[tea drinker]

Here in the UK many Authorities allow you to apply on line.
This means that you can write and save your application form so that it can be reused for other applications.
(I'm not referring to covering letters or CVs here. The info in an UK application form will be pretty much standard for all jobs applied for)

Is this possible in NZ?
Is it a case of see an advert, apply, hope for interview?
Are you encouraged to visit pre closing date?
Are you told the result of the interview on the day?
Is it usual to be asked to prepare an activity for the class/group of children?

as always thanks for any thoughts

[beanbeanz]

Each school is it's own entity with it's own board of trustees. They do their own hiring, so there isn't a centralised application process. Some schools will allow you to apply electronically, but most accept applications by post. All jobs are advertised in the Gazette (http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/Vacancies/) so if you see something you like, you apply. Schools differ widely, so it's always helpful to have a visit before hand (many principals are happy to show you around and answer any questions).

From my experience the hiring process happens very quickly. After applications closed I was contacted within 2 days, and was told the results the day following the interview.

Not too sure whether preparing a lesson/activity for children is widely done. I didn't have to, but during the interview I was asked how I would go about teaching maths/literacy etc.

Hope that helps.

[akp713b]

Just beware that if the principal asks you to just pop in for a look around the school, that often is the interview, they just won't tell you that. That's how it was in my case and most of my mates from training college. Only a couple were called in for official interviews.

One of my friends was asked to actually teach a couple classes and be observed as part of the process but I found that extreme. Generally it will just be the one interview with the principal, the DP, the HOD and a few other teachers as you are shown around the school.

[Marsh]

Agencies waste of time. My wife used and agency when we arrived and got no phone calls nothing. We decided to do it the old fashoned way. This was to register here http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/ look out for jobs and apply. Within first couple of weeks she got a job interview........but it was quick. Got a phone call and was asked to come to the school for an interview. That same day she was told she had the job. She decided though it was not the school for her as the area was too far in the end to where we wanted to live.
But there was a place to rent even offered by the school which was a shock to us which made the decision harder to say no.

After this no matter how much she needed a job we decided to stick it out and only apply in the areas which were close to where we wanted to live. Within that week she got another interview again using the above process using the jobsite and applying. She was asked to come for an informal interview. Met the head a couple of governors at the same time also introduced to a few of the teachers. That was the end of it.

We then waited for the interview as she had been told it was just an informal one to meet her. When she got home she was called bout 3 hours after she had left and that was around 6 or 7 in the evening. She was told sorry we just wanted to tell you that is was not an informal interview but an actual interview and you have got the job! Would you like to accept? As you can imagine she was gobsmacked and ofcourse said yes and that was 4 months ago now.

You want tips? For every job my wife applied for, after she sent application form she ALWAYS called the school and asked if it was possible to have a look round as she had applied for job and wanted to look round. She did this with both the jobs she was offered. Before this she also asked to look round at any schools she had also registered to do supply work for. A word of advice though again apply for supply work close or in area you want to live. Getting onto their supply books shows you are keen as well as allowing you to be called in to teach in an actual New Zealand school and thereby begin to gain experience.

So what else helped my wife? Over 10 years of teaching experience and making sure CV, references from previous employer were done and ready and that should anyone want copy of CV with experience courses attended etc it was all done.

The 2nd job my wife had got we found out later before they called her in they had already contacted the Head in her previous school in England etc....so that is how fast some will be. Even before she was due to start my wife was also called in to do a couple of days supply as the teacher she was replacing was off ill at the time, so you never know when you will be required.

So what i say is keep at it, if you come across well and show commitment then something always happens. I hope i have helped.

I have been sitting on sidelines for a while watching all teaching questions and now have had time to give this info so will make a new thread just in case anyone misses this post. Good luck.

[tea drinker]

Thanks all
Many interviews held in UK for Primary involve actually teaching a class or group of children so the powers that be see you interact.
So you have formal interview - 20 - 30 mins (with Head, DH, Govs etc)
informal interview with Parent Gov usually
chat, answer our questions from School Council
and perform in front of a class of children that you don't know
oh and grand tour of the school with other candidates
Last one I went to I even had to eat school lunch with the children whilst being asked questions
It usually takes up a whole day
Then you wait for the phone call...the longer you wait the more you realise you haven't got the job (they ring the successful candidate 1st just to check that they are taking the job)

Phew...sounds like NZ is a little different
Can't do the relief teaching route unfortunately as I need a job to get a work permit