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The Rules of Digital

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©nline applications can feel impersonal, but this doesn͛t mean you can cut corners. Make sure you
write in proper sentences.


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If you can, print off the application first and fill it in on paper as a draft, or copy and paste the
questions and type up your answers. You can then copy and paste them in. Don͛t forget to check for
word limits. 
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 but don͛t use this as a substitute for reading it thoroughly - typing
͞form͟ instead of ͞from͟ is very easily done.


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Check the job description for keywords - such as ͞organised͟, ͞liaised͟, ͞creative͟, ͞innovative͟ - and
make sure you use them (appropriately) in your application.


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Before you press send, hit print and make a file copy for each application you do. When it comes to
the interview stage you͛ll be glad you did.


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There is nothing worse than spending lots of time on a position that closed last week. You can͛t rely
on the website to have closed the entry portal on the right day.


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Don͛t bang out 10 online applications in an afternoon - you͛re better off spending quality time on a
handful of applications and doing them really well in the same amount of time.

͞Each application needs to be tailored to the role; increased competition for jobs means that
employers can be far more specific about what they want. It is, therefore, crucial that you spend
time drawing upon your competencies that match those listed within the job profile.͟


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Double check your software settings are for English UK and not English US.


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As an NQT, chances are you͛re likely to be more of a digital native than some of the existing staff
members, so make sure you highlight your abilities in this area. Just completing the application
online won͛t demonstrate your capabilities fully.

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These can be a real selling point for you. Make sure you look at the school͛s website first to see how
your interests fit with the schools, and prioritise them accordingly.


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And make sure it is personal to each position before you copy and paste it in. Mr Best says: ͞This is
your chance to showcase your skills, detailing how you meet the functional and behavioural
competencies contained within the job description and person specification. Don͛t waste it.͟

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yc Don͛t leave the subject line of your email blank.

yc Don͛t lapse into informality just because it is email. Use ͞Dear͟ not ͞Hi͟ and a formal closing
greeting, not ͞thanks͟ or ͞best͟.

yc Don͛t save your CV as ͞CV.doc͟ - rename the file to include your name.

yc Do send the CV as an attachment, but make sure the covering letter forms the main body of
the email.

yc Do double check you͛ve attached all the documents before you hit send.

yc Don͛t use a non-standard font. Do use a sans serif font like Arial that looks best on screen,
which is likely to be how your CV is first read.

yc Do remove the witty and hilarious signature line from your email.

yc Do set up a new email account for job applications - keep the hilarious
hotstuff@hotmail.com email addresses for the weekend.

yc Do remember to check your new email address.

yc Don͛t add in personal details such as date of birth or marital status into your CV if it is to be
emailed, as email is not secure.

yc Don͛t use images on your CV - it is unprofessional and unpredictable as different software

programs may scramble images.

yc Do check your ͞Sent items͟ or ͞©utbox͟ to make sure the email has been sent.

yc Do make sure you have accounted for any gaps in employment history.