1. Vicki Simpson Head of Geography
How to get that job!
Vicki Simpson
Head of Geography

2. Stages Application pack Application form & letter Interview lesson
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

3. 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.

4. Where to find out about jobs?
TES
Paper
Website
Updated every
Friday

5. 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?

6. Aims of a job application
To get selected for interview
To influence the interview panel in your favour before they even set eyes on you
Not to get sacked when you start the job – it must be honest!

7. When you’ve received the application pack
Read through it thoroughly
Research the school
Look at the website
Read the Ofsted report
Local newspaper websites
Do you want to work there?

8. You’ve decided to apply
Using the application pack
Make a list of what they are looking for
What do they do that interests you
Match your skills to what they are wanting
What can you offer them other candidates might not be able to

9. Application forms Photocopy & practice
Often need to be handwritten, if can complete electronically - do
Check your spellings
Write in black

10. CV Often not required Should be brief no more than 2 sides
Most recent events first
Emphasise relevant experience – not being a school prefect!
Don’t just give job title – explain major responsibilities & successes – especially if skills transferable to education
Explain unusual events e.g. GAP years or employment breaks

11. Letter of Application Most important section Carry out instructions
No more than 2 pages
Typed except if requested to be handwritten
Address any issues they ask you to, don’t ignore them
Tell them why they need you, not why you need them
Make it easy to read
Make it is structured as a good essay
Use spell check!

12. Letter of Application – Do’s
Make it specific to the job description
Refer to the school you are applying to by name
Address it to the head teacher by name e.g Mr Wilkins
State where you saw the job advertised
Detail what you taught at each keystage giving examples of excellent practice and innovative teaching styles
Make sure you cover the requirements detailed in the application information
What are your ambitions & interests
Have your name on each page
Check you have got the name of the school right – then check again!
References – 1 = University referee, 1 = mentor at placement

13. Letter of Application – don’ts
Send out generic letters with no alterations
Get facts about the school & catchment area wrong
Apply for a job not on offer
Write your letter all in one paragraph with spelling & grammatical mistakes
Refer to CV ‘See CV’
Leave referees blank or don’t include contact details
Lie

14. Congratulations! You’ve got an interview.
Now what!?!

15. Interview Day Generally whole day interview Tour of school Lesson

16. Interview Lesson Think about 5 part lesson
Copy Lesson plan & resources for observers
Make it dynamic
Use range of teaching techniques
Use students names (sticky labels!)
Make sure you know the resources available & have your resources stored in more than 1 format

17. Tour of school Speak to students Get a general feel
What resources are around
How do students interact with staff & each other

18. 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 years
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

19. Second Placement Target
Do something different!
Make you application stand out
Examples
Get involved in school initiatives
Organise a trip
Department clubs
Extra-curricular activities

20. Top 5 Tips Get your application pack early
Really sell yourself in your application letter (don’t lie!) – spell check!
All singing & dancing lesson
Prepare potential answers for the interview.
Remember you are on interview all day