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:
- 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.
- If you are emailing your application, make sure you attach a brief message about the job you are applying for.
- 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.
- Check over spelling and punctuation then get someone else to check it too.
- 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.
- Keep a copy of your form and take it with you to the interview.
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Section
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Content
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Education/Qualifications
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- Check requirements for information i.e. ‘most recent first’
- start with Initial Teacher Education qualification
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Work History/Teaching experience
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- 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
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Memberships
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- GTCS registration number and any other professional body that you are registered with
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Courses/CPD
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- include only what is relevant to the job and school
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Job Specification/Person Specification
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- 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
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Additional information
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- 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
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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.
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- 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.
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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.
