On-line Application Guidance Notes

Before You Start
Before writing anything read carefully all the information you have received about Newham.

Make sure you are clear what the job entails and what sort of person we are looking for.

Filling in the Application Form
Read the application form carefully. No two Local Education Authorities use the same form, so it is always wise to check what information you have to give.

Make a list of your skills and experiences and choose those which are relevant for this post.
Check that your qualifications and career details are correct and are in the right order.
Make it absolutely clear on the form where and when you have studied and the qualifications you have or expect to obtain.
Remember that your application form may well be one of hundreds - you therefore have to make it stand out.
You must name two referees, one of which must be from your college or university.

Meeting the Criteria
We are an Equal Opportunities Authority that selects all its staff on the basis of how well they complete the form: everyone starts equal. It does not matter if you have previously applied for a job with us. Each application is considered as a new one, with no account being taken of previous applications.

We will use your application form to decide whether you are called for an interview. It is the only information we have about you and no other assumptions can, or will be made.

Under the section 'Additional Information' explain clearly what you think would make you an effective teacher in Newham. You could give examples from your teaching practice, particularly if any took place in Newham (in which case name the schools) or in similar area. Do not overlook relevant experience outside work such as community and voluntary work, leisure interests, languages spoken, (particularly community languages), and other skills and abilities which show why you would be a successful teacher. We are interested in your strengths, not your weaknesses.

Specify your own experiences. Write positively and use direct impression like 'I planned', 'I organised', and 'I ran'.

Draft this section before writing it on the form and check the spelling and the grammar, make sure all parts of the form are completed and so on.

When you are satisfied with your application, write it out neatly and attach it to the application form. Type-written, word-processed and hand-written statements are equally acceptable, but again, remember they need to be clear enough to be photocopied. Keep a copy so that you can remind yourself what you have written before the interview - you may be asked questions based on what you wrote.