Confused over application form (I am sure the answer is simple and I'm over thinking it...)

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Ok so after discussing with several teaching friends I am no clearer and thought I'd ask a larger sample of teachers for advise.

After being supply for a while I've come across a job that ticks all the right boxes. However, on the letter to applicants it asks for a letter of application of no more than 500 words answering a question. No problem I've written this. The problem comes when half way down the application form it is also asking for a personal specification. I am wondering which of the following I should do:

1. Put the 500 word letter of application in the personal spec box.

OR

1. Include the personal spec I have written for the job in this box (as it outlines how I meet the points listed in the advert which the 500 word answer does not). Attach the letter of application separately.

Several friends say the application letter should go in the box as it is the same thing as a personal spec, but 500 words is so short I feel excluding a 2 page specification letter would mean I am underselling myself?

What would you do if you were filling in the application?

I would have thought that the covering letter was separate to the application form so I’d write something different in the personal spec box.

Do both the 500 word covering letter and the box on the application form. PITA but got to be done by the sounds of it.

Thanks for the reply Noble. That's my dilemma its not a covering letter it is described as a letter of application. I always understood a covering letter is just a generic letter stating the job you are applying for? This letter basically asks you to in no more than 500 words answer a generic question (e.g. what do you believe are the 4 most important reasons for using the outside within teaching).

So whilst I have obviously used experience and my philosophy as part of that 500 words it doesn't give me much scope to expand beyond the question. Hence why I feel I should also include a personal statement/spec. However, everything I've read and most people I've spoken to say the 2 are the same thing.

Do both the 500 word covering letter and the box on the application form.

I am leaning towards doing both I think it's the fact they call it a letter of application that's throwing me. Maybe I wouldn't be over thinking it if it said a covering letter answering the following question.

Is the question they’ve asked you to cover in your letter very specific to the role you’re applying for? If it’s a generic application form for the school then they might have added the letter to get more information about what they’re specifically interested in, on top of what you’re giving in the form?

IME covering letters in teaching have always been a personal statement so if there's also a box on the form, I've always done two.

In your case definitely do a proper personal statement. That question certainly wouldn't give you enough to put everything that you'd want into it.

I’d do different things for both, anyway. Better to over- than under-sell!

That question certainly wouldn't give you enough to put everything that you'd want into it.

See that's what I thought especially given how few words it is. I think the problem was that everyone else said they were effectively the same thing which had really confused me.

Thank you both for your help.

Good luck!

Thanks Tea.

Applying for teaching jobs is bloody awful and there’s no need for it. Good luck!

Applying for teaching jobs is bloody awful and there’s no need for it.

I couldn't agree more noble, the only part I like about the whole process is the lack of a wait to find out if you have the job.

Thanks for the luck.