Am feeling a right old misery guts (Big thanks to friends for putting up with me!!) Have had 2 Interviews this week and both have said I did a really good interview but have not been chosen. The one today was for yr5 (not that year group was mentioned on job description) I was told that reason was not experienced in that yr. I have experience in foundation to yr4. They would consider me in the future . Its good to hear that,but am so upset at the constant knockbacks. I realise loads of people apply. Anyway my dilema now is do I accept that I will never get a TA job and give up ,or go on the level 3 course I have been accepted on??? Sorry to ramble and be miserable but would appriciate tips from you of you have done L3 Many thanks.

no you DONT give up!!!

go for the level 3 so you have something to show when you do got for interviews

i know that you need a paid job but have you tried getting some volunteer hours too?

the fact that you are getting the interviews is good so something must be right there, so having as much experience and quas to show them can only be good

dont forget lots of people dont just walk into jobs, some take a long time to get there, so please keep trying

keep going. I have a feeling that most schools want NVQ3 levels, although may not pay that.

I think it shows you are ready to learn etc.

All the best. A job is there for you.

Thanks DQ and Lucybelle. I do 2 sessions a weekVoluntary at school plus dinner lady . I considered doing volunteer at middle school but the D/L job makes that awkward. Have filled in about 20 application forms this month so that why feeling disheartened ,also seems like others at my placement school do course and walk into jobs in the school. Know wont get job there as HT wants new people in not those in before her. You have given me food for thought.so thanks again for your advice and support. xx

As everyone has said don't give up.

A lot of posts are re-advertised in September.

Quite often, for what ever reason, the chosen candidate will change their mind about accepting the post during the summer holidays. We've had this happen at our school. Plus some TAs decide they have had enough and hand in their notice at the very end of term. Also, the expected intake for the new school year might change and extra TA's might be needed.

Keep your eyes and ears open. There's a post out there waiting for you. The moto for becoming a TA is persevere.

Keep going, do the L3 first and foremost for you.........

The right job is out there

Dont give it
the right job is out there for you it just wasnt ment to be, also it was there lost not yours
do your level 3 its a brilliant course you meet good people and learn loads (I have it was the best choice I made)
maybe you could do supply work (thats what im doing).
but what ever you do dont give up on your dreams

Just to reiterate the advice already given Fleur....

you know in your heart that you really want a TA job, so by waving that L3 certificate under their noses (including the school you volunteer at ) you are proving your worth.

Maybe try and sort your next placement at a different local school, that way your face gets known elsewhere and you will glean even more experience.

To be honest I think a lot of us acquired our first TA position following either a placement alongside a course or being a parent-helper and being in the right place at the right time.

Stick with it, I know I've said that loads of times already, but if you want it bad enough and as Tiki said with perseverance.... it will happen

Stick at it kid, there is a job out there with you'r name on it ,it just hasn't found you yet , but it will , and when you finish you'r level 3 there will be more oppertunities for you , the more interviews you have the more experienced you will become at them

THANK YOU SO MUCH everyone for your support. Your kind comments have made me cry. I am feeling more positive after a good nights sleep and some retail therapy today!!
Rose Want to wave my level 3 in HT face maybe should show her distinction in L2!!! That school has had years of free work from me! Am considering going to middle school as exp in years 5&6 might be good.
Have been offered Head dinner lady at volunteer school.No better off pay wise as support from benefits am still on will be taken away, also feel may be slap in face as never considered for ta role there. D/L I work with want me to take it and stay with them as they think I am "fabulous"Aaahhh Someone loves me!!

Ok I will still keep trying. THANK YOU ALL again. the support I have recieved and the friendliness of the forum is outstanding!!!!

Thank Mrs S. That puts it into perspective. Good luck to you in the Quest for your job! Ilove being a dinner lady but lately feel its not enough as in supporting the children in education not just social skills, or enough hours. As I said before it also seems some mums walk into jobs at my school. Not fair , but life's not fair is it !!

As already said go for the level 3 and I would try to volunteer somewhere else perhaps difficult with your job.However it might be possible and make the HY aware that you may go elsewhere.

You are getting interviews and don't forget there are a lot of people applying.We had a job advertised last week and there are over 50 applicants already.

Ht knows am looking for Ta job and said that with reference to lead D/l "No one else wants to do it " That why slap in face.. Have taken all your comments on board and will implement at first opportunity.