Applying for a job - missing one of the essential criteria

[PumpkinPie2016]

Just wanting to see what others think really.

I am hoping to apply for a job I have seen advertised. It is for an Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning.

The only snag is, one of the essential criteria is designated safeguarding lead training, which I do not have.
Obviously I have done the statutory training and absolutely understand safeguarding roles and responsibilities. I haven't been a DSL though.

Part of me wants to apply - I would be willing to do the training if required. It is exactly the sort of role I am looking for. However, I may well be wasting my time 🙄

Speak to the school.

Just be honest, you haven't had the training but are very keen on the role and would willingly be trained up. I'm sure they'd arrange the training for the right candidate. For all you know, none of the applicants may have had it (I'd be surprised if many applying for a deputy role for the first time have).

I definitely wouldn't pass the opportunity by, but it's important to be honest from the off on your application. Don't risk misleading them by only mentioning it at interview for the first time, as they might not be best pleased to find out that late on. If they offer an interview in spite of this, you know it probably doesn't matter to them that you don't already have it and they'd be prepared to arrange it for you.

Good luck

Go for it. The training doesn't take long.

Thank you for all of your replies 🙂

I will be upfront in the application and see what happens. Hopefully, I will be able to visit, or at least speak to them before my application goes in.