This week’s blog has been written by Anthony Lowton from Prospero Teaching, Liverpool. Prospero Teaching is a specialist, award-winning, teaching agency with dedicated teams of candidate managers, compliance and in-house teacher resources. If you’re applying for a teaching job here are Anthony’s top tips to help you secure your dream role…
It is important to take time when writing your application form. This is your opportunity to create a good impression for the decision maker. As a result of this, it is important to show the correct combination of skills, qualities and experience, making you the best candidate for the vacancy. Always present yourself in a positive light, and give evidence of how you meet all the job requirements.
Tailor your application & covering letter
Successful applicants explain why they are applying for this particular job at this particular school.
Structure your letter
Include your name and address on the right hand side. Then on the left include the date, name of recipient (if you’re unsure telephone the school and check the spelling) and the address of the school. It’s better to be accused of being too formal, rather than not formal enough, so begin with ‘Dear Mr/Ms…’
Always consider your audience when preparing your application. Do not say something in a letter that you would not say to the person in a face to face situation.
Be aware that schools will receive a number of applications, so avoid long paragraphs and make your application as easy to read as possible.
Don’t leave any blanks
Fill in all of the sections of the application form, including a full work history.
Gaps in employment make it look like you’re hiding something, whatever the reason highlight all the positives for gaps. If you have worked in a different sector think about the transferable skills you have.
Sell yourself
Be enthusiastic about your subject, why do you teach it, what do you enjoy. Include hobbies on your personal statement, it makes you a more rounded person. But don’t include ‘socialising with friends’ that can just translate to going out drinking.
Don’t think that your skills are irrelevant. If you play the piano, mention it. It might be that the school has a piano sitting in the corner of the hall and no teachers who can play it. The school won’t give you a job on that fact alone, but it might help draw attention to your application.
Don’t forget the kids
Schools make a comment that people tend to talk about themselves an awful lot and not about the students as much as they could. Show an awareness of the students’ needs and the local community.
Make reference to how you have helped to raise student attainment and how you have impacted student life.
Prove you can have an impact
Focus on the impact that you’ve had in previous positions, ask yourself:
Make sure you can back up all of your points with relevant examples.
Proofread before you send
When sifting through a pile of applications schools can usually halve the pile by getting rid of those making basic mistakes.
Keep it concise
Applying as an NQT?
Be honest on your application
Be honest, don’t be tempted to change that D to a C in your qualifications. If you get the job they WILL check.
If interviewed you will be questioned using your covering letter. Don’t say you do certain things in the statement and not have real examples when interviewed.
Always remember “A good application will get you the interview; a good interview will get you the job.”
If you would like any help or advice with your application you can contact Prospero:
Good luck!