| Top Ten Tips for Creating your CV |
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Update the C V regularly, your most recent experiences are often what the potential employer is looking for
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Take account of the job you are applying for and ensure that your CV reflects some of the things which are in the person specification
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Be concise, potential employers do not have the time to read extensive descriptions of your past employment history
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Describe the skills used and developed in each post held rather than simply what the post was
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Describe specific achievements related to your previous posts, potential employers want to know what you CAN DO
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Relate your achievements and experiences as far as possible to relevant and up to date priorities nationally, e.g. the ECM agenda
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Include training undertaken and the use it has been put to, do not just appear to be a course junkie!
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Make sure referees are recent and relevant
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| 9 |
Do not use jargon that some of those reading may not understand
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| 10 |
Include where relevant achievements outside your professional life, they can be relevant and demonstrate a well rounded individual
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Top Ten Tips for Preparing a Presentation
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| 1 |
Remember that everyone has presentation overload today, if you are to do a presentation, make it count |
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Check beforehand what technology is available and what you will need to bring yourself |
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Note the time allocated to the presentation, always keep to it, they will cut you off if you go over time |
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Use the screen imaginatively, use pictures, cartoons, key words etc. Anything to keep the attention of the audience |
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Do no just put words on the screen and then repeat them, everyone listening will be able to read! In addition do no read from a script, try cue cards if you need them. |
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Use the presentation prompt, to encourage them to listen to you |
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Look at your audience not at the screen, your interaction with them is what matters |
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Keep to the topic set, take care not to include superfluous information, use the time in a focused manner |
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Prepare copies of the presentation to hand out, it will prevent them making notes throughout your performance and will give them a reminder for later |
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| 10 |
DO NOT PANIC if the technology fails, learn your materials well and be prepared to go without the visuals. They will be impressed with your ability to cope. |
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| Top Ten Tips for the Interview |
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Prepare beforehand; there is a lot you can do before the day arrives to ensure you impress: |
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• research the school, find out as much as you can so that you can demonstrate your commitment during the interview with knowledge about the community and the history of the school |
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• if you get the chance to visit, take it, use it as a way of learning more about the school as well as demonstrating commitment |
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• work out how long it will take you to get there in rush hour traffic, you do not want to be late |
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• read the local newspapers; see what they say about the school |
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• try to get plenty of rest the night before; the days can be very long |
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Pre visits, be aware that although informal, first impressions count, people are judged by what they say/do/look like on that visit |
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If the candidates are given a tour of the school, talk to children and staff, everything is a part of the interview |
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If asked to teach a lesson, think creatively about what to do, trying to build in some flexibility and choice to allow for circumstances changing on the day |
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Do not be concerned about other candidates, often those who seem most self assured are not. In addition just because candidates are internal or know staff in the school, does not mean they are intended for the post |
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Direct your answers to the panelist who asks the question, try to make eye contact |
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Listen to the instructions which the Chair is likely to give at the beginning of the formal interview, try to ensure you understand what they are saying |
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Make your answers as comprehensive as possible without taking too long, over complex answers or those which veer off the subject are not appreciated |
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Do not be afraid of showing your personality and using humour, panels like to know who candidates are and that they will interact well with pupils and students |
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Prepare one question to ask of the panel (not about terms and conditions), demonstrating that you have initiative and show commitment. |
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| Top Ten Tips for Surviving Assessment Centres |
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Schools may use a variety of mechanisms for testing, be prepared for 2 or 4 different tasks which will test different skills |
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DO NOT PANIC, none of the tasks set will be things that you have not addressed competently before |
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Tasks set will include: |
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• in tray exercises |
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• goldfish bowl exercises |
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• telephone questionnaires (beforehand) |
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• written 'what if' scenarios e.g. Trade Union Issue |
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During group activities try to balance making a good contribution with being attentive to the views of others. It is often better to be the one who listens well and ultimately leads the group to a solution than the one doing all of the talking! in addition: |
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• try to be the one to summarise |
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• acknowledge the contributions of others |
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• be the one who is aware of the time |
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Make sure you deal with all matters during an in tray exercise, the one left till last and not addressed due to time constraints might be the one where the school burns down! |
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| 6 |
In addition in in tray exercises: |
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• remember Health and Safety is a priority always |
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• student welfare is important |
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• there may be underlying trends, covering bigger issues might run through the items, watch out for this |
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• staff motivation is key, do not minimise staff initiative |
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• look out for potential Trade Union pitfalls |
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Tasks set will usually be given a specific time, try to attempt the whole activity, watch the clock! |
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You may be given activities to prepare overnight, do not work all night, get some rest |
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Be aware what the dress codes are, you will probably need to dress formally |
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If the assessment centre is residential, do not spend too much time in the bar!! |
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