Dmp Mutal Support Thread (Part Two)

teecee152

Morning All.

Hope everyone is ok today.
Sorry if this post seems like I'm wallowing in self pity but I think I just need to vent so feel free to ignore my rant.
It all started last sept when I decide to change careers at the age of nearly 40. I have always worked in admin but decided to go to college and study for an NVQ to become a teaching assistant. I got a placement in my daughters school and have been there since September.
For my course I was required to volunteer for 1 day a week, once in the school I enjoyed it so much that when I was asked to help out on other days and in different classes within the school, infants and juniors I said yes. Anyway I am now volunteering for 2 full days and 2 half days each week.
I love what I do and really think that I have finally found the career that I am destined for. The school that i work in advertised a vacancy and the Head Teacher came to me and told me to apply for the job so I did. The deadline was last week and when I went into school today there were people waiting outside the Head's office for their interviews. I was devastated why did she even mention it if she had no intention of even giving me an interview for the position! It feels like a huge kick in the teeth and I am just so upset.
I didn't think I would get the job necessarily and would have been ok with that, I realise I am newly qualified and there would possibly be lots of people who would have more experience/qualifications than me. I cannot help feeling used, it's ok to have me in school, helping the children with literacy, numeracy, ICT, going on trips, escorting children on their swimming lessons, helping with the school play, etc,etc but not if they have to pay me, I feel really worthless now and as if it has all been for nothing. I have worked so hard for the school always willing to help whenever/wherever asked to.

Sorry again for the rant i'm just so upset and dissapointed that they seem to think so little of me.

newlywed

teecee152 wrote: »

Sorry again for the rant i'm just so upset and dissapointed that they seem to think so little of me.

Sorry you're down. But I don't think they think that little of you - otherwise they wouldn't have even suggested applying would they?

Just because they are interviewing, doesn't mean any of those will work out suitable - and maybe you are still in the running but they already know you so don't necessarily need a formal interview with you? Why not just ask in a by the way... sort of conversation?

newlywed

Just as an extra point- some places have a policy where they have to interview outside candidates even when offering the job internally to someone they know.

teecee152

Thanks Newleywed, I know I'm wallowing but I just can't help it!
Maybe you are right and I am just being pathetic. It's almost the end of the term and I have every intention of carrying on at the school until then and even next year because it is a job I love doing, I just really could do with being paid to do it!

rayday2

I work for a local authority and our boss does not get to shortlist the candidates now I am not sure how schools work but this frustrates our line manager as she can somtimes have a volunteer doing the work but if they put the wrong thing down they don't get shortlisted.

In saying that though it could be like someone else mentioned that they have to externally interview.

I would speak the the headmaster and say something like "I didn't realise they were interviewing today" see where that takes you.

teecee152

Thanks for the support!
I do know that the school has to advertise any vacancies externally and I'm not sure who short lists the candidates. Think I will ask the Head tomorrow in a round about way for some feedback on my application to see why I wasn't chosen for interview. Don't suppose it can hurt seens as I am obviously not considered suitable for the particular job advertised. I will carry on applying for any other vacancies that I see and it may give me an insight as to what they are looking for.

newlywed

That sounds like a good idea teecee. Anything they say could help you for future applications.

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

Oh Teecee, huge hug coming your way! I'm a chair of governors at a Primary School and there are usually a panel of govs to do shortlising. I'm shocked you weren't told about interview date let alone interviewed. I would be inclined to speak to the Head asap incase there is more than one interview date or if your letter got lost in the post. Either way it is courtesy for the Head to speak to you (particularly as you are volunteering already) and also you are entitled to feedback re your application. Please speak to someone today I know how school politics work and how often wires get crossed it really will pay to clear it as soon as pos. In the meantime take care.
Love and hugs to all
IDA
x

teecee152

Thanks IDA I will speak to the Head just don't know if I can do it today without bursting into tears and that probably wouldn't help. I have a really good relationship with the teachers I support and am always being told what an asset I am by both teachers and teaching assistants in the school. Maybe my aplication was crap! I will ask for feedback but maybe tomorrow when I'm not so upset.

yellowmonkey

Hi teecee. Nice to hear from you again. Sorry to hear of your predicament regarding the interviews. Cannot add any more than to say fingers crossed for you. Do have a chat with the head when you feel able and that may clear things up. Hope so.

ym