How to survive an NQT interview

Over the last few months, I've had a few teaching interviews where the process has been completely different each time. I've had to teach groups of children and whole classes, teach two lessons back to  back, engage in formal interviews and pupil panels, as well as had a variety of written exercises to complete.

It's stressful. The minute you receive the email or phone-call to tell you about your interview, it's all you focus on. Sometimes you feel prepared, with a couple of a days notice and sometimes, you have one evening to organise your lesson and ensure that you're hitting the brief. But as long as you feel mentally prepared, you'll be absolutely fine. 

"take a moment for yourself"

My first top-tip is to make sure you feel confident with the lesson you have prepared. Don't copy someone's idea off the internet unless you can adapt it to suit your brief and yourself! I have found that organising two lessons will allow you confidently decide on which lesson flows best for you and make sure you ask for advice off those you trust - draw upon the staff in your school or other teachers that you've connected with online who genuinely care and want what's best for you.

Secondly, relax. Make sure you take a moment for yourself before going into the school just to breathe and feel confident. Ensure you take a moment before your interview lesson to hand out stickers/paper for name tags and introduce yourself to the class. Interviewer's aren't there to catch you out at all. They want you to do well and are just looking for best practice - just keep doing what you have been during your teacher training!

Finally, make sure you are true to yourself and what you believe in. Quite often, the first interview question may be something like "tell me about yourself" or "what qualities do you think you have as a teacher" - use this time to discuss what you have learnt, your strengths and what you are passionate about. Oh, and remember to make lots of eye contact and smile!

These are just some examples of questions I was asked over the 4 interviews I had:

• What are your aspirations for the next 5 years?
• Why this school?
• Tell me about a time a lesson didn't go well. What did you learn from it?
• What does 'outstanding' teaching look like?
• Why did you choose to teach primary?
• What does excellent teaching and learning look like to you?
• What qualities do you have?
• What are the strengths and challenges of being in a small school/large school?
• What does the term 'safeguarding' mean to you?
• What could you offer this school?
• What's the difference between a CofE and a Catholic school?
• How do you ensure a work/life balance?
• What would your classroom look like if you were teaching an 'outstanding' lesson?
• How do you effectively differentiate?

I've even had a couple of light hearted questions, like these:

• What is your dream holiday destination and why?
• What's your favourite sandwich filling?

The interview panel are looking for honest, enthusiastic teachers who are passionate about what they do. Make sure you take your time when answering a question and don't be afraid to extend your answer if you think of something to talk about on the spot. Take all feedback on board and reflect on your lessons! 

Just be yourself and remember... everything happens for a reason. Good luck!

Top 5 lifestyle tips

After a busy few weeks house-sitting and beginning my second year of uni, I wanted to share some simple tips that once you have grasped, become second nature. They're not bold, confusing or time-wasting, just very simple but extremely effective...

1. Find the right skincare

For the last two years, my skin has been awful. Not necessarily on my face or hands, but on my legs. I developed eczema, causing itching, bleeding and scarring - and no skincare cream or moisturiser seemed to help. I recently found out about Aveeno, and their moisturising cream has been my saviour. It may not work wonders on everyone, but my legs have cleared up, smoothed and cause no irritation. It's most definitely the best cream I have ever bought.

2. Drink more water

I always thought that I drank enough water, 4 or 5 glasses a day. Until dehydration became a huge problem for me, resulting in painful migraines and poor skin. Force yourself to drink as much water as you can everyday and you'll find that not only do you snack less, but your skin will begin to glow and plump.

3. Talk to people

As much as it may seem scary and daunting at first, speak to as many people as you can. Your hairdresser, friends of friends, strangers, people in your chosen career field. I recently created a LinkedIn account, where I have spoken to many people in journalism and teaching, and found that they may put you into contact for a job, work experience or just simply give you advice on your careers and ambitions. Talk to people - you might never know where it gets you.

4. Keep organised

My final year of uni is mad already. Being thrown into searching for work experience, thinking of ideas for a dissertation and constantly being told of expectations is a pretty daunting scenario (after 4 months off!), so keeping organised is my main focus. Writing everything down, taking as much from every lecture as possible and finding a way to manage my time has been tricky - but once you know what you're doing and when you have time to do it, it makes it seem that little bit easier.

5. Think positively

Exams, dissertations, assignments, work - the list could go on. It all seems so scary, especially when you want to do as well as you can. The main thing you can do is to think positively, believe in yourself and aim high. And if it's all getting too much, remove yourself and come back to it after a couple of hours. Go and watch bake-off and order a takeaway...

Holiday destination: Lesbos

I've just returned from my annual family holiday and this year, we tried somewhere a bit different. I'd heard of Lesvos and absolutely love exploring Greece and the Greek islands, but still didn't know exactly what to expect.

It was one of the most relaxing holidays I have ever been on. The intense heat left me wanting to just sit by the pool, sip cocktails and enjoy walks along the calm beach, which was directly in front of the hotel. As holiday destinations go, this is also one of the quietest I have ever been to. The tiny village of Skala Kalloni was just a two minute walk from our hotel and had around 15 tavernas, a couple of shops and a small boating harbour. Perfect to get away from it all.

At night was when you could see the popularity of the small holiday spot. The tavernas bustling, a brilliant atmosphere crept upon the village square. A lot of Greek destinations find themselves swamped in British, German and French tourists but I didn't find that here. Greek families filled the restaurants, beach and bars, creating a friendly, traditional set-up.

My favourite restaurants were definitely Caprice and Ambrosia, where we were spoilt with food, drink and a LOT of watermelon! Ambrosia's was more traditional; serving the best moussaka and kleftiko I have ever had. Caprice was a more modern restaurant, with pasta and fish dishes to die for - along with their passion fruit martini's!

A fantastic place for a totally relaxed, traditional holiday.

Holiday essentials

Ahhhhh, it's nearly time! Tomorrow, I fly out to Greece, but before I do, I thought I'd share with you my holiday essentials:

Bag⎜Michael Kors

The perfect tote to keep those holiday essentials in.

Book⎜Waterstones

A good holiday-read is a must have.

Travel Wallet⎜Aspinal of London

To keep those travel documents and currency safe.

Sunglasses⎜Topshop

Get ready for that midday sun!

Lipstick⎜Smashbox

To keep you looking photo ready at all times.

Bikini⎜Jack Wills

Ready to put on as soon as you get to your destination.

Happy holidays!!! I'll see you in two weeks time.