u/FScottHemingway1

I’m in a competitive teaching state and was cut due to funding reasons. I’m SS so finding anything in my state is a losing game. Ive 3.5 yrs teaching experience and have had six demos since April. Rejections from all which just irritate me every time.

I know the job market is rough right now, but I see it as that I’ve wasted six days to work for free and amount to nothing. They weren’t bad lessons either, actually pretty good ones, but I understand there’s probably someone better in some capacity.

I was recently laid off due to shortages in federal grants in a career that’s very personable (I’m a school counselor). I’ve accrued around three years of experience and have work lined up for the summer, just not for next school year.

I’ve certainly been on more interviews than previous years but I feel like I have to oversell myself and the process makes me feel ill. I have no issue talking about my experience—I think it’s quite practical to explain what you offer. But the fact that my post interview questions aren’t to answer my own misconceptions? I know not to ask about pay, but I’d like to know for example how many students I’d be working with or specific grades.

Instead, it’s recommended I butter up my committee with questions I don’t care to ask like “what do you feel is your best quality?” Or “what’s a secret aspect you’d wish people knew more about?” I. Literally. Don’t. Care.

Then there’s the eye contact. I do my best to look in the eyes of whoever is asking the question but I can’t think of an answer if I’m always making eye contact. But then you get criticized for being “shifty.” On my way out of one district I overheard a secretary complain “you can’t trust people who can’t make eye contact.” Cool. I’m just trying to think of what I need to say.

I’ve never had an issue where I’ve worked previously. The kids love me as do staff. It’s the first impressions that suck.