Applying for that Head of Department Post: Writing Your Application

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Aspiring to the Role of Head of Physical Education

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Analyse the job and identify key skills that will be required
Look at the job or person specification and match your skills and experience against them. Talk to other heads of department in your school, line manager, and any heads of department you know in different schools Read general literature about the role. Find out as much as possible about the school (e.g. read its inspection report / view its website / ask colleagues).

Analyse yourself
What skills, experience and qualities do you have from all aspects of your life i.e. work experience, sporting and other leisure activities, home life, academic life. Think of examples of how you can show evidence of communication skills, decision making, initiative or whatever else the school appears to be seeking. Every job vacancy that you apply for should have a covering letter (not all ask for a CV but have one prepared to adapt) specifically designed to meet the criteria for the job - a lot of work but worth it if the end product is your promotion to head of department.

Covering letters
For head of department applications whether by application form and/or CV, a covering letter is required. A covering letter is your initial opportunity to draw on the facts included in your CV to persuade a school that you are a suitable candidate for the job. Word process the letter as it will give a much more professional edge than a hand written letter. There is no definite way to set out a covering letter but it may include some of the following topics: o Always address it to a named person usually the Headteacher. This Creative Education 2009

Applying for that Head of Department Post: Writing Your Application

shows the personal touch. o State position applying for, where and at what date the vacancy was advertised. o State why you want the job and why you are suitable. What attracts you to the particular school? o Indicate what you will do as head of department. This shows that you know something about it, its successes or otherwise. o Send letter and CV unfolded in a large envelope.

Construction of a CV: Presentation, layout, length, etc:

There is no specific way to set out a CV. You will find numerous examples in the vast number of books which have grown up on this subject. You need to experiment with different styles and layout. Do use good quality paper it lends your application a professional edge. It is preferable to keep your CV to 2 sides unless you have very specialist information to include.

Main sections of a CV:

Personal details name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, nationality and marital status and whether any children. If a denomination school, your religion may be advantageous. Education start with the most recent first, as it gives the reader the most recent exposure to what you are doing now. In addition, include the name and address of the school / Institution and date you attended, qualifications and the dates they were obtained. When including your degree or equivalent, consider including a brief description of modules relevant to the post or a brief description of your modules. Unless it is appropriate, avoid including GCSEs/ A levels that you have failed. Membership of professional organisations give details of any relevant association membership and any publications. Previous experience include permanent, temporary, part-time and voluntary experiences. Start with the most recent first or at least make sure you highlight/ stress experience that is relevant to the post. Give a brief description of your main duties and highlight skills which may be relevant to the post. Skills/Attributes include IT skills, name the package that you can use. Languages, driving ability. Include skills such as leadership, decision making, planning, organising, communication and team work. Also give evidence of how you obtained a particular skill. Interests/Activities this can include societies, clubs, and positions of responsibility, sports, music, drama or any other leisure activities which you are Creative Education 2009

Applying for that Head of Department Post: Writing Your Application

involved in. Avoid broad statements but if possible give details of the level /standard that is applicable. Career Aim/Personal Profile can be inserted at the start of a CV giving details of your personal skills and qualities which are relevant to the job for which you are applying. Referees it is a good idea to put two of these, include job title, address, and telephone number. Always ask their permission first. Final word: Always tailor your CV and covering letter to the school to which you are applying as headteachers and governors like to see the personal touch.

Creative Education 2009