We have been being trained in applying for jobs all week. If presented with these hurdles our tutor would tell us to apply anyway and point out in the covering letter (or the more information section) why you want the job and why you think you should have it. Basically explain what you have here: you have worked in this class and although the recession has meant everyone has made cut backs you would welcome a new challenge at this level again. Its all about how you dress it up, apparently.