Attending a TSC interview? This is all you need to know

If you have been shortlisted by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for a promotional interview, then you will naturally need to prepare adequately to face the panelists. And this is what you need to know as you plan your big day.

The TSC as you know is currently conducting interviews for promotions for school administrators serving in post-primary institutions that runs from January 3-16 this year. of course, there will be another group in Februar which will undergo a similar exercise.

We therefore thought it necessary to enlighten you on what to expect when you appear before the interviewers. The interview process normally involves a set of common questions that are asked to all candidates, regardless of their grade. These questions carry a total of 13 marks.

The areas covered in the interview include the number of years spent in the current grade, age, personal and/or school performance (based on average or improvement index, whichever is higher), your TPAD rating, administrative or acting experience (if applicable), and general communication skills, which is worth 1 mark.

If you are asked the common questions such as “tell us about yourself,” your response should include your name, academic qualifications, work experience, and any other relevant information.

It is important to have knowledge of procurement procedures, such as single sourcing, competitive bidding and other different types of tendering.

You will need to be knowledgeable with  things such as methods of disposal, such as donating items to public institutions or selling them through auctions. Information on these areas will be a plus in your interview.

Additionally, familiarity with accounting documents such as balance sheets (or statements of affairs for non-profit organizations) and inventory management is necessary.

When answering procurement-related questions, it is advisable to respond in the order they were asked, without panicking or guessing answers.

For promotion to the positions of deputy principal or principal, acting experience is awarded marks as follows: 5 years of acting experience receives over 30 marks, 3-4 years receives 25 marks, 2-3 years receives 20 marks, and 1 year receives 15 marks.

The length of stay in the current grade also carries marks: 6 years or more receives over 20 marks, 4-5 years receives 15 marks, and 2-3 years receives 10 marks.

Regarding TPAD, a score of 81% earns 10 marks, while a score of 61-80% earns 8 marks.

Age is also taken into consideration with candidates aged 55 and above receiving over 15 marks, those aged 50-54 receiving 12 marks, those aged 45-49 receiving 9 marks, those aged 40-44 receiving 6 marks, and those aged 39 and below receiving 3 marks.

Oral questions attract 13 marks, while performance in co-curricular activities at the national level carry 5 marks, regional level carries 4 marks, county level carries 3 marks, and sub county level carries 2 marks.

The scoring system for KCSE 2020, 2021, and 2022 consists of a maximum of 6 marks for the main content and a single mark for effective communication skills, resulting in a total of 100 percent.

-By Amos Kerich