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On a job hunt

Finding a new job can be stressful and time consuming. The Teacher offers some tips on how to get started.

Whether you are looking for a new job for professional or personal reasons, or you’re returning to teaching after a break, now is the time to start your job search. Vacancies can occur at any time but most posts are advertised in May and June.

Where to look

Teaching posts are widely advertised. Start your search online. Local authorities and schools advertise posts on their websites.

Probably the best known source of advertisements, however, is the Times Educational Supplement (TES) published on Fridays. Or go to www.tes.co.uk where you can search for vacancies any day of the week.

In the current climate, finding a job will be tough. Prepare well to face the challenge. You are most likely to be attracted to posts close to the age range or subject area for which you have been trained, but if you’re prepared to be flexible, you will widen the number of posts available to you.

Do your research

Once you’ve found a job you’d like to apply for, do your research. Try to find out as much as you can about the school. Read the latest Ofsted or Estyn reports. Visit the school’s website and follow them on Twitter, if they have a Twitter account. If you are invited to visit the school, do so.

Make sure you’re up to date and well informed about educational developments and be familiar with the terminology being used to describe them. Have a basic understanding of any recent official reports on the post’s subject area(s) or age range.

It sounds odd, but while it is difficult to predict the interview questions it is a good idea to prepare some of your answers. You must be able to back up what you have put on your application form and what you’re intending to say at interview. Be ready to share examples of what you have achieved in your current or a previous role to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and experience.

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