You’ve tried everything to make it work at your current school, but it’s just not happening. SBL’s are passionate about their roles – but what happens when a job isn’t the right fit? Applying for new jobs and attending interviews can be a daunting process. Laura Williams explains how to put your best foot forward
First, congratulations on making such a brave decision. If you are unhappy where you are and you know that there’s no prospect of change, then choosing your own happiness and wellbeing will always be the right decision. For the next steps, here are some tips to get you application savvy and interview ready.
Preparation is key
Read the advert, job description and person specification thoroughly. Be clear on pay scales, terms and conditions, reporting lines and responsibilities. An indicator of the value a school puts on the SBM role is the salary – so read the small print carefully. Also, check whether the role will be part of the SLT.
Look at the website, Ofsted report, performance tables, governance documentation/minutes etc. and google the organisation and its leader. All this information will help you decide if you should apply and if you do, be useful to frame your application around.
But, whatever you do, don’t panic yourself into applying for a job in a school that you have doubts about. You owe it to yourself to be picky!
Arrange a visit
Do this before you submit your application as if you do decide to apply, you’ll have more information to make use of. You will learn a lot from meeting the staff and seeing the school in action. These observations will tell you straight away if this is a place you’d like to work and if you could see yourself within the team. Also, a visit is a good way to test out the commute. If it’s too far to go for a visit or an interview, then it’s too far to travel every day!
Get feedback
Beyond the qualifications, training and safeguarding elements of an application form, recruiters pay the most attention to the personal statement. This is how they’ll determine if you meet the person specification.
Map out the criteria and write a list of bullet points that evidence your experience for each point. Flesh it out into a narrative and read it aloud to yourself to make sure it flows. Remember to not just write about what you’ve done but what impact you’ve had.
If you can, ask someone you trust to read it over and give you some feedback. The aim is to leave no doubt that you are not only qualified and experienced but also capable of doing the job.
First impressions count
Even if you’ve been for a visit beforehand, the interview is a different kettle of fish. Dress appropriately, keep your body language open, make eye contact and project positive energy.
Interviewers can tell the difference between someone who wants to be there and someone who doesn’t. Nervous behaviours can sometimes send mixed signals so try and be as relaxed as you can. You won’t be judged for being nervous, but they’ll want to see that beyond that, you’re friendly, genuinely interested in the job and glad to be there.
Have the right attitude
You will be being watched even before you are in front of the panel so always keep your game face on. Every member of staff you come across is an ‘interviewer’ of sorts. How you treat them is as important as how you treat the formal panel.
Show that you are consistent in terms of attitude and how you present. Though these things aren’t covered in the job description and are hard to measure, people will remember how you make them feel. Make them feel good!
One last thing…
Don’t forget that you’re interviewing them too. If you show up for an interview and you’re greeted by someone who doesn’t make you feel welcome or if the day is completely chaotic, this will tell you a lot about how the organisation operates and what it would be like to work there. Again, issues crop up – things go wrong – watch how they handle it, and you will learn a lot about them too.
If it doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. Don’t be afraid to say no. Trust your gut, it will rarely guide you wrong.
And if you know you did everything right and they didn’t choose you for the role, that’s okay. Remember what you’re worth – you deserve the best, so don’t settle for anything less.
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