The Application Form

Created on: 20 Aug 2020 | Last modified: 12 Aug 2021

Filling Out the Application Form:

Your application form is the first impression a prospective employer will have of you and it’s your best chance to secure an interview - so make it shine!

Top Tips: 

  1. Use a sensible email address, not one you created as a student. Keep everything professional as it is one of the first things that will be looked at. 
  2. If you are emailing your application, make sure you attach a brief message about the job you are applying for.
  3. Check and double-check everything-don’t forget your GTCS number and all your personal and professional details. It’s a good idea to keep a template of these which you can update regularly.
  4. Check over spelling and punctuation then get someone else to check it too. 
  5. Let people know when you have named them as referees and alert them when you apply for a job so that they are ready for the request.
  6. Keep a copy of your form and take it with you to the interview.

Section

Content

Education/Qualifications

  • Check requirements for information i.e. ‘most recent first’
  • start with Initial Teacher Education qualification

Work History/Teaching experience

  • this must include current and all previous employment 
  • experience of different age groups and different settings 
  • curriculum knowledge 
  • effective planning and assessment methods used 
  • behaviour management/organisational

Memberships

  • GTCS registration number and any other professional body that you are registered with

Courses/CPD

  • include only what is relevant to the job and school

Job Specification/Person Specification

  • Read  through the job specification (aka job description) listing what the employer is looking for. 
  • Use your application to set out how you have the skills and experiences to meet the job description

Additional information

  • describe responsibilities that you have taken on over and above your day to day teaching 
  • emphasise your activities and interests that relate to a subject specialism or the school’s priorities 
  • highlight key skills and qualities asked for in the job description so that it is easy to see how you meet the criteria 
  • highlight relevant activities and achievements that support your application – youth work, DoE etc

Criminal records checks

The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme makes sure that people whose behaviour makes them unsuitable to work with children and/or protected adults, can’t do regulated work with these vulnerable groups.

  • you will be asked to demonstrate that you are already a member of the scheme by providing a copy of your certificate and/or PVG scheme number 

             OR

  • you will be asked to apply for eligibility of the PVG scheme.

Applying to a Pool

Many local authorities have a pool system where you can make a general application and receive an interview. If you are successful, then they will contact you when a suitable vacancy arises – especially in primary schools. Applying to a pool can significantly increase the number of posts which you will be considered for. 

A number of Local Authorities in Scotland give their headteachers wide discretion in appointing staff, and differing appointment practices may emerge.