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

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)

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)

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

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