Recruitment & selection

Remember, your application form is the first reflection we will have of you. Therefore, consider the below prior to submission.

• Stand out from the crowd

  Teach First received over 5,300 applications last year so it is important to make your application stand out. Do your homework. Look on our website and read our brochure so you have a good understanding of the two-year programme and can demonstrate this knowledge.

• Completing the form

  Be specific with your examples, clearly identify achievements, use dates and figures to support your answers and give sufficient detail.

• Answer the question

  Once you have composed your answer, re-read the question to ensure it has been answered. The question will outline the competencies we are looking for you to demonstrate so ensure to address these in your answer.

• Don’t lie or exaggerate the truth

  Never lie on your application form. You are likely to be caught out in the interview or later in the assessment process. If you are offered the role you will have to provide references and original certificates of your qualifications.

• Check, check and check again

  Ensure that your form contains no spelling or grammatical errors. It is advisable to first compile your answers in a word processing package before copying and pasting them to the form. Remember – read through at least twice before submitting.

• Make a good first impression

  Although it may seem obvious, it is important to remember to be professional throughout the Assessment Centre. Wear smart business dress, be polite and look people in the eye when speaking. Plan your journey to the Assessment Centre leaving time for travel disruptions – it’s better to be early and relaxed than late and flustered. Bring travel expense receipts – without them your claim will not be processed.

• Know the competencies

  Teach First run a competency-based assessment process where you will be tested on eight different competencies throughout the day. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with them so that you are prepared for questions during the interview.

• Practice makes perfect

  A week before your Assessment Centre you will be emailed information regarding the seven-minute sample teaching lesson you are required to teach on the day. Once you know the ‘title’ of your lesson, make sure you give yourself time to prepare; do your research, prepare any materials and practice on friends and family to get an idea of your timings.

• The case study

  Make sure that you listen to the instructions that are given to you at the start of the exercise and read through any material carefully. It is a good idea to self-assess yourself halfway through – are you making enough/too much of a contribution? Is the group still focused on the task objectives? Are you using the time efficiently? Have you structured the discussion? Although it can seem a strange experience, try to fully immerse yourself in the exercise – don’t look to assessors for approval/reassurance.

• Interview technique

  Use your responses in the interview to demonstrate that you have done your research, understood the Teach First mission and have convincing reasons for joining the programme. Think carefully about the examples you give and try to distinguish yourself from other applicants when giving your answers.