NQT not even at first hurdle!

[Fameinaframe]

Hi all,
I am a regular but have name changed as I have previous threads regarding family and do not want them linked.

So I went back into training to become a primary teacher after having my children. Something I have always wanted to do. Got through it all and have qualified. However, I am now stuck. I have no idea how to apply for my first job! I have completed the forms all fine. It is the letter of application I am struggling with. I have done a few but they are never getting anyway. I get the idea hit all the points in the specs right? I just think I have no idea how to make it flow and seem right. It is getting me in a state now and I am panicking I will never get a job to do my nqt year :-(. Currently doing supply which is good but as a single parent I need a regular income.
Can anyone direct me to help? I have gone online etc and i understand the what I need to include. I'm just struggling with the layout/wording if that makes sense?
I know it sounds ridiculous I am a qualified teacher yet can not even write a good letter of application I am so annoyed at myself. I am also annoyed at the university who gave no guidance on this at all!
Thank you if you got through all that!
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

If the job advert says visits to the school encouraged or visits essential, have you been to visit? School do love a pre-application visit, and first impressions definitely do count.

Ah it is hard! I tend to make a table with each point on the person spec and then alongside them I write notes about my skills/experience etc. Then I seperate the statement into intro (talk about my philosophy, values etc and link this to the school and state what job I am applying for) and each subsequent section divided by the headings in the person spec (eg experience, skills, knowledge, personal attributes). Then a final paragraph echoing the intro. Try to give examples (don't say 'I get to know pupils', do say 'I eat lunch in the canteen, meet with parents, work with groups, listen to readers etc'). And try to talk about impact.

Good luck!

Thank you. I do go through the person spec point by point. However, I think I struggle with the flow if that makes sense? The way it should be worded and how to move on to each point.
Is it better to use sub headings for example or just paragraphs. I find it hard when trying to give my evidence. For example if I said something like
During my time at my placement school I had the opportunity to develop and use different behavioral strategies.
Would I then just say for example and then give an example and what effect it had on pupil achievement?
No matter how I try and word it, it just doesn't seem to flow !?! Argh!

for example if I said something like
During my time at my placement school I had the opportunity to develop and use different behavioral strategies.
Would I then just say for example and then give an example and what effect it had on pupil achievement?
Yes. Absolutely this. Don't know if you teach PEE in primary but it's a reliable structure to follow for most things I find! (Point, Example, Explanation (impact)).

Thank you!

There is some good advice on the TES jobseekers forums, particularly by TheoGriff - some good articles to read on there too.

When we shortlist we go through the essential/desirable criteria and tick off which the candidate meets within their letter of application.

Thank you will take a look.

In addition to the above, tailor each letter to the particular job you are applying for, and make sure there are no spelling errors or unexplained gaps in your work history.

Once it gets to May half-term, only NQTs and the relatively few people who don't have to hand in notice will be available for a September start. Look out for posts stating they are suitable for an NQT or that they are looking for someone with "enthusiasm".

Thank you. I am in north west so there is lots of competition as so many training providers here with floods of NQTs.

I got some pupils to do anonymous feedback on my teaching during PGCE (you could potentially try this during a cover?) and put some of the relevant (flattering!) quotes in my letter - I’m secondary though so they’re a bit more eloquent.