Effective CVs and

Applications

Education studentsMarch 07

Applications & Interviews: Overview Employment record of Education graduates Applying for jobs

Applications CVs Cover letters

Preparing for Interviews Types of Interviews Structure of interview Typical Questions Advice

Resources

Class of 2006:Where are they now? Permanent Teaching - Irl: 22% Temp/Sub/ P/T - Irl: 62% Teaching abroad: 1% Other work (Irl): 6% Other work (abroad) 1% Further Study 5% Not available 1% Seeking employment 2%

Typical Further Study Options MSc Research PhD MA Sports & Exercise Quantity Surveying Physiotherapy

Starting point Purpose of a CV is to get an inteview Use the following checklist every time you

complete an application form1:Identify employer needs

Put yourself in the employer shoes What are they looking for?

2:Match yourself to these needs What particular skills do you have that are relevant

to the position?

Qualities Employers Seek Good all-round intelligence Enthusiasm, commitment and motivation Good communication skills Team work ability Ability to solve problems Capacity to work hard Initiative and self-reliance Balanced personality

Before Applying Research yourself

Review experience and career interests Use Careers website & Prospects Planner

Research school/organisation Own contacts Websites Reports or features

Research careers Be familiar with curriculum Use Careers resources on the Internet

Questions to ask yourself What sort of person is the

organisation looking for? What knowledge, experience, skills

are required to fill this role? What past experience do I have that

demonstrate these competencies? Provide evidence to match the key

competencies

Matching Skills to RequirementsEmployer needsCommunication Team workLeadershipInitiativeDisciplineIT Education interests

Your evidencePresentation to classPlay on football teamClass rep, CommitteeFundraising for charityWorking in pubDesigned websiteFamiliar with research

Standard CV Personal Details

Name, Address, Tel No, Email address Education

Start with current course Dates, Name of college, Course Title,Thesis title, Core

subjects, expected level of degree Provide details of research projects

Teaching Experience Start with most recent or relevant Mention class levels, subjects taught, projects Include extracurricular activities

Other Experience Highlight responsibilities

Standard CVs (cont) Interests

Provide evidence – membership of clubs etc. Focus on achievements

Other Skills/Skills Profile Computing – be specific, name packages Languages – what level of fluency Driving Licence

Referees Normally 2 referees required Seek permission in advance Provide them with details of yourself and job Many references by telephone

CV Tips Customise CV for every job

Every CV should be different Use space effectively

Most relevant information gets most space Avoid clutter Standardise font size and type

Organise information well Use headings and bullet points Start with most recent details Highlight most relevant information Provide specific evidence of skills

Spell check Restrict to 2 pages

Helpful hints Use action verbs: achieved, created,

managed, produced, demonstrated, supervised, trained, investigated, co-ordinated, monitored, reported, etc

Adjectives- to describe yourself: adaptable, committed, determined, motivated, resourceful, precise, supportive, etc

Reasons for Rejection of CV Too much/too little information Irrelevant Information Poor presentation Spelling mistakes Not targeted to position No personality or enthusiasm

Helpful Hints - Application Forms Photocopy form - experiment with copy Read complete form before writing Follow instructions: black ink, capitals Answer all questions Use space sensibly Draft answers to open questions Use simple words, short sentences Check appearance - first impressions count Check spellings and grammar Copy completed form

Cover Letters Letter supports CV

1 page, typed, on plain white paper Send to the right person Highlight skills and experience Structure it well

Explain qualification, specify vacancy Why are you interested in the company/job? Why should they consider you? (relevant skills) What next? – ask for interview

Online Applications Increasingly popular with large employers Fast and efficient – scan for key words Preselection - can incorporate personality tests Self-assessment - match to different jobs

Helpful hints Download form and practice Prepare answers, cut and paste Use buzz words, e.g. name specific packages Spell check, proofread Print preview, save regularly print completed copy and send Very time-consuming – allow plenty of time Practice with ‘Select Simulator’ on careers website

Interviews Business meeting with an agenda

Employer: reviews candidate’s experience and abilities Can you do the job? Will you do the job? How will you fit into the organisation?

