How to write an application for an SEN(D) role

What do recruiters want to see on applications for SEN jobs?

The process of applying for an SEN(D) role is similar to applying for other jobs in schools, but there are different skills and attributes which you should focus on in order to maximise your chance of being selected for interview. These include empathy, resilience, and an ability to work in a cross-functional team.

How do I prepare to apply for an SEN job?

When applying for SEN roles, whether teaching or support roles such as an SEN teaching assistant, it has been likely that you will be applying for jobs by two different routes – directly to schools or trusts through their application forms, and via recruitment agencies who will ask for a CV and covering letter. However, some recruiters are moving away from application forms and using faster online application tools to make the process easier for all (we recently ran a survey that found 75% of our contacts thought application forms were outdated!)

However, the key is to prepare for all these routes at the same time, focusing on the information you need so you can quickly assemble any application format quickly.

Six key areas for a SEN job application

The areas will be essential for all SEN(D) applications. The first three are factual and more likely to appear on a CV, the second three more about your personal development and more likely to appear on a covering letter. With application forms and online applications, they may appear in any order!

· Previous and current work experience – in chronological order. Do include volunteering and work outside teaching, especially where you demonstrate skills that could be useful in SEN work, such as caring, listening or working with others. If you have gaps in your work history, schools will expect you share what you were doing at these times.

· Qualifications – make sure to list all your qualifications and grades, including relevant training courses. Employers are increasingly likely to check these so make sure they are accurate and complete.

· References – all schools will need at least two referees. Unlike other jobs they will usually contact them before interview and ask them to fill in a formal questionnaire, so make sure you talk to them and make sure they’re happy to do this for you.

· Reason(s) for wanting to work in SEN(D) – given the different challenges of roles in SEN it is important that you set out your reasons clearly, show your knowledge of the sector and demonstrate how you have taken opportunities to gain useful experience in the sector.

· What you have learned from your experiences so far – think about specific situations where you have been faced with challenges but have overcome them and learned from the experience.

· The job you are applying for – why do you think you are well suited to it, and what do you expect to learn from it? While you can develop some general ideas, this must be made specific to the job you are applying for in each application, following research into the school, the types of service it offers, and its ethos.

Creating a CV and cover letter

Unless you are given different instructions you should aim to create a 1 page covering letter and 2-page CV. And while computer programs such as Microsoft World offer templates for CVs, it is worth keeping any formatting to a minimum as information is often ‘scraped’ from CVs by recruiters into their databases.

Filling in an application form

There is often a section of the form that effectively mirrors the cover letter – often under the heading ‘Personal Statement’. As with a cover letter, try to keep this focused to around a page in length. The rest of the information should fit easily into the rest of the template.

Final checks

Whichever way you apply for a job, make sure you have given all the information required and checked all boxes, especially around your rights to work in the UK. If you have additional information, such as details of criminal convictions, make sure to take any opportunity to explain these.

You also need to check carefully for spelling and accuracy – for example it is easy to cut and paste the wrong school’s name if you are making more than one application at the time and this may lead to rejection. If you can, ask a friend, family member or colleague who works in education to check your application.

Updated: Feb 24