Opportunities will arise enabling teachers to transfer to other schools or move into promotional and support positions. It is generally wise to consider staying in a particular position for a number of years in order to gain experience and consolidate as members of the teaching profession.

Building a CV as suggested (Vignette 41) will ensure that up to date information is available when it comes to preparing an application for a desired position that may be advertised. Having background material ready is especially useful because positions that are advertised generally require applications to be lodged within a fortnight of the advertisement appearing.

Most advertisements are listed on the government website rather than being advertised in newspapers. A regular check of the website will ensure teachers are aware of available positions.

Advertisements include details of obtaining job descriptions (JD’s). It is essential to have the JD to hand when completing applications because this enables applications to be written specifically to the job criteria. Follow and specified word limits and write applications tightly so they encompass the JD in a relevant and sensible manner. Evidence of capacity should be included to demonstrate suitability against each of the criteria.

Criteria are generally listed as ‘essential’ or ‘desirable’. The essential criteria are basic to the position and need to attract a sufficiently detailed response from applicants. All responses should be salient and based on evidence. Avoid getting off the point when preparing applications.

Primary evidence of capacity to fill a position is most important. Primary evidence is the recent (within the last three years) confirmation of experience and ability within a particular field. Secondary evidence can be useful but should only be included in a supplementary or supportive context.

I would strongly advise that applications be written on the basis of a certain amount each day. There is often a tendency to leave applications to the last minute, meaning they can be rushed and ill prepared. Such applications sell applicants short. Consider the following method of approach.

* Spend the first two days in reading the JD and writing key word points to be
expanded when you write the application.
* Write your CV which attaches to the application using headings suggested.
* Referring to your CV and considering other documentary evidence, write to each
point of the JD, setting yourself a goal of so much each day. Don’t over-write on
one day then leaving the task for two or three days before re-visiting.
* Periodically re-read the JD and requirements to make sure you keep on track and
don’t include extraneous detail.
* If the application is due by COB on a Friday, aim to finish it on the Tuesday
prior, including proof reading. It would be useful to have a colleague or spouse
then ready your documentation and offer feedback. Have this done so you can
spend time on the Thursday before lodgement is due, including final changes.
* Editing, including spelling and grammatical context is important.
* When lodging an application, ask for an email confirming its receipt.
* Make sure you keep a copy of your application, preferably a hard copy as well as
one that has been electronically saved.

Sometimes people defer from writing applications for positions because it all seems too hard. Remember, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained.’
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