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These simple strategies will transform your leadership job application

  • Use positive words like impressive, special, support,

  • Give the results. Use the STAR technique in your job application. State what you did, break it down into the actions you did and give the result of your actions.

  • Expect that they will want to hear your best stories. (*No, they aren't judging you- you're supposed to be telling your best career stories).

  • Add your LinkedIn profile link if you're active on the platform.

  • Make your job application easy to read using headings and subheadings.

  • Remembe…

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How is LAOS 2022 different to the LAOS 2016 version?

How is the LAOS 2022 different to the 2016 version?

I've always loved the Looking at Our Schools Document because it provides us, as teachers, with a framework to assess and reflect on how we are developing as professionals. I created a resource with practical questions that help teachers to reflect on how they are progressing in their careers. You'll find it here.

As we progress and make changes in the education system the LAOS document is a fantastic place to allow career and executive coaches to support schools as an organisation and their sc…

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How do I deal with an unsustainable work load with my AP1?

How do I deal with an unsustainable work load with my AP1?

Today we are talking about teaching sustainably. I had a query lately that I feel it's important to share and offer my thoughts on the matter. Here's the query from a follower. 

Hi Orla, I’ve recently secured an AP1 post and there are so many duties that need to be covered. I don’t know how I’ll get through them all. I know I can do it but it seems like such a mountain of things to cover. What should I do? 


Firstly, congratulations on getting the role! How did you celebrate? In life, we ofte…

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How do I answer what is your vision for the school/post of responsibility? 

My clients often find this question tricky! Why? Because they haven't taken the time to dream about the changes they could make. A great way to think about it is - If you had a magic wand and you could make changes - what would they be?

Here are some further tips: 

  • Be authentic – Think about what difference you would love to make in the school. Reflect: How would the school be different in 5 years’ time? What opportunities might the staff, pupils and community have? How would they be acting?…

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AP and Principal Application Preparation. How to Prepare for Domain 2: Managing an Organisation.

Every year I work with many experienced teachers applying for positions in management roles in their school and beyond. Here we look at how you can outline your experience in managing an organisation.

 Highlighting your managerial skills and capabilities

In your extensive experience as a teacher, you have no doubt faced many managerial issues. Reflecting on challenges and how you overcame them, initiatives you may have facilitated, staff you mentored, and tricky situations you helped to resolv…

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Your Inside Guide to Looking at Our Schools – A support document for aspiring and existing school leaders

Your Inside Guide to Looking at Our Schools – A support document for aspiring and existing school leaders

Picking up this document – whether to self-reflect or when applying for a new role in management is a good idea to allow you to align with your current teaching practices. Working on your career vs working in your career – there’s a difference! Looking at our schools is a great document to allow for self-reflection.

There are a number of elements outlined in this document that you should consider when working on your career.

1. Reflection

Reflection is key to teaching and this framework serves as a…

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Memorising answers-how to avoid coming across as too rehearsed

Teaching Interviews: Memorising answers-how to avoid coming across as too rehearsed

There are certain things that our interviewers will want to ask us about at interview. Knowledge of certain aspects of every profession that must be scrutinised at the interview stage - and the teaching profession is no different. You want to be as prepared as possible for your interview but how do you take the answers you have prepared and use them effectively on the day?

Rote learning Vs Information

Rote learning can work fine for a written exam but can be less than ideal in an interview. When y…

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3 Simple Tips to Create Balance between Job Applications, Work and Living Life

3 Simple Tips to Create Balance between Job Applications, Work and Living Life

One of the big frustrations my clients have when they come to me for coaching is striking that balance between work, home life and job applications.

The reason they are so frustrated is that applying for jobs…. is a job in itself.

Many of my clients have…

  • a full time job and are balancing that with family,

  • household chores and

  • trying to do some ‘normal’ things like exercising and

  • catching up with friends and

  • filling out application forms

It really is a challenging time!

So what can you do to make this a …

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