Getting started on your job search
If you are training or a trainee it is a good idea to start looking out for jobs at the beginning of the spring term. This may sound early, but should give you plenty of choice, particularly if you want to work in a specific location.
However, if you have difficulty finding what you’re looking for, don’t despair. It’s not unusual for some schools to wait until the beginning of the summer to advertise their vacancies, so there will still be opportunities later on in the school year.
Use the links below to navigate around this section.
Where to look
Some of the unions have job finding services and are a good place to start. If you already know which local authority you want to work in, you can also contact it directly as it will be a valuable source of information on vacancies and recruitment procedures in that particular area.
There are also various websites available that have teacher vacancies including www.education-jobs.co.uk and www.eteach.com. The TES website www.tes.co.uk has more vacancies than any other site and you can also register to receive email and SMS alerts.
The right job
Before you apply for a job, ask for a job specification and check your skills and experience against this to make sure that you’re the sort of person they are looking for – and that this is the sort of job you want!
Make sure the age group and subject range suits your experience. Are there any extra-curricular or pastoral responsibilities as part of the role? Check the location – what’s the journey time like? Would you be willing to move closer if need be? If at all possible, arrange to visit schools before you submit an application. Ask for a tour of the school – preferably with students during the school day – and for the opportunity to talk informally with staff about the job and the school. If it’s a nice place to work, the headteacher will be all too happy to let you talk to staff and students. And if you like what you see and decide to apply for the job, the headteacher is bound to be impressed by your interest and enthusiasm.
Making an application
Once you have decided to apply for a job, make sure you are properly prepared. A good application will get you interviews which lead to job offers. If properly produced, it will highlight your skills, accomplishments and work experience in a way that distinguishes you from the other candidates. Read through all the application details carefully – and do some extra research if you feel you need it. Here are some tips for completing your application:
- Photocopy the form and complete a draft version first.
- Make sure your answers fulfil the person specification.
- Check your spelling and grammar; ask a friend to look through it for you.
- Keep a copy so that you can remind yourself of your responses should you get an interview.
You also need to write a supporting letter to accompany your application. This should be concise – no longer than one side of A4 – and should re-emphasise your good points.
A strong supporting letter is vital, as it will often set you apart from similarly experienced candidates. Feel free to bring some of your personality into this letter, but avoid waffle and any attempts to be too humorous!
Online application forms
Schools are also starting to use online application forms which are used to collect and store information on applicants. The principles of completing an online application form aren’t all that different from a written one so take your time and check out our top tips for making great applications online:
- Preparation – Schools will want you to show evidence that you have done your research into their school, the job you are applying for and… yourself.
- Print off the form and read through it carefully - Look through the form and read through the instructions so that you know exactly what’s involved. Print it off or download it so that you can look through it in your own time without feeling any pressure. You can jot down some notes, and start thinking about responses to the questions that require longer responses.
- Prepare longer responses before you paste them in - Prepare longer responses in a word-processing document so that you can edit them as many times as you like. Once you’re happy with your response check your spelling and grammar carefully and make sure you’re within the word count.
- Give yourself plenty of time to fill in the form - Now you’re ready to return to the online form and fill it in. Give yourself plenty of time and make sure you won’t be disturbed, particularly if the form doesn’t have a ‘save and return’ facility as you will have to complete it in one sitting.
- Don’t rush and don’t lapse into the informal e-mail habits when filling in online applications - Think formal and professional as you would when filling in a written application.
- Check - Once you’ve completed the application form, read through everything carefully. Check you have supplied information accurately and that your contact details are correct.
- Poor grammar and spelling mistakes will blow your chances of creating a good impression - Check your application form very carefully. If you can save your work and return to it later, then take a break. You’re more likely to spot mistakes when you return. Get another person to look through your application if you can.
- Keep a copy for your reference – It will be useful to have a copy if and when you get invited to an interview to remember what you said and be prepared to answers questions on anything that you have mentioned in the form.
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Tips for CV writing
Most posts now require you to fill in an application form, though occasionally you may be requested to send a CV instead. You need to tailor your CV to the position. What key elements did the school ask for in the job description? How specifically are you suited for this particular role and organisation?
Your CV should:
- Be simple, clear and to the point.
- Be no longer than two sides.
- State clearly why you are qualified for the role.
- Highlight your skills, abilities, achievements and work experience.
Your CV should contain:
- Contact details.
- Personal statement.
- Education and qualifications.
- Employment history.
- Other skills.
- Other relevant experience.
- Interest and hobbies.
- References.
Most importantly: tell the truth! Lying on your CV may be tempting but it is a far better idea to make the most of those things you have achieved rather than make things up. It’s very easy to get caught out, particularly at an interview or through your references. Once you have been labelled as a liar, work will get around and it will be virtually impossible to escape the characterisation.
For further help with your CV check out our factsheet ‘A model CV for teachers’.
The interview
A typical interview will include a brief chat with the headteacher with the other candidates, followed by a tour of the school (usually led by pupils), some time with the department in which you have applied to work, the delivery of a lesson, then a formal interview in front of a panel. You may then be asked to wait with the other candidates for the decision. At the end of your formal interview, you may be asked if you would accept the job if it was offered to you. If you say yes, it is usually expected that you have committed to taking the job.
Alternatively you may also find yourself being the only candidate or one of two. You may be sent away at the end of the interview and asked to wait for a phone call. Nevertheless, attending the interview with the expectation that it will be a full, formal interview should ensure you are fully prepared.
Here are some tips on how to have a successful interview:
- In the weeks leading up to the interview, try to get hold of some local papers. This should help you get a feel for the catchment area and alert you to any issues in or around the school.
- Whatever your personal preference, dress smartly. This will communicate your professionalism.
- Observe how the pupils go into the school. This should give you an idea of the likely tone of the school with regard to behaviour.
- Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and the particular school. Focus on your achievements most relevant to the position.
- Arrive at the school itself slightly early. How you are treated – even down to the receptionist or the administrative workers – will be a good indicator as to how they value their staff.
- However formal the day, you are being judged from the moment you arrive. Be polite and friendly to everyone. Some schools may canvass feedback from people you have interacted with during the day as part of the selection process.
- You may be invited to have lunch. Try not to let your guard down. Be positive and friendly, keeping any reservations about the school to yourself. These staff may well be reporting back on you to the interview panel.
- Ask questions, but also show you are listening and assimilating information. This will demonstrate real interest.
- Mention external literature about the school. For example, Ofsted reports or articles you have read in the local paper. This will demonstrate your interest in the school.
- If you feel the job is not for you, don’t be afraid to withdraw. Ultimately an interview day is both for you to interview the school, as well as them interviewing you. They will appreciate your honesty and the fact you haven’t wasted their time.
- Have your facts ready. Make sure you can give practical examples to support your answers.
- Maintain eye contact with your interviewers and ask pertinent questions – it shows you’re interested and really want the job.
- Be positive. In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers or your training.
- Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer and tailor your responses accordingly.
Further suggestions
If you require further in-depth information on writing CVs or how to succeed in interviews, you will find a wealth of resources online and in print. You may wish to use a ‘CV doctor’ style website or, if you know anyone that is a teacher, why not ask them to take a look?
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