Before you apply for a job, ask for a job specification and check your skills and experience against this to make sure that you’re the sort of person they are looking for - and that this is the sort of job you want!

Make sure the age group and subject range suits your experience. Are there any extra curricular or pastoral responsibilities as part of the role? Check the location – what’s the journey time like?

Would you be willing to move closer if need be? If at all possible, arrange to visit schools before you submit an application. Ask for a tour of the school - preferably with students during the school day - and for the opportunity to talk informally with staff about the job and the school.

If it’s a nice place to work, the headteacher will be all too happy to let you talk to staff and students. And if you like what you see and decide to apply for the job, the headteacher is bound to be impressed by your interest and enthusiasm.

The Teacher Support Network InfoCentre has several factsheets that can help you find a job and figure out if a position is right for you. some of these are listed elsewhere in this guide as well. Among them are:

• Recruitment and professional development; and requirements for FE lecturer registration
• Job sharing
• Job sharing checklist
• Employment-based routes into teaching
• Finding your first job
• Tips for interviews
• Moving jobs
• Filling out application forms
• Starting a new job