If you last applied for a job a couple of years ago, be aware of two things. First of all, you can do most job applications online. Secondly, applying for a boarding school job is similar to applying for a public school teaching job, although there are some subtle differences.
Review the job application process carefully. Don't assume nothing has changed since you last applied for a job. It has. The most significant change is the online application process. Most employers, including boarding schools, will expect you to apply online these days. They do this so that they can screen applications efficiently. It is also easier to import the data from an online application into a database or spreadsheet. Furthermore, authorized staff can access applicant data securely, instead of having personal information lying about on a sheet of paper or in a manila folder as was the custom years ago before the advent of computers.
Years ago, an administrative assistant or secretary screened snail-mailed job applications. That involved opening envelopes and sorting the applications. Occasionally, the assistant actually screened the applications, generally to ensure that all requested materials had been sent. At some point, the pile of applications and cover letters ended up on the desk of the person charged with filling the job opening. This process could take a couple of hours or even longer. That depended on the number of applications received.
Nowadays, the screening process