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:: Get Noticed, Get the Interview, Get the Job: The 8-step method for getting a great job in education

Pre-Interview:

STEP 1) FIND THE OPENINGS

Common sense right? Well...yes...but it will maximize your time to develop a proven strategy. Based on experience, I believe the internet is the ideal place to find job vacancies. In most states, over 85% of school districts list their job opportunities online. And that number is growing every day as more and more schools "get it". In other words, schools are truly starting to realize the power and reach of the internet, and their human resources departments are leading the way.

>> Click to visit Teaching, Administration, or Coaching Job Opening site

OR

Is the internet the only place to go? No. There is still a great deal of value in an old fashioned phone call or in simply mailing an application. This is especially true if you know exactly where you want to teach.

In fact, I recommend getting an application on file even if the school district hasn't yet listed an opening. That way, if a job comes open, the school will check their applicant file and might even give you a call before they post the opening publicly.

Is there an opening for a high school Principal in Kalamazoo? What about openings for Math teachers in Kentucky? Any Elementary, Charter, or Montessori school openings? You will be able to find out where the jobs are and exactly how to apply for them.

STEP 2) MAKE YOUR INTEREST KNOWN

Do this by making some phone calls, or even better, by sending letters of inquiry. This consists of a one page cover letter and a one page resume. Many schools now offer online submission. Be sure to take the time to customize your letter to the school you're writing to. Accentuate any strengths or experiences that would make you attractive to an employer. If appropriate, include copies of transcripts and/or licenses.

STEP 3) DON'T BE AFRAID OF REJECTION

In a sense, getting a good job is a numbers game. The more letters of interest, resumes, and applications you send in, the better your chances. Make phone calls. Use your contacts. Take advantage of all the people you've interacted with. It could be from a previous job, student teaching, volunteering, family, friends, etc. The more opportunities you give yourself, the greater your chances of getting hired.

STEP 4) FOLLOW UP

Approximately 1 to 2 weeks after submitting your cover letter and resume, make a call or send an email to confirm its arrival, reiterate your interest, and check your status. Also, it is very important to try and set a concrete time for an interview.

The Interview:

STEP 5) RESEARCH THE SCHOOL AND THE DISTRICT

The internet is the perfect place for this. Once again, you can't beat the EducationJobs.com directory for this task. We have links to over 15,000 public and private school web sites. Go to the school's website and learn all you can. Learn about special programs, philosophies, the community, etc.

STEP 6) ANTICIPATE THE QUESTIONS AND YOUR ANSWERS

All interviewers have different styles, but most will touch upon similar subjects. You'll also want to consider specific instances or examples that exemplify your answers. Some common questions include:

-Strengths & weaknesses
-Philosophy of teaching
-Ideas on discipline
-Lesson plans
-Leadership examples
-Experiences

STEP 7) PREPARE YOUR OWN QUESTIONS

This touches upon both the research you've done and your personal questions about the school. Ideally, you'll be able to change the dynamic of the interview from strictly question and answer to a more conversational format. A conversation is to everybody's advantage.

Post-Interview:

STEP 8) FOLLOW UP AGAIN

After the interview, send a follow up thank you letter. Express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the job. If you don't hear back within 2 or 3 weeks, make a polite phone call to check your status.

Author: Justin Weinraub

Click to visit Teaching, Administration, or Coaching Job Opening site

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