A teacher job advert often sets the tone for your whole recruitment process. This time of year is busy, and hiring can feel urgent. Yet a rushed advert invites a rushed shortlist. A strong advert helps you attract the right people and avoid poor-fit appointments.
Even if you use a recruitment firm, writing the advert yourself is still valuable. It clarifies what great teaching looks like in your school. It also forces you to be specific about the role, the support, and the expectations.
Why a teacher job advert matters
Your advert is more than a notice. It is a message about your culture and your standards. It also signals how organised your school is.
A well-written advert should help candidates answer three questions quickly:
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What is the role, and what will I do each day?
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What does good teaching look like in this school?
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Why should I choose this school over another?
Teacher job advert steps to secure quality staff
1) Be clear on your needs
Start with the end in mind. If you are not clear, your shortlist becomes guesswork. The Cheshire Cat had it right. If you do not know where you are heading, any road will do.
Define the “must-haves” and the “nice-to-haves”. For example:
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strong subject knowledge and planning habits
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evidence of impact on learning
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skill in collaboration and feedback
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commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing
2) Write a headline that earns attention
Most candidates scan before they read. Use a headline that is specific and inviting. Avoid generic phrases like “exciting opportunity”.
Try naming what makes the role matter, such as learning, growth, or curriculum work.
3) Describe the role with precision
Vague adverts create vague applications. Name the key responsibilities and the daily work. Include teaching load, year levels, and any additional duties.
If there is coaching, mentoring, or leadership potential, say so. Clarity reduces misalignment later.
4) Explain what makes the role different
Every school needs a maths teacher. Not every school offers the same professional culture. In your teacher job advert, state what a teacher gains by joining you.
This might include:
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a strong induction programme
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shared planning routines
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coaching cycles and lesson study
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time for collaborative work
5) Share the school’s vision and learning agenda
Candidates want purpose, not slogans. Describe your school’s direction in plain language. Link it to teaching and learning priorities.
If you have a school improvement plan, name the focus areas. For example, stronger curriculum alignment, better formative assessment, or improved student agency.
6) Make the application process simple and transparent
A messy process reduces applications and damages trust. In the advert, state exactly what you require and when you need it.
Include:
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documents required (CV, cover letter, referees)
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closing date and interview window
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start date and contract details
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safeguarding and reference expectations
7) Distribute the advert with intent
A good teacher job advert still needs strong distribution. Use the channels that match your candidate pool.
Consider:
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recruitment platforms and agencies
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professional networks and associations
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LinkedIn and school social media
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internal referrals from current staff
Do not underestimate word of mouth. Great staff often know other great staff.
8) Interview strategically and follow up well
The advert gets attention. The interview confirms fit. Build questions from the role description and your teaching expectations.
Look for evidence, not charm. Ask for examples, student work, planning samples, or reflections on impact. Take structured notes so you can compare fairly.
Follow up with every candidate. A respectful process protects your reputation and strengthens future recruitment.
Final thought
Recruitment can feel draining, but it is one of your highest-impact leadership tasks. The right staff lift learning, culture, and momentum. A clear teacher job advert is a practical first step towards that outcome.
Discover more from Dr Jake Madden
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