Employer’s objective is to fill the position You: impress employer and assess position on offer

What does this position offer me? How does it fit with my career plans?

You have passed the first hurdle You must prove that you are the most suitable

candidate for this position

Preparation Review own skills, experiences and qualities

Check CV/application form Identify relevant skills and experiences Consider motivation and interest in job/course

Research organisation Reports, websites, newspapers Personal visit, contacts

Prepare questions and practice Be confident and positive

You’ve succeeded so far They want to fill the position

Dress Code Remember simple things can turn

someone off….. Men without ties Strong perfume/aftershave Brown shoes Skirt too short/too long Coloured socks Crazy humorous ties Cigarette smoke

BE GENERIC

Body Language Body Language (55%) Tone of voice (38%) Words (7%)

Body language – Remember: Good handshake Adopt the “business gaze”. Maintain a good posture Try to use interviewers name. Remain calm, relax – breathe! Listen to the questions Don’t interrupt

Watch what you say Do not waffle Do not ramble Do not get sidetracked Don’t be monosyllabic Don’t talk forever

However friendly the interviewer may bethey are not your friend and this is not a chat!

The Big Day – Common Questions

Tell me about yourself Why did you apply for this job What are your main

strengths/weaknesses Why should we employ you How would your friends describe you Where do you see yourself in 5 years

Competency Based Interviews MOST COMMON NOW

Give me an example of when you demonstrated ………. (skill – problem solving; teamwork; presentation)

These are the competencies this organisation is looking for

Be Specific

Do not talk about I would, I could I might!!

Have very specific “on one occasion I did……” examples prepared in advance

S.T.A.R approachSituation or  Task

Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you had to accomplishDescribe, in detail, a specific event or situation Examples can be from a previous job, from voluntary/unpaid experience, or any relevant event

Action you took

Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you If you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not what the team did Don't tell the interviewer what you would do; tell them what you actually did

Results you achieved

What was the outcome? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Questions about Teaching What strengths can you bring to the school? How will you manage your classroom? What teaching methods do you favour? How will you cater for different abilities? How will you deal with special needs? How important are parents in education? How will you assess your progress? What are your expectations of the school? How do you want to develop as a teacher? What is your priority for your first year?

Things to remember Compose yourself – drink water, breathe

slowly Emphasise the positive – sell yourself Be enthusiastic – willing to learn Elaborate appropriately – don’t bore them Be honest Show you can get on with people Seek clarification when necessary Prepare questions to ask

What creates a bad impression Poor personal appearance Negative attitude – evasive, using excuses Lack of interest and enthusiasm Lack of preparation Poor knowledge of role Failure to give concrete examples of skills Over emphasis on money/rewards Lack of career plan

Other Types Of Interviews Group

6-8 candidates Group observed while discussing topic Be aware of group interaction

Panel 2-5 interviewers Try to identify different roles Respond to interviewer Include others through eye contact

Learning from the experience

What could you have done better? What did you do well? Are there skills you need to develop? Look for feedback

Action Plan/What next? Skills Assessment Research Specific

Careers/Organisations Set short/long term goals Update your CV Prepare answers to typical

interview questions

Sources of Teaching Vacancies National and local newspapers Teaching websites Contact TP school Apply on spec to local schools www.ateci.ie Association of Teachers’

Education Centres in Ireland Teaching section in UL Careers website

www.ul.ie/careers Jobs section

Education websitesIrish www.education.ie www.teachingcouncil.ie www.educationposts.ie www.ateci.ie www.asti.ie www.into.ie www.tui.ie www.teachingjobs.ie www.era-

educationrecruitment.ie www.nistr.org.uk www.noredco.com

Other www.teach.gov.uk www.tda.gov.uk www.t-e-n.co.uk www.jobs.ac.uk/sector/

school www.mps-education.com www.atozteacherstuff.com www.supplyteacheragency.com www.selecteducation.com www.jobsineducation.co.uk www.ttmteach.co.uk www.sabis.net www.medway.gov.uk/

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