Looking for advice, (and possibly a proof reader) for my personal statement on job application.

[EdwiniasRevenge]

I'm applying for a secondary teaching job as an NQT.

I've got that blank page...list skills, attributes and examples of how you meet person specification.

So far I've written it as continuous prose describing my history slotting in relevant examples. So I have a hook, my academic acheivements, examples from placements, some examples and responsibilities from former job, some info and examples from a role I have in the community and a bit about relevant hobbies.

But I'm not sure the examples stand out. Im thinking about changing the structure so that I have some short intro paragraphs outlining general skills and responsibilities. Then use the headings from the Specification (there are about 5-6) and bullet point specific examples under each heading.

If you were looking at a job application which would you prefer?.

I am in the same position as you and was told to explain how I meet the person specification first of all as that is the first thing they check for.

I've written mine as continuous prose with the first paragraphs specific to the job I am applying for and the school's priorities. The more general stuff is at the end.

I have used the first paragraph to explain how I fit tge schools priorities.

Then every paragraph has examples in. Those which are from my teaching experience near the top...hobbies at the bottom.

I still need to find an example of 'thinking outside the box' relevant to teaching....

Hope you aren't stealing the job I want...

Ha - hopefully not!! What subject have you done? It seems strange applying for jobs already doesn't it!

To cover thinking outside the box I have used some examples where they have been encouraged to use higher order thinking - things like CAP (consider all possibilties) or PMI (positive minus interesting) questions. I think I also put something in about mindset (Carol Dweck) and creating activities that are low stress high challenge.

I saw a presentation by John Davitt that was really interesting and very forward thinking as well. He does all sorts of new digital and technology stuff that would definitely be classed as thinking outside the box!

I'm science, but I've just finished my last placement. I had to take a break because a bereavement so have just been finishing off this year...

Oooh I'm science too, you're not in the north west are you

When I was pushed for time but needed to do some peer teaching I lined all the kids up and instead of getting each group to give feedback to the class they had 45sec to speak each but the second person had to carry on the 'story' from where the first finished etc...do you think that fits???

Nope...

Definitely especially if you explain why it worked so well and describe the shared learning!

Go to the TES website and find TheoGriff's advice on using an executive summary. I did this time last year when looking for my first NQT post and I really rate it - I was shortlisted for every job I applied for. She is the guru on the Jobseeker forum and I think there are stickies on there that link to the advice.