Applying for job when already given details to employer?

This summer, I spent ages writing cover letters and sending them, with my CV, to local schools asking if they had any science teacher jobs going.

Some wrote back and said no, sorry. Some told me where to look for jobs, which was thoughtful. Some said they'd keep my details in case something came up. (Some did all three.) Most said nothing. Interestingly, it was the private schools and the college who wrote back, the state schools couldn't be bothered. (So what was the point of that exercise then?)

So today I am happily jobhunting and find a science teacher job for one of the schools I targetted. OK, they didn't write back. But they probably got my letter and CV. But no, couldn't be bothered to even alert me that I could apply there.

Is it worth applying? It is a decent state school and near to where DH works. But they have my details already: does it mean that they just binned my begging letter and don't know who I am, or they looked at me already and thought "no thanks" so it's not worth spending 2 hours filling in the application forms and writing a new cover letter?

Thanks for your thoughts.

I'd apply again if I wanted it and it seemed like the right job. You could always note in your cover letter your recent past application.

Nothing ventured nothing gained and good luck!


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I would apply. I doubt it was anything personal for them not responding to you in your first application. They might not have actually had that job available yet. You have nothing to lose. And you might get a job!

I'd just apply again as if I hadn't already. Or call and ask if your past application is appropriate. It depends on how much time has passed.

It was about a month ago and a speculative application, just a brief letter and a CV. I also applied for another role there back in May. *sigh* they probably don't want me, but I've finished the 7-page application form now and just need to write a cover letter. That gives me something to do after lunch I suppose.

And just finished the cover letter, three and a half hours later! (OK, some of that was eating and BB time.)

Thank you for your encouragement for me to apply. It is a good job for me to have, if I get it, even if they weren't enthused by my applying speculatively. I know some schools will contact the speculators early and often not bother with those who do apply normally (went for a job that a friend was interviewed for and I wasn't - she was asked for interview the day the advert went up, so asked her for advice!), so was feeling a little disheartened they hadn't bothered.

Interestingly, it has no start date. So I don't know if this is a January start or a September start - or even a November start (very unusual). November would be fab, I am working with January, but September would mean me having to find other work in the meantime. And I've already called them once today so don't want to sound disorganised and be calling all the time! Ah well, I suppose I'll find out at interview. If I get one.

Not sure how it works in the UK, but certainly here there are very detailed processes to follow in state schools for recruitment. DH handles a lot of that at his school - a recent application he did there only about 2 people (out of 15) got through to interviews because no-one else addressed all the selection criteria so they are automatically removed! And every position is considered brand new so they can't consider previous applications.

Any chance you are able to contact the person that handled your May application and find out why you weren't successful that time?

In the UK, the job has to be advertised. That's the rule. So it could be advertised in a national paper (this was) or on a scrappy bit of paper in the staff room. Either is OK. Previous applications can be considered, so long as they contact the applicant and check they still want the job.

The last application (May) did not succeed as it was teaching outside my subject area, albeit in an area I love and would love to move into. I was aware at the time it was a long shot.

Having said that, I spent hours ensuring that the selection criteria were not only met in the application but also highlighted in the cover letter!

eg: criteria (essential) be a qualified teacher.

me: I am a qualified teacher who...

You could say "well, that's a given and you have your teaching qualifications on the application" but I don't want to take the risk!

Good luck!