If you’ve completed your teacher training course, and now find yourself as an NQT without a job secured for the Autumn, we at Elementa are here to help!
Usually, teachers tend to have shared any intentions to leave their job early in the Summer term – enabling schools to plan the staff they need for the Autumn. However, in our experience, we inevitably receive urgent calls during the summer holidays requesting teachers for September. This can be for a variety of unforeseen reasons. Elementa have even sourced new teachers just days before the start of the Autumn term!
Therefore, please rest assured there will be additional job opportunities in the coming weeks. Sometimes people change their minds at the last minute – whilst this can be challenging for the headteacher, it could be a great chance for you, so keep looking and don’t despair!
NQT without a job? What should you do?
You might decide that you are prepared to relocate to another part of the country. Naturally this will increase the opportunities available, allowing you to cast your search over a much wider area. At Elementa, we work with schools from the Isles of Scilly all the way across to Kent, so feel free to get in touch and see if we can help.
It is worth keeping an eye on our website as we will post all positions on our Vacancies page ( https://elementa.org.uk/vacancies/ ). Making sure your CV, cover letter and supporting statement are all properly prepared and up to date is a must. Additionally, it can be helpful to ask someone you trust to take a look and suggest any possible improvements. You need to make sure your best qualities attract attention. If this is something that you would like us to help with – get in touch today.
Here are some suggestions of how to prepare:
When refining these documents, consider your teaching strengths. What is your specialism? Emphasise your enthusiasm and commitment for teaching and explain why you would love to teach at this school in particular. Reference an example from teaching practice, where you helped encourage student participation, or coaching a sport.
Although it might be tempting to take the first vacancy you come across, try not to rush into taking a job that isn’t right for you. Whenever possible, visit the school and get a feel for the atmosphere. Also, assess the relationship between pupils and teachers, teachers and teachers etc.
Establish what support you can anticipate as a newly-qualified teacher (NQT). If possible, meet with your induction mentor and also confirm who else you can ask for advice and support. Don’t be afraid to ask about staff turnover at the school, and how previous NQTs have fared at the school.
Carefully prepare for your interview and ensure that you have practised your responses to the questions you expect to be asked, such as “Provide an example of how you overcame a challenge in the course of your final teaching practice.”
For additional guidance on preparing for your interview, it might be helpful to visit the Get Into Teaching website: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/post-teacher-training-application/preparing-for-your-teacher-training-interview .
Ultimately, if you are an NQT without a job – stay positive, keep looking and you will maximise your chances to get that ideal teaching job – we wish you luck.