Applying for the role that you really want – some practical tips to help you with your Curriculum Vitae
By Franciska Bayliss,
AMC Business Development Associate
October 2020
A great deal of serious thought is required when applying for a senior position, as well as self-analysis and courage!
Navigating a tricky application process takes time and necessitates preparing several key documents including your curriculum vitae. This is the first document that is read and so it is extremely important. Do apply early if the post really interests you and prepare and plan your application meticulously.
You must be resilient, prepared to give your all, but not be dejected should you be unsuccessful.
If this happens please KEEP POSITIVE for the next challenge. PERSEVERE and keep your long-term objective firmly in place – have a career development plan and a realistic time frame in mind to achieve your goal.
Contact AMC if you would be interested in finding out more about our individual career coaching – ku.oc.drallimynohtnaobfsctd-975fac@ofni
YOUR CURRICULUM VITAE
(no more than two pages of A4 and choose a clear contemporary font)
Colour Photograph
(Top right-hand side)
Personal Statement
- Prepare an impressive, honest and informative short paragraph of 4/5 lines, approximately 150 words to begin your cv.
- Your PS can make or break the reader’s interest – it takes only a few seconds to capture their attention, or not!
- The reader(s) will be an experienced educationalist, or a member of the governing body, or even a small committee of specially convened governors responsible for scrutinizing candidates’ applications and drawing up a long-list.
- Always write specifically about the role. You will need to adjust your PS with every application having carefully researched the school/college and studied in detail the Job Description.
- Write in the present tense, include action words e.g. innovative, confident, reliable, fair…
- Job Descriptions for senior posts usually include and require the following qualities, skill-set and responsibilities: Vision/Strategic Planning/Education /Leadership/ Commercial/ Communication/ Compliance – include positive statements in your PS.
Qualifications
- What are your qualifications, experiences and skills?
- List in descending order from the most recent, giving grades – summarise if you have had a long career and don’t go back too far in time and list everything you have done, but provide key details and useful information to support your application.
Experience – Professional & Dates of Employment
- Again, list in descending order.
- It is important if you have any gaps in your employment history to explain them e.g. a serious illness or bereavement.
CPD – Recent and relevant professional training
- e.g. Preparation for inspection; ISI or OFSTED inspector training; Safeguarding; Prevent; Health & Safety; Areas of Risk Assessment for a Pandemic; Use and future use of Technology in Teaching; Areas of Self Improvement.
Interests and hobbies
- Briefly explain your passions and interests.
- If you are an active member of any professional associations name them.
Names & contact details of Referees
(state if they can be contacted and speak to them first about the post you are applying for and why you are so keen to be considered)
- Two referees are required: usually your current and past employer, but it is good practice to list a third, a personal referee, even if the person understands that they may not be approached for a written reference but are still prepared to be telephoned and to speak positively on your behalf.
