Application Form

Completing Application Form

Your job application is just as important as your résumé and portfolio. It is a required document that tells about your education, certification, and experience in a structured manner. A district can easily compare applicants by reviewing the information in the same format for each applicant. It is not only the answers that you provide, but also the general appearance of your form that is important. District personnel quickly screen out most applications, thoroughly reading only those applications that catch their attention. DO NOT complete the applications in a hurry.

FIRST read the entire form and all of the directions carefully. Get a general feeling about what should be included in each area of the application. Think of it as an advertisement for yourself and how you will best highlight your experience on each application. Be positive but honest, as misleading or false information may disqualify you. Make the application a good representation of you, the teacher candidate.

Take your time to complete the applications. Make a copy of each one BEFORE you start entering information. For online applications print out the blank form and think about your responses offline. Use a pencil to complete a rough draft, so that you can easily make changes or correct mistakes. Ask a colleague or friend to proof read it for you. Check for spelling, grammar, and appropriate terminology. As school administrators review the submitted applications, even small errors and omissions may make the difference between who gets hired and who does not.

It is best to type the final application, but if you must write it then PRINT IT NEATLY in black ink! Take your time, so that you don't smudge the ink or make a careless mistake. NEVER leave spaces blank. If a question does not apply, write "not applicable" or "n/a" on the line. This tells the reader that you didn't consciously skip that question to avoid answering it. Don't write more than the space provided on the form. The blank space reflects the amount of information the district is seeking. NEVER write "see résumé in response to a question. Put the information in the provided space. Neatness and legibility do count!

Although much of the information on the application is the same as on your résumé, there are two significant differences. One is that it usually asks for more information than is contained in your résumé. The second is your signature at the bottom of the form. Read the language above it carefully. By signing it, you are certifying that the information you supplied if true.

Think of your application as an extension of yourself and consider it a reflection of your work in general. When you have finished, review it again carefully. Make certain it is PERFECT.

Send the completed application in an envelope big enough for you not to have to fold the form. Don't fold, bend, or otherwise mar the application. Remember, appearance is important!