Teaching job applications have to change!

[CJEHistoryTeacher]

How many hours of your life have you spent applying for teaching jobs? And how many of those applications have disappeared into the ether, without even an acknowledgment, never mind a meaningful response?
How many identical application forms have you filled in with identical details because the school has chosen to insist on a bespoke one, rather than use TES Apply Now?
It is exhausting. And a complete waste of your time, and (as I know from being on the other side) the time of the recruiting school.
Here’s an idea: first round-just submit CVs (or a summary of experience and qualifications). Then school requests detailed cover letters to support applications only from candidates they are actually interested in. Obviously a face to face interview and lesson is the final stage (although not a fail safe. Maybe that needs reimagining too?)
I spent seven hours recently on an application for a Lead Practitioner role for which I am very well qualified. I submitted it three weeks ago and have heard nothing.
I won’t name and shame, but I will give credit to Southfields Academy in SW London who in their job ad asked candidates to have a phone call with the Deputy Head BEFORE applying. How refreshing! And what a great idea….

Yes. I agree. It is a different experience (and with no portable pay!). 👀

I’m doing my PGCE and have spent hours trying to do these bloody forms, only to have no response at all from some employers. It’s so rude.
I’m a career changer and have recruited in the past. I would never do that to candidates, I always at least emailed.

i had an interview at a large primary last week and got there to find I was the external candidate against two internal candidates …. Including the current class teacher who was on a temporary contract! Needless to say I didn’t get that one. Waste of bloody time.

Keep going. I am beginning to wonder what teacher crisis the media are talking about. Redundancies are being made left and right. There are 5/6 applicants shortlisted per job. I haven't see this in over a decade!