Getting a position

Talking in the past tense now as I secured a position at Mt. Clear Secondary in Ballarat a few weeks ago now, however I still see it is an important to add how this process was for me and what I discovered from it.

I first began applying for jobs as soon as recruitment online opened in 2010. I applied and for a few positions as trials to see how the system worked without really attempting to get the position as i didn't provide KSC or cover letter. Just attempted to upload my resume and send it off. This ended up being an important move for me as I then new exactly what to do when there was no mail address for the application and so it needed to be all submitted online. 

I had one unsuccessful interview before securing a place at Mt. Clear, it was not a graduate position and this i learnt meant a much harder panel and greater expectation. However I did get a call back just recently to apply for another position so it really helped to go to that interview and practice my interviewing skills.

During our last University unit we studied the art of interviewing, resumes and KSC etc so I did have a small idea of what to expect.

I found that i wasn't as nervous because I prepared well and thoroughly and new the aspects of my experience that i wanted to share. I used a paper folder, and placed sticky notes all over the inside as cue cards and took that in to my interviews as well as photos and a portfolio. These aids assisted me in directing my answers.

One aspect I found difficult as a graduate in an interview was the experience I had had in comparison to what was expected by the interview panel. I found it difficult to provide responses in many questions I had not experienced that as yet. The interviews I have had i have been very fortunate as they have been lovely people on the panel and they have clearly stated that they understand the limitation in my experience being a graduate, however it is still disheartening to think you have not experienced many things before you walk in as a real teacher...however very little you can do about that.

Overall I found that being myself, bringing my personality into the interview was a successful move and being prepared before walking in also was the best thing I could do for myself to prevent me from getting flustered.

Good luck to other graduates interviewing presently