1. Applying for Teaching Posts This involves  Deciding in which area and which type of school you want to teach  Searching through appropriate publications (TES, Guardian, local paper, WWW…)  Deciding not just whether you want to apply for a post at a particular school… … but also whether they are showing they are keen to have you (e.g. do they require stamped addressed envelopes? Will they pay for your travel and subsistence expenses?)  Sending for details about the post/school  Filling in the application form  Writing a letter of application  Sending it all to the school by the deadline

2. Letter of application checklist  Appropriate length (500 to 1,000 words)  Personalised in relation to the post/school, including the information received  Expands rather than paraphrases your CV/application form  Expresses clearly your views on teaching in general and MFL in particular (e.g. rationale for teaching MFL in schools)  Shows what your strengths are without being boastful  Well and clearly structured/presented  Good, appropriate style / register / English  Tells what the school will gain / what you will be prepared to do if given the post  ‘Sells’ well your qualities as an NQT (enthusiasm, up-to-date knowledge & methodology, ideas, energy, good will…)  Makes people want to meet you / discuss your letter at interview even after merely scanning it  Sense of humour  Commitment (to do your best for the youngsters in your charge)

3. What happens once applications have been received Application forms are perused with particular attention to  qualifications  background (teaching or otherwise)  other information (e.g. hobbies, referees)  handwriting (because best hand-written)  your letter of application The letter of application itself is perused with, apart from the content itself, particular attention to  its grammar, punctuation and spelling  your efforts at trying to sell yourself  your ICT skills (because best word-processed)

4. The short-listing process  Application forms / CVs / letters are scanned (especially if large number of candidates) according to previously mentioned criteria  Three piles made up: - yes - no - possible  References taken up  ‘Piles’ finalised (yes, no, reserves)  Invitations are sent for interview (often at short notice)  Responses are received  Short-list may be revised as a result

5. Appointment criteria  Qualifications: - what university? - what subject(s) language(s)? - what degree? - any higher degree or other qualifications? - PGCE? At Master’s level? From where?  Background: - Age? - School / A levels? - Current situation? - Experience abroad? - Teaching experience? - Other experience?  Letter of application (see criteria)  References (positive, negative and inferred comments)  The interview itself