School IT Technician Interview

[dnmlth29]

So I have an interview for a IT technician role within a school next week.

 

I have worked as an IT technician within another primary school since 2013 till around 2019 before moving to another role within the same school. In reality, I've never really moved away from the IT role and still actually provide support as no one else can assist.

 

Anyway, I recently applied for an IT technician role within another school and have been offered an interview. I have prepared a few questions of my own to ask. However, I am not too sure what to expect in terms of the questions that I may be asked.

 

I was an apprentice when I first started at the current school I am at and I suppose the questions that were asked at the time weren't too intense or too heavily IT detailed.

 

I have also been told that a task will be part of the interview.

 

Does anyone have a few tips/pointers please?

[FN-GM]

There will be the stock standard safeguarding question. They will give you a scenario of a child who has been abused and it has come to your extension and they will ask what you will do. It's generally a case of not making promises to the child that you will keep it a secret and follow the schools safeguarding policy. If you download and read the policy and outline what it says that will impress them.

[elsiegee40]

There will be the stock standard safeguarding question. They will give you a scenario of a child who has been abused and it has come to your extension and they will ask what you will do. It's generally a case of not making promises to the child that you will keep it a secret and follow the schools safeguarding policy. If you download and read the policy and outline what it says that will impress them.

 

There will definitely be a Safeguarding question. It won’t always be that one.

 

For a junior level role such as this, the important points are:

 

If a child discloses to you or there is another Safeguarding incident/concern:

- Never say you won’t tell

 

- Don’t ask questions; just listen

 

- Write down what happened asap after the incident

 

And

- Don’t talk about it to anyone, not even your line manager. Go straight to the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) and tell them.

 

Every school must have a Safeguarding policy on their website and the policy will say who the DSL is (you won’t be expected to know at interview)

[elsiegee40]

My tip is that it’s OK to take notes into an interview.

 

If there are things that you particularly want to make sure the interview panel hears, make a list on paper and take it with you.

 

Also write down any questions you may have about the job. It might be they’re all answered during the interview, but it’s better to glance at a sheet of paper and confirm you don’t need to ask anything than flounder when they ask

[Rob_D]

In addition to the stock safeguarding question, we always say to expect a data protection/security question.

For a tech I wouldn't expect anything too in depth. Being able to demonstrate an understanding of what is personally identifiable information (AKA what shouldn't be shared without consent), and the basics of password security, and knowing to take any concerns to the Data/Data Protection Officer should be more than enough.

 

One of the best interview tips I've heard (although I've not had a chance to put it into practice) is to tell stories (real stories, don't just make stuff up). We all know lots of interview questions are frames as "tell me about a time when ...", so go through and try to pair your experience with an interesting engaging story.

 

Best of luck.

[smurfomatic]

Went for an interview at another school before Christmas for an IT support manager role, here's how it went:

 

Arrive, meet Head of IT, tour of school

Written task - three questions: backup regimes, server setups, networking

Safeguarding interview with deputy head & governor (mostly as said above, common sense "know who the DSL is" stuff)

Sit in the staff room and chat with other candidates in between

 

Position was being decided on the day, so found out at the end I wasn't getting the job.

 

Always have questions to ask - even if it's basic stuff like working hours, term time only or 52 weeks, who you report to etc. Shows you're interested and have something to say back!

[jimmy_2k]

I've found interviewers like questions asked at the end because it shows that you're genuinely engaged with the interview and interested in the position. I always liked to say, what would you want me to do in the first day or what priorities do you have that you would like me to look at. Don't ask too many but 3 good ones is the best thing to do.

[clareq]

I have been told that "What do you enjoy about working here?" is a good question to ask. Gives you a feel of the working environment.

[LukeRowberry]

Good Luck!

[jimmy_2k]

Did you get the job? We're all wanting to know

[jmak]

I have been told that "What do you enjoy about working here?" is a good question to ask. Gives you a feel of the working environment.

Don't everyone start using that! I've had a few interviews recently and without exception the panels have said it's a really good question [emoji41]

 

More seriously, it usually makes them think (a good thing), leaves them in a positive mood (reminds them why they're working there and what motivates them - also a good thing) and gives you a chance to reinforce how you'd be an ideal fit for their organisation.