Why am I not getting shortlisted for an ECT role?

[H333]

I have had no luck with getting shortlisted with applications I have submitted. I am applying for an ECT role, and have applied to vacancies which state they are suitable for ECTs. I have worked so much on my supporting statement, tailoring it to the person specification and the specific school - but still not luck.

Is it common to not be shortlisted if you are applying for an ECT role and much more difficult to get a job? I’m not sure what I am doing wrong because I have tailored my statement to the school as much as I could. Or is it because schools much prefer experienced teachers and may not have an ECT programme in place even if it states they will consider ECTs?

What's your subject?

What's your subject/stage? Can your mentor look over your application?

Is there any chance someone is giving you a rubbish reference?

Are you a current student looking for first job, or did you take a career break? Career break might need explaining. First job, hold fire; you’re still quite early.

I am a primary qualified teacher who was on a salaried school direct programme, so I have had a great deal of classroom experience in school. I have worked as a supply teacher after my qualification and decided to take up supply teaching because I wanted to get more experience in the classroom and different year groups as I did not get opportunity due to pandemic and social distancing. I continued supply teaching after first year because I relocated to another town and got married. I’ve mentioned these reasons on my application but still not getting selected.

Primary can be quite a hard environment to secure a first job. Have you been visiting schools before applying? In some areas this is practically compulsory for getting shortlisted in primary.

Is there any chance of a long term supply post that could turn into something more permanent?