What Would You Have Said?

[Guest]

Hi everyone

 

I have just had two interviews this week (another one today!! ) and one of the questions threw me a bit, although it was such an obvious one. I was asked:

 

"What strategies would you use to ensure high quality interactions with the children in your setting?"

 

I talked about ensuring that I spent plenty of time with them, listening to their interests, joining in with their play, and asking leading, open-ended questions like 'How' and 'why' type questions, but I couldnt think of anything else.

 

Could any of you add anything else?

 

G.

[Guest]

You've got a good selection there. How about noticing comments, and simply repeating what the child has said? I find they work well with a lot of children.

[Sue R]

Perhaps you might have broadened it out to show how you would support other staff in their efforts for better interactions?

 

Sue

[Andreamay]

i think what you said was fine.Its always easier afterwards isnt it?good luck

[Susan]

I went absolutely blank on some really simple questions at interview once, not hard to do in that situation!

Hope you get some good news.

[Guest]

I think what you said was fine as well, doubt I could of thought of it, I didn't even get an interview for the job I just applied for, so your ahead of me anyway!!

[Guest]

I think what Andreamay says is do true, on hindsight I think we all have wished we had said this or that. Your answers were fine, it is such a broad question ithe answer could have included the basics such as getting down to the childs level, eye contact to the broader suggestion that Sue R has said.

 

Also the interviewers may have had their own agenda for what answer they wanted. I know that some people add questions to interviews because of recent past experience from ex staff ie in this scenario they may have had a member of staff who just shouted or commanded children, by giving the answers that you did, they are now assured that you won't be like that. ( if you see what I mean ).

 

Yes it is good to learn from others ideas of answers to questions, in preparation for future interviews, and especially if it was a question you didn't feel particularly prepared for, but don't over analyse your response ( there are so many variables), it was, as others have said correct and fine.

 

Hope your interview went well today.

and

Shirel, hope you have better luck with any future applications.

 

Peggy

[Guest]

Thanks Peggy, feeling a bit fed up with it all at the moment, it's the children as always that are keeping me going, my own and the nursery children, what a gift they are!!

[Guest]

Thanks everyone.

 

Unfortunately I didnt get any of the jobs , although I did get some interesting feedback from one of the Heads (from the school I have been working in). She said that I just didnt sell myself, that I was answering the questions, but not really giving my opinions. In other words, she said that the Interview Panel did not know what my own thoughts really were, and they didnt really feel that they knew anything about me by the end of the interview Anyway, the Head said that I should try and put some practical examples into answering questions to give it a personal touch, as well as giving factual, hypothetical answers.

 

So I felt a bit winded by all that, because I thought I had done okay and I can greatly sympathise with you Shirel because its soooo frustrating, isnt it!. Anyway, I've finished with my school today, and I am now sitting by the phone hoping someone will ring for a bit of supply teaching - although I am so scared that I will be asked to cover a Year 5,6,7 class I hope I can do the maths!!!

 

G.

[Guest]

Bad luck, Goldilocks. Sorry to hear you weren't successful this time. What a shame the Head couldn't have used her own knowledge of you! I'm sure there's a job out there with your name on it - just keep looking (and selling yourself too).

[Susan]

Thats tough, Goldilocks, better luck next time. There muust be something better waiting so dont be disheartened---quite a few temp. 2 term contracts for January Reception in this neck of the woods!

[Guest]

Interviews are never ever fun. From the feedback you received perhaps you didn't link what you said to your own personal experience. It's always good to try and put in: for example when I was working at.. I did ......'

 

However before you get too downhearted remember this: Often there are two very good candidates and the differences between them are very small - it's interesting that you weren't told your answers were weak in any specific area, just that you didn't use enough personal examples.

 

Also however good you are, perhaps the school had someone else in mind for the job, perhaps someone else gave an exemplary interview.

 

You have to view these things philosophically. You may well have to go and teach some classes and age groups you are not used to as a supply. But you will see different schools and you should seek out any Early Years teachers and tell them you really prefer to cover Nursery. Word will soon get round about a good nursery supply teacher I am sure of that. Specialist nursery teachers in London at least are a rarity. Most of them get offered long term cover positions very quickly once schools realise they know what they are doing.

Remember also you can register for more than one agency and stick with the ones who give you Early Years work rather than those who will just send you anywhere.

 

By taking the plunge and leaving somewhere I was unhappy, I have found my dream job and team to work with and for and whilst being the scariest and most stressful thing I have done, it has proved to be the most rewarding.