Hints and Tips
Applying to any job can be a daunting task and we have come up with these helpful hints for all stages of the application process.
For further information about applying, please contact our Information Centre: 0800 009 4142 (open Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 6.30pm) or email recruitment@flct.org.uk
Application form
Let your Headteacher/Manager know that you are applying
Ensure your application stands out from the crowd
Make sure your form contains no spelling or grammar errors
Be specific when answering the essay questions
Cognitive tests
Assessment centre
Familiarise yourself with the competencies
Matching
Prepare for a formal interview
Application form
Let your Headteacher/Manager know that you are applying and that you have given us their details as a referee
If your application meets our required standard, we will be contacting your referees and will be not able to invite you to assessment centre until we have received your references. Therefore, in order to prevent delays to your application it is important that you keep your Headteacher/Manager updated, so that they are aware they may be required to complete a reference for you.
Ensure your application stands out from the crowd
We receive a large number of applications to our programme each year so it is important to make your application stand out. Do some research, look on our website and attend one of our information sessions – this will ensure you have a good understanding of the programme.
Make sure your form contains no spelling or grammar errors
Remember that your application is the first thing we see of you. You may find it useful to type your answers in a word processing package before copying and pasting them to the form. Carefully read through your application before submitting it.
Be specific when answering the essay questions
You should use real and specific examples from your recent past, and should avoid generalities and vague statements.
You may find the “STAR” method useful:
- Situation or Task - Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalised description of what you have done in the past.
- Action you took - Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did.
- Results you achieved - What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish?
Cognitive tests
Prepare to be challenged
The tests are designed to assess you to the maximum of your ability in each area and therefore you are likely to find them challenging. Do not let this put you off, remember that other candidates will have a similar experience to you.
No disturbances
Before you begin, you should make sure you cannot be disturbed and that you are able to concentrate. We recommend taking the tests in a quiet room with no one else present.
Use a reliable computer
Ensure you have access to a computer with reliable internet connection and a reasonably large screen size and a mouse. Please use a PC or laptop with adequate screen resolution and screen size, and an actual mouse rather than a touch pad. The tests have been designed to work with a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768. If your computer resolution is set lower than that (e.g. 800 x 600) there may be certain pages where you will not be able to see all of the information, which will disadvantage you. To change the resolution on most computers, right click on your desktop and choose ‘properties’, then choose ‘settings’ where you can use the slider to change the resolution. The assessments have been designed to work on most screen sizes but we recommend using a minimum size of 13 inches
Assessment centre
Make a good first impression
Although it may seem obvious, it is important to remember to be professional throughout the assessment centre. This should include wearing smart business attire and ensuring that you plan your journey to the assessment centre so that you arrive in plenty of time.
Familiarise yourself with the competencies
You will be assessed against our competencies during the assessment centre and therefore you might find it useful to read these through in advance of the day.
Matching
Prepare for a formal interview
Each matching interview will be different and we are unable to guarantee how the school will organise your visit. However it is very likely that you will have a formal meeting with the headteacher and other members of the senior leadership team. You may also be taken onlearning walks and be interviewed by students and governors. We also recommend that you wear smart business attire.
Please follow the link to find interview technique advice from Hays http://www.hays.co.uk/career-advice/HAYS_008496
Gather information
Find out as much as possible about the school and the lesson observation. Make sure you are up to date on any new educational initiatives as well as the expectations of the senior leadership team.