Worth applying or not?

[Oxterguff]

I saw an advert for a job which was advertising for a teacher (secondary shortage subject) back in the spring term. I didn’t apply because I don’t have experience of teaching this subject at KS5 and this was listed on the essential criteria. The job was then readvertised a month or so later so I submitted an application but heard nothing. The same job was then reposted again in September and it’s now been advertised for the 4th time. I’m UPS3 but I do teach this subject at KS4 and I would be happy to teach it at KS5 too. I’m assuming that they are struggling to find anyone so I was wondering if it’s worth applying again? Has anyone been successful in a similar situation?

why not call and ask to speak to the head of department? or even ask to visit?

They may be holding out for KS5 experience but given it's a shortage area subject, they are probably kidding themselves! I work in an independent in a shortage subject and got here on supply after a string of advertisements that yielded what they considered to be poor applications (I never applied, to be clear). A conversation and/or visit may clarify for you what the issue is (and you may then want to steer clear!) but it could also open doors for you if they realise you can do KS5.

I'd definitely call and ask if you can speak to the HoD. I do think some schools are deluding themselves in terms of what they can hold out for- but if they didn't get someone for a September start, they must have lowered their expectations a bit now?

Alternatively, at least if you speak to the HoD and don't get a positive response, you'll know?

Thanks, I will call next week. 😊

Agreed with the poster above, however, it is worth noting that the HoD’s do not always process applications - there should be a designated contact on the advert?
It usually tends to be the HT’s PA who does the screening and that’s probably who you need to get in contact with.
The fact that you haven’t heard anything from the initial application to me is a clear indicator that you are not the candidate they are looking for.

That said though, if you don’t ask, you don’t get - you have nothing to loose by getting in contact, I just wouldn’t set my hopes on it.

Thanks @good96 I think I have to send the application to the business manager so that’s a good point.
I was just thinking of applying because I know that there are very few teachers with the experience they are looking for in existence. I‘m sure from that you can guess the subject! Hence the constant re advertising. When my current school advertised for a similar position last year there were no applicants. I’ve have experience of teaching that subject at KS4 but I just don’t have the KS5 experience. I suspect they are advertising now in the hope of attracting an NQT for September but according to the trainees currently on placement with us, there aren’t any trainees in that subject in the area.

Hopefully the fact that you have applied twice for the same role indicates that you are genuinely interested in their school. If they haven’t got the candidate that has all the necessary experience then it could be an option. It costs the school significant amount of money for each recruitment drive so cannot see them keep repeating the process to find someone..

If the HoD doesn't process the applications, it might be more reason to contact the HoD. I once asked a school whether part-time applications would be considered, and they said only if I applied jointly with a job-share partner. I saw the HoD a few months later and he was furious that he had not been consulted about that. Even more relevant to talk to the HoD in this case, as they are far better placed to judge whether your lack of KS5 experience would be a serious hindrance.