Hello all,

Like many of you already know, I’m returning to Ireland to teach for the next academic year. As a result of this, I’ve already started to apply for jobs even though I’m still in Qatar at the moment. In this post, I’m going to shed some light on what I’ve been doing in hope to smoothen the process for other expat teachers hoping to return to Ireland too.

Where do I find the job advertisements?

• Educationposts.ie
• Staffroom.ie

What jobs can I apply for?

To be honest, I hadn’t a clue of which job I could/couldn’t apply for when I started this whole process. You can apply for:

• Fixed Term Contracts
• Maternity Contracts
• Substitute Contracts

Where do I find the standard application form?

First of all, let me just start by saying that there is a tonne of jobs being advertised at the moment. If you haven’t already, download and fill out the standard application form from the education posts website. On this application form, spend time selling yourself as a teacher. Remember, you don’t have the option to go into the school and “show your face”, so you need to make an impression through your application form.

Things to note:

• Write *pending* in the space where it asks for your teaching council number (if you don’t have one).
• Use the roll number from the job advertisement at the header of each application form (each school has its own roll number).
• If you don’t have an Irish phone number, write in your current mobile number with the international code (e.g. +974).

A lot of schools are now accepting the applications by email, which is great for us expat teachers.

What do I write for the Letter of Application?

There is no particular template that’s needed for this. I just wrote a letter of application, outlining reasons why I wanted to work in that particular school.

Make sure you personalize it to that school. When you’re competing for a job, the last thing a school want to read is a generic letter of application. Take quotes from their school website, show an interest and write how you believe you can “fit” into their school from what you have read.

For an example that you can edit to fit your experience, see here<<<<<

Do I send my CV?

Some schools ask you to send your CV, others don’t. Be sure to fully check the application requirements fully before you send your email. Don’t attach any more or any less than what’s required.

When will I hear back from the schools?

This is something that I was wondering too. I’m used to applying through TES for jobs abroad and having a response within a week. With jobs back home, you won’t be contacted by a school until after the application deadline. You may not hear back from a school at all. Remember there could be a large volume of applicants for one position, so the school won’t contact everyone to notify them either way.

What if I’m not in Ireland to attend an interview?

I believe some schools now offer Skype interviews. But I’m aware that a lot don’t. If you will be home in time for interview, it might be worth mentioning the date of your return in your letter of application, so that they know you’ll be available.

What do I write in the email?

Be professional and polite, I wouldn’t make it too long as the chances are, it might not even be read. I wrote something along the lines of this. Welcome to copy it if needed.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for taking the time to review application. I am applying for the position of a Mainstream Class Teacher (Fixed-Term) in *insert school name*. 

I have taken some time to read through the website for your school and thus, have concluded that this is the school I aspire to work in. I have been teaching for four years and for have taught abroad for my entire teaching career. Through this, I have learned to become an adaptable, flexible teacher with a wealth of knowledge in how to differentiate my teaching methods to satisfy the needs of different types of learners. I will have returned to Ireland by June 21st. Furthermore, I am looking forward to teaching back in Ireland and would love to be considered for the job at your school.

I have attached the necessary documentation for my application. My referees have been included in the application form. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information.

Yours faithfully,

*insert name*