Not getting shortlisted for teaching jobs

[Gezunteit1]

It's in MFL where I thought there was meant to be a shortage.
People have said 'Do your ECT year' but i can't even get an interview.
I'm tailoring my cover letter to the job description and person specification, and I've got a lot of experience in different settings.
I did get shortlisted for a 6th form college but the day before my interview I was just told that the job wasn't available anymore.
I also had an interview for a language assistant, it was between me and another person and I didn't get the job. Anyway looking back it was only a part-time casual role.
I'm also not using a generic cover letter, I'm explaining why I want to work at that particular school.
It's been 6 years since I did my PGCE so maybe that's the reason? Maybe they want someone who's only very recently graduated?

[Gezunteit1]

I had my former mentor read over it and she changed a couple of things, but still nothing.

[Haggisfish3]

You should be able to ask for feedback. I would think the long time since pgce would certainly contribute.

[Creamfirst22]

Is there a reason you haven't completed your ECT OP? If so I would suggest highlighting and elucidating on this in your letter

[Gezunteit1]

Usually schools don't bother to tell you that you haven't been shortlisted for interview, they just don't say anything and you have to assume you weren't chosen.
I tried asking for feedback once but was just told that there were 'many strong applicants'.
Yes I'm thinking that if it is that then there's probably no point in me keeping applying..
I'm hopefully starting 3 days a week of long-term supply teaching soon, I'm hoping I can do my ECT through that.

[Gezunteit1]

I should have done the ECT right After (and it was only a one year nqt then!)
I left to teach abroad, then did TEFL, then TA work, I've done many things.
I initially didn't intend to do my ECT, but maybe it's too late now.

[SillySquirrel]

I’m head of MFL at a secondary school and I think what I would be looking for is: are you aware of updates to MFL e.g new GCSE, methods of teaching, schools of thought etc? Have you looked into the school’s teaching and learning policies and demonstrated how you use them? Can you give concrete examples of how you met the spec but also the impact that that had - what, why and so what?

The lack of recent classroom practice teaching MFL in the UK is what would put me off, if I may be brutally honest. If it was between yourself and someone who had this recent experience, it would be a no brainer. The long-term supply will help you with this massively.

[spirit20]

Also a Head of MFL here - for me the lack of current teaching experience would be the main issue as well. Aim to get a medium or long term supply contract that shows you've staying power for a few months (rather than a day here and there). Apply to be an examiner with one of the main exam boards to make your CV stand out.

Also, I don't know what your language situation is, but if you only offer one of French or Spanish (German etc. jobs are unfortunately in short supply), get the other one up to being able to teach at least KS3 level.

[Gezunteit1]

I should have mentioned I have recent MFL Supply teaching practice, short-term (a few weeks each time) but recent.

[Gezunteit1]

I'm French to ks5 and Spanish to ks4. Anyway I'll see how the long term supply goes and hopefully that'll help. Thanks

[spirit20]

@Gezunteit1

I should have mentioned I have recent MFL Supply teaching practice, short-term (a few weeks each time) but recent.

That's good -I'd seek to build on that and get a longer term supply contract if possible to show you can stay at a school for a longer period of time -e.g. 2+ months and then get a reference from the HT there. Sometimes if someone has a CV which has a long list of weeks in different schools, it can look a bit off-putting* unless there's evidence of the same school asking you back more than once.

• (sorry, I know this probably isn't what you want to hear but I think honest feedback is best)

[Gezunteit1]

Thanks, I'll give it a go :)

[WhyCantNameLastMoreThanDay]

Where in country are you?
Big variation in demand but MfL is a shortage subject in many areas.

I would try and get into a MAT, even on supply.

[Gezunteit1]

I'm in Greater Manchester!
Is that a multi academy trust sorry?

[MmeMeursault]

Am also MFL HoD and would be querying why you've not done ECT and completed induction - this would be enough on its own to make me consider alternative candidate. Plus the lack of recent experience in KS4 and KS5, so you'd need to show in some detail how you'd address this.

If you've not got ECT year done then you'd have to do ECT time to be taken on for more than a term and not all depts/HoDs are trained or have the extra capacity to take on this extra role as induction tutor.

Even so, you'd have to make a very special case to convince me to do this for example and I am experienced in this and I do have capacity but it's an extreme hassle for staff, particularly if there's perhaps the prospect that you won't stick around afterwards.

Sorry to come across as harsh but that's the current reality.

So yes there is a shortage in MFL teachers but at the same time schools won't take just anyone just for the sake of it - many have had bad experiences of this.

[MmeMeursault]

Presume you're aware of all the provisions relating to induction and in particular the rules on long term supply if you've not completed ECT/induction:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachmentdata/file/972316/StatutoryyInductionGuidancee2021final002111_.pdf

[Gezunteit1]

Kind of wondering if I should just give up and accept I won't be able to do it..

[Gezunteit1]

Sorry the link isn't working for me!

[MmeMeursault]

Search ECT induction gov.uk

You need to know these provisions as these represent the framework in which schools have to operate.

[Anotherautumn]

North west tends to be a bit saturated (or used to be anyway.) Any chance at all of moving, even temporarily? It sounds like you just need a foot in a door really.

[Allywill]

i wonder if the recent pay rise for M1 to 28k has meant less demand for NQTs. They are no longer as cheap as they were and this coupled with needing a reduced timetable/mentoring for 2 years rather than one may mean they are less attractive?

[Creasedlinen]

Are you visiting? All of the last three heads I worked for pretty much discounted anyone who didn't visit.

[Gezunteit1]

Sadly I haven't always got the chance to visit as I work through agency so if I take the day off I don't get paid.. but it's something to keep in mind.

[C4tintherug]

You don’t need to visit in school hours. Remember most other candidates will be teaching and also won’t get a day off to visit.
I am a HOD in a different department and I would honestly be wary about the gap between finishing PGCE and why you haven’t completed it. I would be wondering if you tried to do it and failed (released early?)/ really struggled through PGCE. If you could state you exact reasons why you didn’t do NQT year straight after PGCE on cover letter then that would help me decide.

[Creasedlinen]

@Gezunteit1

Sadly I haven't always got the chance to visit as I work through agency so if I take the day off I don't get paid.. but it's something to keep in mind.

It's your choice but heads have big egos IME , how can you tell them you want to work in their school if you don't make the effort to visit? They also, unofficially, use the visit as part of the shortlisting process, assessing your level of interest, reaction to children, whether they think you'll fit etc.

If you want the job, I'd say vising is essential.

[Creasedlinen]

@C4tintherug

You don’t need to visit in school hours. Remember most other candidates will be teaching and also won’t get a day off to visit.
I am a HOD in a different department and I would honestly be wary about the gap between finishing PGCE and why you haven’t completed it. I would be wondering if you tried to do it and failed (released early?)/ really struggled through PGCE. If you could state you exact reasons why you didn’t do NQT year straight after PGCE on cover letter then that would help me decide.

This is another reason to visit. You can tell them why they should give you a chance, even though from the application they will be wary.