How do we engage effectively with the job application process?
In episode 21, the Teacher Takeaway team discuss tips and tricks for writing job applications and interviewing for a job in education, including:
Research
When you come across a teaching or leadership job that you think you might like to apply for, there are some key things you should do, such as:
Is this the school for me? Is this the right place for me? Cover Page
A cover page provides a short, succinct snapshot of who you are as a teacher and/ or leader and what you are about. It is often referred to as a resume or CV. Here are some tips around developing your cover page from the Teacher Takeaway team.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is a one page letter that can be included with your application to give a brief snapshot of what you will bring to the position, your key strengths and your interest in the position. A cover letter is a more formal way of selling yourself and your skillset.
In the NSW Department of Education, it is not mandatory to include a cover letter with your application and is not included as evidence towards addressing the criteria. It can be useful in helping you to refine your writing skills. A cover letter may be required when applying for teaching or leadership positions in other jurisdictions, so please always check the requirements and guidelines set out by the employer. Don't get disheartened by receiving a knock back on an application, it's not the right position for you yet. Never give up. Formatting
You need to choose the key points that have had the greatest impact and made the most difference to students, staff and community in a succinct way.
Deciding on the layout of your application is a personal choice so long as you stick to the guidelines. Make sure you print out the application, so you can see if it is easy to read in black and white. The panel generally won't print it in colour. Always submit your application in pdf format so that the formatting won't change depending on what device it is opened on. Addressing the Criteria
Job criteria:
Look at each unsuccessful application or interview as an opportunity to improve and get feedback on in order to make the next one better. Common Mistakes
There are a number of common mistakes the Teacher Takeaway team have seen when supporting colleagues during the application process. Here are a few things to make sure you do:
Call the panel person managing the job and ask them pre-prepared questions you have about the job and the school
Interviews
If you are successful in gaining an interview for the teaching or leadership position you have applied for, here are some tips from the Teacher Takeaway team that might assist you in preparing.
If you are unsuccessful in gaining the position, ensure you call up to get feedback about your application and/or interview. Make sure you write down the feedback given to you each time so that you can build a profile. EOIs
Expressions of Interest are similar to applying for merit selection, permanent positions with the NSW Department of Education.
The layout, formatting and structure is all set out the same way, in terms of how we answer the criteria. It is a little less formal than a merit selection position, so adding a cover letter is a good idea.
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AuthorsThe Teacher Takeaway Podcast is hosted by four Australian teachers and school leaders. With a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise, Aaron Johnston, Alice Vigors, Rebecca West and James Gray bring all the elements of effective pedagogical practice to the fore in a light-hearted way. These show notes are a summary of each episodes discussion with some added gems for you to takeaway. Happy reading everyone. Archives
April 2023
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