My method for "decoding" personal specifications

Picture the scene. You've found your dream job. The application form is downloaded and you're ready to start your personal statement. You download their personal specification (sometimes combined with the job description, sometimes a separate document) and then your heart sinks.

You have a two page limit for your personal statement... but the personal specification of things you have to include is a whole page in itself, maybe even two pages (though I have seen more). Now what? How are you meant to address everything?

Threat not, that's what I'm going to teach you today.

Have some note-taking materials at the ready.

Method 1) Combine bullet points with over-lapping skills

If there are so many bullet points that sub-headings are needed to split them up, then I would highly recommend this step to help you condense the personal specification.

This works by analysing the points and joining any that are similar in nature/involve the same skills/repeat the same thing. In doing this, you'll find the core ones and also reduce the amount of points you need to address.

Method 2) Group bullet points by their relevant Teacher Standards

If you can't do method 1 for whatever reason, your training of the Teacher Standards will help you with this next method.

Look for points that address the same Teacher Standards (freebie link for you). You'll undoubtedly find at least one per Teacher Standard - with the potential exception of Part Two - but that means that you can group things together. Here you can then do method 1 and link similar Teacher Standards together.

For example, if there is a point about creating a safe and stimulating learning environment and then behaviour management, these two can easily pair together. At the end of your behaviour management paragraph, you can highlight that the impact of your said example or strategies is that the classroom environment is very calm and that it promotes effective learning conditions.

Method 3) Allocate any personal qualities or "attributes" to another point

If you ask any of the previous teachers who I have supported with their personal statement in the past, they will tell you that I never expect, nor recommend, allocating a paragraph to personal attributes.

Why? See if you can identify the reason for yourself.

"I am an enthusiastic and passionate teacher who always ensures the best for my pupils." This is shown by [lesson example]."

VS.

"I have observed that learning is more memorable for my pupils when they are engaged and have some element of hands-on learning. For that reason, I always prioritise this in my lessons. For example [lesson example]."

Which sentence sounds more enthusiastic and passionate? The one where those specific words are handed to you on a platter, or the one where those qualities are demonstrated and inferred through the knowledge and examples provided?

Hopefully, you'll have answered the second example.

That's why I always say that you don't need to waste space stating and quoting personal attributes they've said in the personal specification, but focus on inferring these within your examples and when you are explaining the impact of your actions.

Hopefully you'll now feel more confident when downloading a personal specification and in doing these methods, can see how the content actually is manageable and can be fit into two sides of A4.

As always, any questions, drop me a comment below or contact me if you need any support.

Lots of love,

Annelies

Founder, Petite Primary