How to get that job!How to get that job!

Vicki SimpsonVicki Simpson

Head of GeographyHead of Geography

Stages

Application packApplication form & letterInterview lessonInterview

Note to teachers This document was not created by Teachers TV but the author has allowed us to publish it here to be used for educational purposes

Top tip!

Turnover for jobs in education are a lot quicker than industry if you see a job you fancy get the details – once you have all the facts then you can decide if you want to apply or not.

Where to find out about jobs?

TESPaperWebsite www.jobs.tes.co.ukUpdated everyFriday

What is a Head of Department looking for?

Can they teach in the classroom?Will they fit in in the department?What will they bring to the department?What will they bring to the school?

Aims of a job application

To get selected for interviewTo influence the interview panel in your favour before they even set eyes on youNot to get sacked when you start the job – it must be honest!

When you’ve received the application pack

Read through it thoroughly Research the schoolLook at the websiteRead the Ofsted reportLocal newspaper websites

Do you want to work there?

You’ve decided to apply

Using the application packMake a list of what they are looking forWhat do they do that interests youMatch your skills to what they are wantingWhat can you offer them other candidates might not be able to

Application forms

Photocopy & practiceOften need to be handwritten, if can complete electronically - doCheck your spellingsWrite in black

CVOften not requiredShould be brief no more than 2 sidesMost recent events firstEmphasise relevant experience – not being a school prefect!Don’t just give job title – explain major responsibilities & successes – especially if skills transferable to educationExplain unusual events e.g. GAP years or employment breaks

Letter of ApplicationMost important sectionCarry out instructionsNo more than 2 pagesTyped except if requested to be handwrittenAddress any issues they ask you to, don’t ignore themTell them why they need you, not why you need themMake it easy to readMake it is structured as a good essayUse spell check!

Letter of Application – Do’sMake it specific to the job descriptionRefer to the school you are applying to by nameAddress it to the head teacher by name e.g Mr WilkinsState where you saw the job advertisedDetail what you taught at each keystage giving examples of excellent practice and innovative teaching stylesMake sure you cover the requirements detailed in the application informationWhat are your ambitions & interestsHave your name on each pageCheck you have got the name of the school right – then check again!References – 1 = University referee, 1 = mentor at placement

Letter of Application – don’ts

Send out generic letters with no alterationsGet facts about the school & catchment area wrongApply for a job not on offerWrite your letter all in one paragraph with spelling & grammatical mistakesRefer to CV ‘See CV’Leave referees blank or don’t include contact detailsLie

Congratulations!You’ve got an interview.

Now what!?!

Interview Day

Generally whole day interviewTour of schoolLessonInterview

Interview Lesson

Think about 5 part lessonCopy Lesson plan & resources for observersMake it dynamicUse range of teaching techniquesUse students names (sticky labels!)Make sure you know the resources available & have your resources stored in more than 1 format

Tour of school

Speak to studentsGet a general feelWhat resources are aroundHow do students interact with staff & each other

Interview

The range of question could cover:Your lesson?Classroom management?Strengths & weaknesses?What will you bring to the dept?What will you bring to the school?What challenges do you see in your subject area over the next 5 yearsWhere do you see yourself in 5 years?

Second Placement Target

Do something different!Make you application stand outExamples Get involved in school initiatives Organise a trip Department clubs Extra-curricular activities

Top 5 Tips

1. Get your application pack early2. Really sell yourself in your

application letter (don’t lie!) – spell check!

3. All singing & dancing lesson4. Prepare potential answers for the

interview.5. Remember you are on interview all

day