Calling all Teachers and people who employ ta's...

[Shinning_Star]

Hey I have posted in my journal but I am looking for a wider opinion. I've been applying for ta and sen jobs for ages and not got any replies, so I phoned up the latest one I applied for as I knew they had there interviews earlier this week. So I phoned for feedback and was told that my application had been on the top of her pile, and she had been impressed and the cv had bee very good as well as the letter and that it had been very close, she didn't give me a direct reason as to why I didn't get through but I kinda put the words into her mouth saying if my cv was fine and my letter was also good then was it just on experience that I hadn't got through to interviews and she explained they had been overwhelmed with applications. I asked her how to improove and she had no suggestions. The first thing she did say to me was, did we send something to the wrong address, and I said er no I don't think so, I just wanted some feedback as to why I hadn't got through to interview stage and how I could improove for future applications.

So Ladies do you think she was genuine or do you think she just didn't have a valid reason and cldn't be bothered to locate my application as she said she didn't have it to hand, when surely I had left a message and my name for someone to call me she should have pulled it out to refer to? I don't know if she was genuine and it was a good cv and I really was on the top of her list or if she just couldn't be bothered to go find it and was saying anything she could.

The latter would be really annoying though cos I would really have appreciated an honest answer so I could improove and get at least an interview.

anyway opinions of anyone welcome but especially of any teachers, head teachers schools recrutiing dept people.
Thanks gals & guys

 

[Purpular]

I've been having a similar experience to you only I keeo getting interviews but always losing out at that stage. I've been applying for TA and Cover jobs and it seems either I'm better on paper then I am in real life or my lack of experience is stopping me getting any further. Feedback they give is really poor (typically, 'you were good but someone was better') but they do say I write a mean covering letter!

Are you applying for Primary or Secondary schools? Schools have to shortlist according to the person specification so are you making sure you cover all the points on the literature? If you want to have a peek at my letter to see if it helps just toot up

 

[thelilbump]

Really, the thing is, you're never going to know whether she was telling the truth or passing you off and thats cr*ppy as how are you supposed to improve! I'd suggest as purpular said, always check the basic requirements and the additional 'extra, would be beneficial' ones for each particular job and make a point of bringing them up in covering letters and that it's identifiable on your cv. Within education experience can count for a lot so i'd also highlight any experience you've had from volunteering etc. Is your CRB up to date aswell? I know a lot of LEA's will pay for your crb check upon offering you the job but if you've got one anyway added bonus i'd say!

 

[Shinning_Star]

Thanks ladies, yeah I have a new crb check just done. I always look a person and job spec and try to edit it thus so, yeah wldn't mind a peak, I cld send you mine too, see what you think. It is sooo frsutrating there feedback is soo poor!

 

[Emmylou27]

What grade are you applying for? My mum's a TA and I know that typically for anything higher than a grade 1 there are usually some internal applicants looking for the next rung as it were.

Am seeing her this weekend so will ask for any advice and update if she has anything.

Good luck - keep persevering, you'll get there

 

[Pinkgirl]

Hey hun
I am a teacher and sounds as though you are doing everything right.
Only thing i can help on is cv so if you want me to send a copy or anything please pm me
(right better get back to report writing) lol
x