I'm sorry if i've posted this in the wrong place but this is my first thread.

I've not been working for 2 1/2 years as I took a career break to have children. A local school has just advertised for a TA and I just wondered if any of you have any tips for getting the job. The last TA position I applied for I wasn't even offered an interview although I have experience working with children, a BTEC level2 TA cert (passed with distinction) and a first aid certificate (still valid).
Does anyone have a good idea what employers would be looking for and what I could write on the application form. I feel I meet all the criteria required for the position but i'm sure I won't be the only one who applies who thinks that.

If you have any hobbies put those down especially any that the school could make use of.........art and craft, baking, gardening, ICT skills , sports etc.If you have done any evening courses put those down. Send a copy of references with your application (always got me an interview.) They want to see that you are a well rounded person with a life as well as your ability to work in a school.I would put that you would be happy to continue your studies to Level 3 if it is required as a lot of schools look for Level 3 now.If you use the search facilities on here you will find lots more tips.Good Luck and to the forum.You will become addicted you know!

Jack mentioned sending your references with your application. Having sat on interview panels I know that we can't view them till after we've chosen a successful applicant. This is supposed to safeguard the applicant against any prejudice from a former employer etc.

If you get a chance try and visit the school before you hand in your application. It will help you get a feel for the place.
Also you'll get more imformation about the position than you might find in the original job advert.

Hi

Hope you have more luck than me. I have been working as a parent helper and supply TA since 2006 and went for an interview last Thursday for a 12month contract but i didn't get it. I was devastated and had to go back into school on Friday which was really hard. I feel a bit better now and just have to hope that if i get another interview it will go better.

Good luck.

[quote="Fugazi10"]Hi

Hope you have more luck than me. I have been working as a parent helper and supply TA since 2006 and went for an interview last Thursday for a 12month contract but i didn't get it. I was devastated and had to go back into school on Friday which was really hard. I feel a bit better now and just have to hope that if i get another interview it will go better.

Good luck.[/quote]
It is hard going for interviews, i recently applied in my school for a level 3 and two of us went for it. The other teaching assistant has been there alot longer and i did give an awful interview. I was so scared and my mind just went blank. It was my first experience of an interview as when i got the level 1 job the head had approached me and offered me the job as she knew me as a parent of the school. My confidence was shattered and i had to go in and face everyone but they were all really supportive and encouraged me to go for other interviews elsewhere and not because they wanted me to leave but because it was good experience which i needed. I went for them and got a level 3 job on my third interview and all i can say is it got easier with each interview.

Tips that i would give is to really sell yourself on the application form, tell them all about your experiences and how they will help you in the role. Look at the specification on the job description and cover this as much as possible. Good luck!

I agree with Tiki, try and visit the school. At first I didn't do this because of the nerves but everyone said its a must. So I plucked up the courage and went and have done so since. It helps loads with your nerves, gives you opportunity to look where you'd be working and I have in feedback from interviews had comments about making the effort in visiting, so lots of browny points.

Fugazi - I know how you feel I volunteered for two years at a school and went for two interviews which at the time I was given all good signs by staff and DHT of getting and didn't and it hurts doesn't it. I wonder if they think they are get the best of both worlds someone new and still keeping the unpaid reliable worker. Use the experince and apply for jobs else where and they might then realise they should have offered you something while they had chance

Hi

Thanks for your replys. Not getting this job has really knocked my confidence but i know i have to get out there and keep looking for other jobs and I will get one in the end.

Thanks

The right job is out there for you. I have been in your position and now realise wont get job at placement school, so now am using them to my advantage, not the other way round! Although they still get my help for free while I am still job hunting, I am getting more experiance,Staff v supportive. Makes it easier for me to go in and help. Good Luck!

Do not be worried... I have never worked as a teaching assistant before. I just hold a first year of an English degree (made in France)

I sent my application to many many schools. Only one, which is in Oxford, replied that they would like to see me for visiting the school and see how I work with the students. I made a very good supportive letter explianing my will to help the SEN students.

After this they sent me one email saying they would like to interview me after 2 months. I went to the interview and prepared myself very much by studying the questions that are asked for interview on this forum. The interview runned very smoothly. 2 hours after the interview the senior TA of the school called me and told me I have the job. I guess that the fact that I am French and want to help in French and German helped a lot, but the most important is your ambition to really contribute to the reputation of the school.

GOod luck for the future.