So you’ve juggled your lesson plans and essay deadlines, dealt with awkward staff and difficult children and now you’re on the home straight to getting your first teaching job.
Unfortunately, the start of a new year can be challenging for probationer teachers.
While talk of applying for jobs started as early as Christmas, it’s probably going to be from now when you start to see many more vacancies advertised.
And as every teacher knows, there’s always homework that can be done in advance and job applications are no different.
That’s why it’s worth spending time now looking at the kinds of teaching posts you might want to apply for, the geographical areas you’re prepared to consider and researching which vacancies will best fit your skills.
Here at s1jobs, we’ve done a lot of the homework for you by putting together top tips when applying for your first job.
- Be flexible
Everyone knows the jobs market is tough so be realistic in your ambitions. You might not always get the choices you hope for in terms of school preference and location, so try not to limit your options. Chances are you’re going to be in this business for a long time and there will be plenty of opportunities to move.
- Know where to look
Make sure you know where to find vacancies when they appear – that’s right here at s1jobs. Bookmark us and keep up to date with our blogs for news, events and advice from the education recruitment pros.
- Do a few dummy runs
Whether it’s an astronaut or artist, find a vacancy on s1jobs that takes your flight of fancy and pretend you’re applying for it. Go through the job description with a fine tooth comb and make notes on what you think are the most important aspects. Next try to map your own experiences to it. When it comes to the real thing, you’ll have a better idea of how to present yourself for a dream role in education.
- Check your digital footprint
It should come as no surprise potential employers use digital searches. So make sure you don’t have any questionable online content that might work against you (stag or hen party photos on Facebook, anyone?). On the positive side, online blogs about teaching or volunteer projects will work in your favour.
- Don’t get disheartened
If you don’t manage to find a post straight away, keep trying. Schools don’t always know their staffing situations until near the end of the summer term so frequently check here on s1jobs – those vacancies will keep on coming.