Trainee teachers are candid in how difficult their experience of a PGCE is, a fact that is drilled home before they’ve even sat their first class. When being interviewed, one of the key points that is put across to prospective candidates is that it is no small undertaking: it will be hard going, both physically and mentally.

Everyone hits a hurdle, but, with the right kind of support and attitude – a high level of motivation is required – everything starts to fall into place. That’s not to say it gets any easier, but certainly, the more accustomed to a learning environment you become, the more self-assured you are in your own skills and knowledge.

Which is good news in terms of timing, because, about now, there is a slight shift in your focus. While you are still in the throes of your training, you’re now advised to start looking ahead, to finding your first job. This is why you are here after all, and although it can feel like a daunting time, with some thorough research and planning, you can feel confident that you can secure a post in a school that is beneficial to all stakeholders.

Search effectively

The likelihood is that you are not going to find the perfect job straight away – it’s just wishful thinking. Now, that said, you shouldn’t be any less ambitious. You need to secure a position that makes the most sense to you at you start your career.

Key things to consider when looking for a job include finding the best recruiters around (online and in person), scrutinising job adverts effectively and gauging whether prospective schools and yourself are compatible.

Know what you want and are most suitable for. This means tailoring your searches to meet your demands, your experience and your particular skill-set. After all, the last thing you want to do is waste time browsing through loads of jobs that are irrelevant. This can be time-consuming, and as all PGCE students know, time is a luxury.

Applications are about what you can offer

When it comes to penning an application letter, you have to sell yourself, convey in easy to understand and persuasive language everything about you that says, “I have potential”.

What is it, for example, that makes you not only a great investment, but distinct from all your competitors? You application is about “showing off”, although in a more tactful way of course. You want your potential employers to not only be intrigued enough to give you an interview, but be keen on securing you as a teacher.

As general rules go, when it comes to your personal statement, demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined and, moreover, back up each point with solid examples. Everyone can say that they hit the specifications, but without evidence, it carries no weight and no authority. It has no substance.

Demonstrate flair at the interview process

All the usual rules of interviewing apply – look presentable, be polite and come across confident – but one of the key distinctions with teaching interviews is that you will very likely have to carry out a mock (interview) lesson.

Now, this can be extremely intimidating. Sure you love to teach, but being observed by strangers and within the context of an interview, well, it changes the nature of things drastically. Still, with the right kind of prep, this needn’t be a frightful experience.

Analyse the brief to establish what the objectives are and what is expected of you. Adapt your learning to meet these requirements. You may not carry out the lesson you want to – in-tune with your own educational philosophies – but, for now, it’s a small compromise. Creative freedom can emerge when you’re teaching properly.