How to Make Your Application Stand Out: A Guide for Jobseekers

In today's competitive job market, securing your ideal role requires more than just meeting the essential criteria. Employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single position, so making yours stand out is crucial. Whether you're applying for a teaching position, support staff role, or leadership post, these tips will help you craft a compelling application that catches the recruiter’s eye.

Tailor Your Application to the Role

One of the biggest mistakes jobseekers make is submitting a generic application. Hiring managers can easily spot a copied-and-pasted application, so take the time to:

• Carefully read the job description and person specification.

• Highlight the key skills and experience required and tailor your application to reflect them.

• Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the criteria.

Craft a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your chance to showcase your suitability for the role. Make it engaging by:

• Opening with a strong introductory sentence that summarises who you are and what you bring to the role.

• Clearly outlining your experience, skills, and achievements.

• Demonstrating your passion for education and your commitment to making a difference.

• Keeping it concise and focused on what you can offer the school or organisation.

Showcase Your Achievements

Rather than simply listing your job responsibilities, highlight specific achievements that set you apart. For example:

• “Implemented a new reading intervention programme that improved literacy rates by 20%.”

• “Organised and led a school-wide STEM initiative, engaging over 300 students.”

• “Developed a new behaviour management strategy, reducing incidents by 40%.”

Using measurable outcomes where possible provides evidence of your impact.

Demonstrate Knowledge of the School or Organisation

Recruiters appreciate candidates who have taken the time to research their institution. Show your interest by:

• Mentioning the school’s ethos, values, and initiatives and how they align with your own.

• Referencing any Ofsted reports, recent projects, or community involvement.

• Explaining why you are particularly interested in working at that specific school or organisation.

Use Professional Language and Structure

A well-structured application is easy to read and creates a positive impression. Ensure that:

• Your writing is clear, professional, and free of jargon.

• You use short paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate to improve readability.

• Your grammar and spelling are impeccable – always proofread before submitting!

Make the Most of Your Supporting Statement

Many education roles require a supporting statement in addition to a CV. This is your opportunity to:

• Provide detailed examples of your skills and experience.

• Address the essential and desirable criteria in the job description.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Ensure Your References Are Strong

Your references should be relevant and supportive of your application. Choose referees who:

• Have directly supervised or worked closely with you.

• Can speak positively about your skills, work ethic, and achievements.

• Are aware that they may be contacted and are prepared to provide a strong endorsement.

Keep Your CV and Application Form Professional

• Ensure your CV is up to date, well-formatted, and no longer than two pages.

• Only include relevant work experience and skills.

• Avoid unnecessary personal details (such as a photo, age, or marital status).

• Double-check that your contact information is correct.

Pay Attention to Deadlines and Instructions

Missed deadlines or incomplete applications can instantly disqualify you. To avoid this:

• Start your application well in advance.

• Read all instructions carefully and ensure you include all required documents.

• Submit your application before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Follow Up After Applying

If you haven’t heard back after the closing date, consider sending a polite follow-up email to check on the status of your application. This shows enthusiasm and professionalism.