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

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

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.

Where to find out about jobs? TES Paper Website www.jobs.tes.co.uk Updated every Friday

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?

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!

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?

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Interview Day Generally whole day interview Tour of school Lesson

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

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

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?

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

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