first jobs: making an application
Do your homework!
Research the schools and the area in which you want to work. Most schools will encourage and expect you to visit them before you put in a job application – so give them a call and arrange a visit.
Ask yourself the following:
- will your journey to work be practical?
- are your first impressions of the school positive?
- will you feel at home in the staff room?
- are the children well behaved and enthusiastic?
- will you be supported by the staff in your first year?
If you’ve replied positively to all five questions – what are you waiting for? You should ask the school for an application form straight away.
If you’ve replied negatively to any of the questions, you need to consider whether or not you should apply.
Don’t wait until the day before the deadline!
Set aside enough time to compose a really good letter and carefully fill in the application form.
Your supporting letter can be handwritten or word-processed, and it should be specific to a particular job and school. Don’t use standard letters – one size does not fill all in this case!
Don’t write your life story!
In your letter you should include details of:
- your course, teaching practice and achievements
- skills and strengths that you can offer the school
- relevant out-of-school hobbies and talents
- your personal statement or philosophy on education
- why you want to teach at this particular school.
Generally speaking, one and a half pages of A4 should be sufficient. Ask someone who knows you well, to read it through – does it sound like you? Does it do justice to your many talents? This is no time to be bashful!
Practise form filling
Photocopy the form first and practise fitting in all your details under the correct headings. Check any spellings that you are unsure of in a dictionary. When you are happy with the result, neatly write up your details on to the original form. Write legibly in black ink and use a good quality pen.
Place your application letter and form, unfolded, in an A4 envelope and post it in good time to meet the deadline or deliver it personally.
Wow – you’ve got your first interview!
Prepare and practise what you are going to say – even if it has to be in the mirror! Though it would be better to set up a mock interview, with a friend in the role of headteacher.
You might be asked to describe how you would:
- motivate the children
- organise your class
- deal with bad behaviour
- contribute to the life of the school.
Prepare your portfolio to include examples of children’s work, neatly mounted, and photos or samples of any 3D work completed for your teaching practice.
Have one or two questions ready for the point at the end of the interview when you are asked if you have any questions. Having nothing to say would be really embarrassing and much worse they may think you’re not interested in the job!
10 top tips for the big day!
1. Dress in clean, smart clothes. It is important to make a good impression.
2. Try to be as relaxed as possible on the day. Arrive in good time – at least 15 minutes before your interview slot.
3. You might be interviewed by up to four people – headteacher, teachers and governors! This shouldn’t worry you, if you’ve prepared well. When you give your replies, try to look at the person asking the question.
4. Remember to smile!
5. Try to act naturally and be aware of your body language.
6. Be positive. Tell yourself that you are doing brilliantly and you are going to get this job.
7. If you get stuck – take a breath and a moment to collect your thoughts, and try not to panic.
8. Find an opportunity to show your portfolio and talk enthusiastically about how you achieved these successful results with the children.
9. Finally, towards the end of the interview, it will be your turn to ask the questions and your chance and opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
10. Leave them in no doubt that you are the best person for the job. Don't forget to thank them for seeing you.
One week later…
A letter arrives in the post – you’ve got your first teaching job! Well done, you!