There’s One Problem With Job Applications for Teachers in Ireland: They Are Not Showcasing the Real You

From my experience reviewing teacher job applications, teachers usually approach the task like it’s an academic exercise. They try to sound like scholars, crafting applications filled with jargon and theoretical insights.

And trying to prove that they are good enough. 

But here’s the truth: schools don’t want academics; they want educators who are authentic, self-aware and passionate. They want to know not just what you’ve done, but who you’ve become because of those experiences.

If you’ve ever felt that your job applications are falling flat, it’s not because you lack qualifications or experience. It’s because you’re hiding behind the wrong narrative.

Let’s uncover a better way to approach your application—one that lets your true self shine through.

The Trap of the "Perfect Application"

Many teachers make these common mistakes when applying for jobs:

1. Trying to Sound Academic: You load your application with technical terms and educational theory, thinking it will impress the panel. Instead, it often comes across as impersonal.

2. Over-Reliance on Experience: You list what you’ve done—the roles, the projects, the responsibilities—without connecting the dots to show how these experiences shaped your growth and leadership.

3. Hiding Behind Buzzwords: Terms like “team player” and “effective communicator” are thrown around without concrete examples to back them up.

These approaches miss the mark because they don’t reflect you. Schools don’t hire job applications; they hire people.

The Real Purpose of a Job Application

When I’m reviewing a job application with a client - I ask them lots of questions to get to know them in person. This information goes into their job application form. 

For me, a strong job application doesn’t just say, “Here’s what I’ve done.” It answers deeper questions:

• Who are you? What values and principles guide your teaching?

• How have you grown? How have your experiences shaped your approach to education and leadership?

• What will you bring? What unique perspective, energy, or skills will you contribute to the school community?

When you focus on these questions, your application stops being a list of qualifications and becomes a compelling story.

Focusing on Your Impact

Your experiences matter—but only if you can show how they’ve transformed you. Here’s how to do that:

1. Reflect on Key Moments: Think about the defining moments in your career. What challenges have you faced? What successes have you celebrated? How did those moments change you?

2. Connect the Dots: Don’t just state what you’ve done. Explain how those experiences have made you a better teacher, leader, or colleague. For example:

   • Instead of: “Led a literacy initiative that improved reading scores,”

   • Try: “Leading a literacy initiative taught me how to inspire reluctant learners and collaborate with parents to create lasting change.”

3. Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for teaching and your commitment to students shine through. Use language that feels natural to you rather than trying to sound overly formal.

Writing With Authenticity

When crafting your application, keep these tips in mind:

• Ditch the Jargon: Speak plainly and clearly. I never use jargon with my clients. We rarely use the word LAOS, I never force a word into a sentence where it doesn’t fit naturally - but because I encourage rich vocabulary - their applications and interview answers sound very impressive! Your goal is to connect, not to impress with technical language.

• Be Personal: Share anecdotes or examples that reveal your character and approach. Schools want to see the human behind the application. This builds a sense of rapport. No two clients of mine have told the same story - this makes each teacher incredibly unique!

• Focus on Growth: Highlight not just what you’ve done, but what you’ve learned. Schools value reflective practitioners who are always evolving.

For example, instead of saying:

• “I have 10 years of experience teaching mathematics.”

Say:

• “Over 10 years of teaching mathematics, I’ve learned how to make abstract concepts accessible and exciting. This has helped foster a love of learning in my students.”

A New Approach

If I could leave you with one thing: Aim to compose an application that feels like you. One that tells a story about your journey as an educator, highlights your growth, and communicates your passion for teaching. That’s the kind of application that stands out.

The next time you sit down to write a job application, don’t aim to sound like an academic. Instead, aim to sound like yourself—an educator who is dedicated, reflective, and ready to make an impact.

Schools aren’t just looking for qualifications. They’re looking for connection. And when you show them who you truly are, that connection becomes possible.

Teacher job applications are valuable documents - because your application is what gets you through the door to a new opportunity. If you’d like some help with that - The Confident Career Leadeer Programme is my premier programme designed to help teachers get job applications completed, sounding impressive, written with flow and increasing your chances of being shortlisted. Sound good? Watch this video to learn more about the programme.