Insights into the Necessary Job Seeking Skills - Peter and Gwenda Johnson

This blog post is inspired by my most recent episode of The Growth in Educational Leadership Podcast. I spoke to Peter and Gwenda Johnson - a fantastic duo with tonnes of recruitment and job-seeking advice. Gwenda is a retired Primary School Principal and spent 9 years leading St Joseph’s - A Special School For Children with Visual Impairment.

Read on to uncover the stand-out points in our discussion.

You can listen to the podcast 👉 here.

1. The Importance of Tailoring Applications Both Peter and Gwenda stressed the significance of customising job applications and CVs. Peter recounts a story of receiving a cover letter meant for another company, highlighting the need for attention to detail. Tailoring each application to the specific job - increases the likelihood of success.

2. Soft Skills and Interview Preparation The discussion emphasised the importance of soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. As Peter points out, attributes like curiosity and relationship-building are crucial for long-term employability. Preparing thoroughly for interviews by reflecting on past experiences and potential questions is essential.

3. Role of Ethos in Schools Discussing the role of ethos, Gwenda explained how applicants should reflect on how their personal values align with the school's ethos and be prepared to discuss this during interviews. Willingness to support the school’s values and ethos can be crucial in securing a position.

4. Dealing with Rejection and Building Resilience Facing rejection is part and parcel of job seeking. Peter talked about the importance of "next time thinking," which encourages candidates to reflect on what they can do differently in the future rather than dwelling on past rejections. Gwenda added that asking for feedback after an unsuccessful interview can provide valuable insights for improvement. Resilience, adaptability, and a positive mindset are key to overcoming setbacks and continuing the search for the right opportunity

5. Networking and Building Connections Networking is a vital component of career advancement. Peter emphasised the importance of building a support network through conversations and connections. By talking to people in similar roles or organisations, job seekers can gain insights, find opportunities, and garner support. Gwenda's example of using personal connections to find support underscores that networking can make a significant difference, regardless of the field.

6. Future Skills for Job Seekers As technology rapidly evolves, job seekers must stay adaptable and continuously update their skill sets. Gwenda and Peter highlight the value of both technical skills and soft skills. Being comfortable with technology, for instance, is not just a convenience but a necessity in modern educational settings. Glenda suggests that teachers should proactively engage in professional development and learn new technologies to remain relevant.

Peter adds that soft skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and data analysis are becoming increasingly important. He encourages job seekers to cultivate these skills alongside their technical abilities. Additionally, curiosity and a growth mindset—being eager to learn and adapt—are traits that can significantly enhance employability.

Here is a little more about Peter and Gwenda:

Peter Johnson, bio

Peter graduated from TCD in 1978 with a degree in Natural Sciences. He spent the first 15 years of his career as a Geography and Science teacher in Mount Temple Comprehensive School. Following 5 years in the Second Level Support Service he joined the NCCA as a director of Curriculum and Development, with responsibility for Junior cycle and Transition Year. He joined Jobcare in 2010, as Job Club Leader, and worked there until his retirement in 2018. Since then, he has been a volunteer with Jobcare, continuing to develop and deliver programmes for job seekers. As well as being a Jobcare board member and regular speaker, he now runs an innovative weekly programme for jobseeking professionals called Kickstart 

Gwenda Johnson, Bio

Gwenda graduated from TCD in 1982 with a BEd degree. She taught for 5 years in a mainstream primary school before taking a break to care for her young family. Before returning to full-time work in education, she worked as a sub-teacher in a local mainstream school and did some part-time work with NCCA on Irish language documents. In 2008, she got a job as a special class teacher in St Joseph’s, a special school for children with visual impairment. In 2014, she became Principal there, managing a staff of 50, and retired in August 2023.