Application Forms

[sophie_1003]

What does everyone actually write in the 'Personal Interests' section? I'm filling in an application as part of a mock interview at uni and have no idea what to put! I have few interests at the moment because uni gets so hectic around assignment and placement times anything I take up just gets abandoned! Was talking about it in the staffroom today and lots of people said they always put "Watching films" and "Socialising". I never put these as I think it sounds boring so have got reading and craft based hobbies so far (still not exactly thrilling!)

[sherrardk]

You'll be fine - they'll take the naughty kids out of the class and they should be really kind (I think I'm right in thinking you are primary trained). It's the one-upmanship with your fellow candidates that is the interesting bit (especially when you have to wait with them tom find out who has got the job).

[sophie_1003]

Yeah; that's why I'm going for this mock one (even though it's being held in front of my seminar group- doubly scary!) so I can at least have a practise! Have interviewed for shop jobs no problem and also had a job as a teaching assistant (although think they based hiring me on how I'd been when I was on placement there rather than my interview!) and this is going to be my first career-y job so am absolutely terrified!

[sophie_1003]

Yep, am hoping for nursery or reception as want to stay in my comfort zone for my NQT year! Ooh what sort of stuff goes on there then (with the one-upmanship I mean)?

[Prudie]

Sophie when will this be? I'm sure we all wish you the very best of luck, you'll feel great once it's over.l

[sherrardk]

Long time since I had an interview and they were for Assistant Head Teacher so it was all exaggerating about publishing stuff, being responsible for a trillion different things, etc. So glad to be out of it now (was never very good at school politics).

[sophie_1003]

Uurgh can't be bothered with all that sherrard!
The mock on is in Feb and will be applying for jobs as soon as they come up really! Will be shouting about it if I do well and moaning if I don't so am sure I'll manage to say something about it on here! So excited about the possibility of having my own class!

[pa___ul3]

I'd put on the belly dancing if i were you! It'll be a talking point in the interview and you can work out a decent response to it, i.e. you like to learn new things, you were interested in the culture behind it.. things like that will go down well

[boxtops]

I've got "cat management" on my current c.v., that often elicits an interesting bit of conversation!

[sophie_1003]

Will give it some thought paul but judging on reactions I've had would rather play on the safe side!
Lol boxtops; what's cat management; I didn't know cats would allow themselves to be managed!

[DaisyNonna]

Sophie, use the belly dancing. It intrigues the males and makes some females want to join in.If you know what you are talking about it could take up a good amount of time in an interview.Shows you have broad interests. Or even broad hips. Me, I am just plain jealous.

[tamborine]

Always include a sport ie swimming or tennis (shows you're fit). Reading travel/adventure (shows interest in environment, countries & people). Cybering, hiking (healthy nerd). Art & exhibitions (informed).

Avoid the social stuff (not intellectually serious).

[sophie_1003]

Lol tambo; I always put swimming but that's one of those things I love doing but very rarely keep it up for longer than a month or so! That's true Daisy; although I'd be a bit peeved if I went for a teaching interview and was asked to give an impromptu bellydance performance!

[tamborine]

My bleedin' friend has advertised me as 'dog walker' @ £8ph - good money but I hate walking. Put that on your CV to show enterprise. Think of me 2moro - gotta walk a doberman & rotty, separately.....that's 2h walking, bluddy hell.

[boxtops]

LOL sophie, no, the catz manage me, but it always generates some conversation and breaks some ice! (either that or they think I'm barmy)

[DaisyNonna]

Sophie, take your own music, just in case. If you've got it, flaunt it! Much more fun than aerobics and therefore much more likely to interest youngsters into exercise. A way into geography, history, music, design (costumes). Teaching should engage both pupil and teacher. Good luck and enjoy yourself.