Working+in+Education

=WORKING IN EDUCATION= = =

1) There isn't as much money available - this may seem blindingly obvious, but it does mean that there are significant differences in things like job interviews.
====Because the school has a limited budget it cannot afford for many staff to be out of lessons, or away from their usual jobs. Interviews are an expense. In the private sector you may well be used to going for an interview, and being told that you will be contacted. You may ask that you have time to reflect, or even go to another interview. This may well not go down well in a school. If you decide in three days time that you don't want the job, then the other candidates may need to be recalled, or the job re-advertised, and another expensive interview organised.====

====You are likely to be taken on a tour of the school, you will be told various things, meet key people, and be given the chance to ask questions. You may be given a class to teach for half an hour or so, and be observed while doing so. For some posts (usually higher up the hierarchy) you may be asked to produce other materials (for a subject leader - departmental meeting agendas, presentation of key issues within the department, letter to stroppy parent, etc).====

====Generally, (although there are sometimes exceptions), you will be asked during the interview if you will accept the job if asked - this is the point to say "No" if you don't want it, and bow out quickly - they don't want to waste any more time on you. After this, if you are invited to take the post you are expected to take it. The other candidates will then be politely told that they have not got the post.====

====Obviously, every school is different, doubtless other teachers can give other experiences. It is possible that you will be told that you will be informed once they have had time to deliberate, but the scenario above is not untypical.====