Advice Centre

Applying to join ITN Mark is easy – all you need is a great CV. Here are some important points to remember when writing your CV.

• First and foremost, make sure that your CV is clearly and logically presented. Use the same font throughout and use bullet points to outline lists of achievements and skills, etc.
• Sell yourself! Describe your abilities in detail and always provide practical examples that prove the skills and abilities you have outlined. Employers want to be satisfied that you can do the job - and well!
• When writing your personal statement, remember this is the first section that most potential employers read. In fact, in many cases it’s the only part some employers read. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your personal style, talents and skills.
• There should be no gaps in employment on your CV. Not only do employers value continuity of employment, it‘s a legal requirement of working with children and young people in the UK that all gaps are explained. So when you are providing a chronological overview of your career, make sure that all your time is accounted for.
• Your CV is the first contact a potential employer has with you. Make sure you create a good first impression by being detailed and thorough. Pay attention to spelling and punctuation and only send it in when you are truly happy that it does you justice.

Interview Tips

Interviews can be tough. But by being prepared and enthusiastic you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of success.

• You should arrive on time - preferably a little bit early. This always makes a good first impression. You may also be shown around the school, so you should allow time for this too.
• Look professional. Make sure you wear your best suit and are well groomed.
• If you are asked to teach a trial lesson or a full day, use the structures given in the National Curriculum and plan an engaging, exciting and well-structured lesson.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your skills and abilities, backing them up with practical examples which demonstrate your suitability for the job and that employers can relate to in their own context such as:

"One of the most successful lessons I taught was..."

"One positive experience with a special needs child that springs to mind is..."

"I can tell when children are learning when..."

• You should be familiar with any structures that are necessary for the position you have applied for and you should make yourself familiar with the context in which the job is set because these are the real issues your interviewer will want to discuss. For example:

"Do you understand, and can you apply, the National Curriculum?"

"Have you got an example of work you have done in the Literacy Hour?"

"Do you know the kind of children that you will be dealing with?"

• The most important thing of all is to smile and be positive. Thoughtful and enthusiastic candidates are always the people that interviewers remember at the end of the day!