews
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How do I find the right school for me? Try to avoid the urge to take the first job you are offered until you are sure that it is the school for you. Firstly, think about the type of school that you want to work in: location, travel time (do the journey in rush hour), size, sector, specialisms and ethos. You can find out a great deal from a school’s website – have a look at its prospectus and policies as these will give you an insight into its values.

Think about whether its vision of education matches yours. Has it got particular strengths in areas that you are keen to develop? It’s also useful to read recent Ofsted reports to have a look at the school’s performance and current targets. Do remember, though, that Ofsted reports won’t tell you what it’s like to work there. When you find a job that fits the bill, arrange a visit during the day in term time so you can see school life in action (and if you are discouraged from attending during the day, ask yourself why!). Get a feel for the school – do the children seem happy and engaged? Are the staff welcoming? What is the school’s atmosphere like – is it what you expected? Who is taking the time to show you around? Does he or she seem interested in you and your skills?

Remember that the visit is still a form of assessment. Be professional, eager and inquisitive about the school and what it has to offer you as a teacher. First impressions count. Show that you have done your research. As well as a formal visit, it’s also a good idea to do a bit of a recce to see the school at the start and/or end of the day. Is there a staff presence? What are the parents and pupils like? Try to find out as much as you can – ask people in the local community or your training course tutors about the school, search online and see how the school’s being discussed on social media.

Through all of this you will be able to assess whether the school matches your expectations.

I’ve seen a job advertised, what do I need to do next? As well as organising a school visit it’s important that you read the application details carefully. Always ensure your personal statement addresses the requirements set out in the person and job specification, emphasises what you can offer the school and shows why you want to work in a particular setting or area.

How do I prepare effectively for an interview? Planning is key. Find out as much as you can about what you will be expected to do and the structure of your visit. View the teaching element of interviews as an opportunity to showcase what you know about teaching and learning.

Pay attention to the finer details of the interview lesson. Ask about the class’ level of achievement in the area you are expected to teach so that you can tailor your plan, and find out what resources will be available. Provide a lesson plan for observers, and most importantly, don’t forget to give them an insight into the type of teacher that you will be in their school. Be well prepared for the interview. Ensure that you know enough about the school to confidently answer questions about its strengths and areas for development, and be knowledgeable about current issues in education such as the curriculum and the draft performance descriptors, pupil premium funding and the latest SEN Code of Practice.

Consider your own questions carefully so that you emphasise your strengths and your unique selling points. You could focus on how the school will support you to develop, what the school can offer you in terms of progression in your specialist areas, or how it intends to develop. Bear in mind that, as with a school visit, you are being assessed throughout the day. Lots of schools will gather feedback from any staff members you meet, and it is increasingly common to be interviewed by the school council or pupil leaders as well as members of the senior leadership team and governing body.

Above all, keep calm and show your passion for the profession. Best of luck in finding the right job for you.

Rebecca Matthews is Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at Oxford Brookes University

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