What You Should Know Before Applying for Invigilator Jobs

Invigilator jobs are mostly for those who want flexible employment, especially during exams. Whether a student, a part-time employee, a retiree, or a temporary job seeker, the short-term source of income by becoming an invigilator will enable you to play a crucial role in the education process. However, there are some things you ought to know before you submit your application for the job post as an invigilator.

Here is the detailed guide to understanding invigilator jobs and making the most out of them.

1. What Is an Invigilator?

An invigilator is a person who ensures nothing unbecoming occurs among the seated students of an examination. He is the one who implements the rules of the examination process to enable it to be fair and smooth with no intimidation of one party over the other. The duties involve supervising the dispensation of the examination paper, identification check-ups, making sure the exams are conducted according to the rule, and sometimes, taking charge of the atmosphere surrounding the examination room.

As an invigilator, you are supposed to be conscious and watchful throughout the entire examination process so that all of the candidates comply with the exam guidelines. Moreover, you may be required to report any form of irregularity or violation to the exam coordinator.

2. Job Responsibilities of an Invigilator

Before applying for an invigilator job, one needs to know the scope of his or her responsibilities from before applying through:

• Preparation of examination room: You may be instructed to arrange seating, prepare the room according to the format of the examination, and ensure that all necessary things, like an answer sheet, a pen, and exam papers, are present.

• Provision and collection of examination materials: You will administer and collect all the examination materials, thus ensuring nothing is missing and not a single paper falls out.

• You have to keep an eye on the students as they sit for the exam: This means you have to keep watch over the candidates during the examination. It also means you have to keep them from cheating, watch their heels on sticking to the rules, and help in case of equipment malfunctions.

• Query handling and issues: Any student may have questions about exam procedures, and a few may face technical issues, such as computer-based exams. You would handle these at a time that does not disrupt the exam.

• Reporting violations: If there are instances where any student has been detected cheating or violating the policies of the exam, you would report such incidents to the exam coordinator or relevant authority.

3. Skills and Qualities Required

There is no special qualification involved in the invigilator job, but some skills and qualities guarantee your success in this role. These include:

• Attention to detail: Since the invigilators have to ensure that students strictly abide by the rules of the exam, strict attention to detail is needed. This also involves being able to verify a student's ID, ensuring that no unauthorized materials are being used, and that exam scripts are collected appropriately.

• Vigilance: A person has to sit vigilant for long hours. One may feel drowsy sitting through dull, lengthy exams, but one needs to be absolutely aware of what is going on in the room.

• Good communication skills: The invigilators should communicate well with students in advance and during the exam. You should be able to talk about procedures in a silent and professional manner.

• Time management: You will be in charge of keeping track of the length of time the exams last, how everything goes according to schedule, and the potential issues surrounding time, such as earlier submissions or time extensions.

• Stay calm under pressure: Things do go wrong sometimes. Sometimes, the system fails you, and sometimes it is even the students who misbehave. You will be able to handle all these situations quite calmly without disrupting anything unnecessarily.

4. Where to Find Invigilator Job Openings

Job adverts for invigilators can also be acquired. Sometimes, institutions of learning, organisations or the government require the services of invigilators during examination time, and sometimes, they place adverts calling people to come and work as invigilators. Some of the sources include;

• The Local educational institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities are usually involved during midterm and final examination and mostly they need the services of invigilators. Approach them directly or visit their official websites for job placements.

• Jobsites: Indeed, Naukri and LinkedIn often have invigilator jobs available. Use the following search terms in your search: "invigilator," "exam supervisor," or "examination coordinator jobs.".

• Recruitment platforms: AWIGN is the platform offering part-time and flexible job opportunities, such as those of invigilation. The site provides listings for short-term jobs, and hence, it is easy to find a job during exam seasons.

• Government recruitment boards: The number of invigilators required for such large-scale public service exams is too many and hence the advertisement usually takes place on government job portals.

Conclusion

Invigilator jobs are flexible and relatively easy entry points into part-time work. The job of an invigilator would require much attention to detail and communication skills. Some of us would need a bit of temporary work during exam seasons, while others may just want to dabble in invigilation as a side hustle. There's plenty out there. Platforms like Awign can find you applicable listings and get you access to support staff recruitment opportunities for exam roles.

So, when you are finally ready to apply for the invigilator posts, get the polish applied on your CV, glance through the local listings as well as online ones, and prepare to make it a seamless, fair exam process for students!