Interview advice!

You're absolutely right Pro Gard - I have been worrying about it too much! But I do feel the pre-mock interview did help - it made me realise what I must absolutely NOT do! I have arranged for my mock interview tomorrow to be without video, as I really don't feel ready for that - and actually feel 100 times better about it!

Came home, and practiced talking myself through some questions in front of the mirror, which has helped. Thanks again!

 

JarBax How did the interview go? Have you heard anything yet?

 

Ohhh, Celia, you are so sweet for remembering about my interview!


I have spent a dreadful weekend obsessing about all the things I didn't say, and the things I did, but shouldn't!

It went OK - ish. The group discussion went OK. There were 9 of us, and 5 interviewers. I started (wanted to get in soon ( but hadn't imagined would be first) and mentioned something from every topic of conversation. I nodded in all the right places, and didn't interrupt etc. I think I 'passed' on that one. We had a written task to do. I planned some of it before my personal interview - just as well we weren't being timed, because I couldn't stop shaking, and therefore couldn't write properly!!! It was tricky as my personal interview interrupted my flow, but again, I did an OK job with it.

The personal interview was another matter, unfortunately. Was thrown by the first question, as it was about seventh on the list of possible questions, and I was ready to launch into the 'why I would make a good primary teacher' speech! It was a question that I had gone over with the depute at work, and he suggested I approach it from a different angle. I don't think this went down too well - I should have stuck to answering what I was asked! I didn't really recover - my mind froze on a couple of occasions - I just had to apologise and explain that I had gone blank, and I didn't answer the questions fully - I gave perhaps 3% of what I'd revised and prepared!

I just don't 'do' interviews!!!

So - should find out sometime this week, and I'm not sure which way it'll go. I know my application was spot on - and I couldn't have asked for better references - but I don't know how much my personal interview will go against me.

So, feeling a bit stressed and worried. However, I do know that if I don't get in, primary teaching isn't 'meant to be for me' at the moment!

Thankyou so much again for asking - I wasn't going to reply until I found out how I got on - but seeing as you asked, I have poured out my woes!
:confused:

 

I didn't want to ask in case ....
Well fingers crossed now Jarbax , here's hoping.

 

I'm glad to hear that the first 2 parts went well. It was a bit mean for them not to give the obvious question first though. However, I'm sure you did better than you think. Let me know how you get on: fingers and toes all crossed

 

Thanks both!

I came home from work today with a lurching tum - thinking there might be a letter waiting for me...there wasn't!

Will let you know when I know!

 

Jarbax,

I'm rooting for you

 

I GOT IN!!!

Thankyou again for your words of wisdom and encouragement! I decided to come home at lunch time again - I passed the depute head, whose daughter is also in for this course. He told me that there would be a letter waiting for me, as she had heard today. So, I knew that this was it!!! The journey home was awful - every red light on, not to mention that I should have gone to the loo before leaving work!

Needless to say , I am thrilled, though realistic. This is not going to be an easy course, as working full time means that I will have to fit study in somewhere - probably meaning getting up early and studying in the 'gaps' I usually call my relaxation time, and making more time inbetween somewhere too! At least I will still get paid, which means I can do this whole thing!

Thanks so much again folks! (special mention to Celia for the fabulous PMs of encouragement and good advice!)



WOOHOO!!!

 

Congratulations Jane I'm so pleased for you. You say you will be working full time, is this in school or a different job? I hope you enjoy your course and keep in touch

 

That was a long wait Jane, congratulations, you didn't 'fluff' it after all.

 

Well done Jarbax. It's so much more difficult nowadays so stick with it. In my day there were grants for everything.

 

Thankyou everyone!

Celia, I will be working at the secondary school I've worked at the last three years when I'm not on the course.

This will be difficult study-time wise, but means I will be financially (just) above water.

Any tips on time management welcomed with open arms!!!

 

OK. Spend any spare time you get in the pub.....That's what my generation did......Sorry about that. :D

 

Good tip John, JarBax, study in the pub.

 

Well done Jane the best of luck to you.