I am recently qualified NQT and after umpteen applications for my first primary teaching job and only 1 interview I knew I must be doing something seriously wrong. I sought help from the deputy head at school where I am still working as TA  to put together what I thought was a great application really geared to the needs of the school I last applied to afer taking the tour and picking up on all the things the head said she was looking for.  For the first time I also incuded Theo's executive summary to summarise how I met the person specification(TES jobseekers advice) and guess what?.....I still wasn't shorlisted so have taken the unusual step of e-mailing to ask for feedback....so far none received. I am thoroughly p****d off and genuinely beginning to think I am on some sort of blacklist. Even if they can't or won't give feedback, how long does it take to put together an e-mail to that effect? What's someone with 7 years TA experience throughout KS1 and KS2, fast-tracked through teacher training after proving my capabilities during 4 days of observations, a grade 1 placement report and excellent references got to do to get a job?

Yes, I took the tour and really focused my application on the head's vision for a more creative curriculum and more exciting science lessons. It has been suggested that I am perhaps putting too much in and not leaving any mystery about myself, but I thought the idea was to sell myself?? I'm totally confused.

Thanks for your reply, BNM. Since all September jobs have now dried up anyway I guess I will just have to go down the supply route and prove my worth to get a job.

 Hi there

 Can't really offer much advice. I was in the same position 1 year ago as an NQT. It was very very difficult to get an interview. You sound like you have bags of experience. Just keep on trying and don't let it grind you down. You will get there in the end - I did.

Hi, I just read your forum and completely understand your frustrations at not being able to clinch that job !!!  I can't even get my NQT year done after spending 4 years in secondary and 7 years in primary.  I worked as a self employed and unqualified teacher of French within primary schools whilst my children were growing up (fluent in French). (a career move from business).  I then moved into secondary as I wanted to qualify in my specialism (languages) as this was not possible in primary.  I was an assistant for one year in order to gain experience, then had to change schools in order to do my teacher training course (GTP in MFL).  I gained QTS in July 2008 to teach French and German at secondary level.  I have been working as a Cover Supervisor for 2 years in the hope of clinching a teaching job eventually but still no joy.  I was exploited for 2 years for my knowledge, skills and qualifications and have just handed in my notice as I start a new job in September (another Cover Supervisor job but more money).   I have a degree in Visual Art and French and I am musical, sporty and pretty much 'multi-skilled' as I can turn my hand to anything from ICT to food technology and textiles.  I am hoping that I will be treated better.  I foolishly helped my school out by covering long term absences, teaching numerous Art lessons, preparing the work and setting and marking homeworks,  as well as French and German lessons and every week (without fail) I taught PSHCE when there was no work set.  I received no extra pay and no PPA time.  If I had a free lesson (hardly ever), the school expected me to do the filing in the office.   I was used as additional staff for school trips and not paid overtime.  I helped the school out with various functions,  school musical concerts in the evenings......and no recognition whatsoever!  I have now learnt the hard way !!!  Just say no....unless they are going to pay you.  I have learnt that I will no longer teach and prepare lessons and mark work under the label 'Cover Supervisor'.  If only someone would give me the chance to show them how good a teacher I really am as well as how well I get on with staff and pupils !  and pupils enjoy my teaching !!!  Even on my last day not a single thanks from the Headteacher !  My colleagues were appalled that I had been treated so badly and so 'undervalued'.    Lets just keep fighting the good fight.  Surely there must be some jobs out there for us !!!!  I will never give up