If you do decide to return to a permanent post, remember that while you might have a diverse range of experience to offer, head teachers may be a little suspicious about your spell of supply teaching.

They may be wondering if you find it difficult to settle or build relationships. For this reason, it is a good idea to explain your reasons for working as a supply teacher in your letter of application and at interview.

Think carefully about what you say. Telling a prospective employer that you thought you were heading for a nervous breakdown may not be such a good idea. You might prefer to say something like: 'I'd reached a crossroads in my career. I'd achieved x, y and z, but wasn't sure where to go next, so I decided to take some time out to decide.'

Be sure to give your CV a carefully edited update. Our factsheet on CVs can help. Some other factsheets that may help:

• Teaching interviews
• Tips for interviews
• Interview lessons
• Interviews: what not to wear
• Body language and interviews
• Informal interview visits
• Finding your first job
• Filling out application forms
• Job applications and CVs – selling yourself