After any type of interview you should review your performance and consider any improvements/ adjustments you could make.
Accepting the job
It’s a great feeling to receive a phone call or letter offering you a job you have been working hard to get. Often you will receive a phone call within a couple of days of the interview, followed up by a letter. The letter should include:
- The formal offer of post
- Details of salary
- The starting date
- Other conditions of employment
If you are happy with this information you need to write a letter accepting the job offer.
Unsuccessful Applications
If you are not offered the job after an interview try not to let it affect your optimism and enthusiasm.
Many organisations now offer you the opportunity to call and discuss your interview and to receive ‘feedback’ as to why you were not successful. It may be that you did not meet the person specification as closely as another candidate and this feedback can help you to appraise your skills and evaluate your experience ready for next time.
The main thing is not to take the disappointment too personally. You have many good qualities, valuable skills and individual attributes that will be recognised by an employer in the future.
More opportunities open to you
There are long term benefits to obtaining qualifications if you see working with children and young people as a career rather than a job. Employers generally favour qualified staff, so if you hold recognised qualifications or are prepared to work towards them, there will be more opportunities open to you.
How to get a qualification
There are two main ways to train for a qualification; you can study whilst you work or undertake a course of study. This could be at a local venue, a further education college or other learning centres.
Introductory Level
An opportunity for you to find out more about childcare, early years or playwork before committing yourself. Taster Workshops and introductory sessions run by the Local Authority explain more about different job opportunities, training and qualifications available in your area. They give a good opportunity for you to understand in more detail what the work involves.
Making Choices: helping you to decide if you want to work with children… or how to develop in your childcare and early years career
Making Choices is a 12 hour introductory level programme which will help you to decide if you want to work with children, in which type of setting and with which age group.
Courses will be running at different venues throughout Bradford over the next year. Free childcare is available at some courses. We welcome men and women of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
If you would like to attend Making Choices, complete the Application Form and return it Bradford early Years and Childcare Service.
