Hypothetical Dilemma

[sophie_1003]

I have an interview at a school on Friday (yay!) but I haven't been able to look round so have no idea what it's like and it's only for a temporary position. I am also applying for lots of other jobs; two of which I am particularly keen on; have looked round the schools (both lovely) and they are permanent positions. So my dilemma is- IF I get offered the job on Friday do I accept because it's a job and risk the possibility of getting offered interviews at other schools or do I go to the interview for experience but IF offered the job hold out for a better offer at the risk of not even getting interviews at the others I've applied for?

[sandyRoe]

A bird in the hand...

[sophie_1003]

How does that apply here sandy; am having trouble thinking it through at all without adding birds, hands and bushes into the equation!

[sherrardk]

Tricky one - there's only about four weeks of term left so chances are the two other school are running out of time. However, you run the risk of not being invited to interview for either of them. What does your gut instinct tell you?

[sherrardk]

Ps - personally, I wouldn't go to the interview if I knew I wasn't going to take the job if offered it. I don't think it is worth the hassle for you and it's not fair on the other candidates.

[sophie_1003]

I don't know!! If I'd been to look around and knew it was nice would be really happy but went to look round a different one yesterday and disliked it so much I'm not even applying (even though I'm starting to feel desperate!) so am worried it'll end up being like that and I'll be stuck there; if only for a year anyway! I'm hoping I'll have a tour of the school as part of the interview so can be a bit more informed! I think whatever I do I'll end up kicking myself for one reaosn or another!

[sandyRoe]

Take the first job.

[4getmenot]

say yopu have to give a weeks notice, in the mean time you may be offered another

[sophie_1003]

Yeah that's the thing; until I get to see the school don't think I'll know if I want the interview or not! If it was earlier in the year wouldn't be so bothered but am getting worred about securing a post for Sept now!

[sophie_1003]

4get- apparently schools will often not give you time to make a decision so it would have to be made on the day of the offer I think!
Ta sandy! At least if it turned out to be only an OK school I know it would only be for a year...but might be missing out on a lovely school forever! Arrghh!

[sherrardk]

You will get a tour of the school but by then it's too late as you will be 'suckered' into the process. Your 'desperation' might mean you take a job you hate and it might turn you off teaching for good. Hold out for something you want. (I really hope you get a job you love now - I will feel terrible if you don't.)

[sherrardk]

Ps - it is usual for them to tell you there and then, they come to where all the candidates are waiting and ask X to come in and if X turns the job down they come for the next on the list - its horrible!

[sophie_1003]

That's my gut instict sherrard- to hold out for something I really want but will be so upset if I don't get anything for September! To be fair it's all 'ifs and buts' at the moment!

[sophie_1003]

Arrghh that sounds awful! Am even more confused now!

[sherrardk]

It's not that bad - at least you don't have to wait to hear! Good luck with it all.

[sophie_1003]

Thanks sherrard! And thanks for all the advice everyone; still clueless lol!

[sandyRoe]

We're a nosy lot in here. Will you keep us informed how Friday went?

[boxtops]

Surely you don't have to give them an answer on the spot? Even if you you accept verbally, you can always write to them a few days later saying "after consideration, I have changed my mind, sorry..."

[sophie_1003]

Boxtops; it seems to be a very strange system in education that you do have to give them an answer there or then or they will offer it to the next person and we've been advised by uni that if we accept then change our minds we could be technically in breach of contract and/or have to pay for the cost of readvertising the post!
Will do sandy; think what I'm going to do is ring up in a bit and make sure I will have a chance to look round and take it from there!

[factor-fiction]

That's right. In teaching theyy ask you at the interview "are you still a firm candidate?" If you say yes and are offered the job but then turn it down it will probably mean you are put on an unofficial blacklist

[sophie_1003]

Thanks for all the advice; the school was lovely but I didn't get the job. Have another interview on Monday so fingers crossed!