Job Search Success
for Teachers
Diana Sanchez
Career Center, Craven Hall 1400
dsanchez@csusm.edu
(760) 750-4893
Your Ally in the Job Search
• Career Center
– Professional counseling
– Mock interviews (can be recorded!)
– Resume and cover letter critiques
– Online resources at
www.csusm.edu/careers
– Job listings (CougarJobs)
– Job Search Guide for Education Candidates
Developing a Plan of Attack
• Review your timeline
• Organize paperwork:
– Update resume and have it critiqued by the
Career Center
– Develop a cover letter template
– Collect letters of recommendation
– Create reference list
– Credentials, transcripts & other documents
An Effective Resume…
• Creates interest
• Describes accomplishments
• Provokes action, such as getting an
interview
• Is a marketing tool…not a complete
life history
Resume Features:
• CONTENT
• FORMAT
• REPRODUCTION
CONTENT
• Identifying Information
– Name
– Current address and phone number (with
area code)
– Permanent address and phone number
(with area code)
– Professional e-mail address (optional)
CONTENT
• Objective (optional)
– Helps employer know type of position you are
seeking
– Be specific, clear, brief
OBJECTIVE: Position teaching
mathematics at the middle or
secondary level
CONTENT
• Credential and Education
– Specific credential
• Check with College of Ed Student Services
– Degree with major/minor
• AA or AS can be included if it adds value
– Projected graduation month and year
– Academic honors and GPA (optional)
– Study abroad?
– List in reverse chronological order
CONTENT
• Relevant experience includes:
– Student teaching (clinical practice) and other
related work
– Internships/practicum/volunteer experience
CONTENT
• Create dynamic job descriptions:
– Avoid using personal pronouns like “I”, “my”
– Use action verbs rather than flat statements
such as “Duties included” or “Responsible for”
– Use phrases, not complete sentences (but
punctuation may be used)
– Quantify accomplishments in amounts or
percentages. From what to what…?
CONTENT
Teacher's Aide: 3rd – 5th Grade level
Escondido Elementary School, Escondido, CA
Fall 2009
Supervised orthopedically-handicapped children with
schoolwork and play.
Conducted reading and math sessions in learning
centers.
Taught multiplication tables to 10 students.
Created athletic games students could play while in
wheelchairs.
“STAR” statements
(Situation/Task, Action, Result)
• Give specific examples of how the organization
benefited from your performance, efforts, involvement
or leadership.
• Think about past experiences:
– How did you perform the job better than others?
– What contributions did you make that made a
difference?
– What awards, special recognitions,
promotions resulted from your performance?
ACTION STATEMENTS
WITHOUT AND WITH “STAR”
Passive
Active
STAR
Coordinated team meetings
and activities resulting in
increased cooperation among
departments.
Responsible for
planning team
meetings.
Coordinated team
meetings and activities.
Responsible for class
of 3rd grade students.
Taught 3rd grade
students based on State
Standards.
Taught 3rd grade students
based on State Standards,
resulting in 85% of students
at grade level by year end.
Able to communicate
with parents.
Developed outstanding
communication with
parents.
Developed outstanding
communication with parents,
increasing family participation
in Open House and other
community events.
CONTENT
• Special Skills
– Computer (name applications)
– Languages
– Writing
– Research
CONTENT
• Activities
– Only those related to teaching, working
with children and youth
• Affiliations
– Professional organizations
– Relevant associations
FORMAT
Avoid the Word Wizard templates!
• LENGTH: One Page (maybe Two)
• Select a format that maximizes your assets
and minimizes your liabilities
• Attractive and easy to read
• Avoid using graphics
• Utilize “white space”
CAUTIONS
• Absolutely NO ERRORS!
• No personal information: age, marital
status, health, etc.
• No reasons for leaving previous job
• No salary history
• No statement about references is
needed
COVER LETTER
• Always include cover letter when sending
resume
• Use the same header as your resume (like a
letterhead)
• Make sure name (spelling) and title of
addressee is correct
– If you don’t have a name, use a subject line
(Attention: Job Number 12345)
PARTS OF COVER LETTER
• Your reason for writing?
– “…to apply for the position
of ______ as posted...”
– “...so-and-so suggested that I...”
• How your qualifications match the position
requirements?
– what you can offer or contribute to this employer
• Bid for an interview
– you do the follow up, whenever possible
APPLICATIONS
• When completing a job application, be
sure to fill it out completely
– Do NOT simply say “See attached” or
“See Resume”
• Include all the requested supporting
documents
• Type or print VERY neatly
PLACEMENT FILE
What is a placement file?
1. Letters of Recommendation
2. Student Teaching Summaries
Your References
•
•
•
•
•
•
Master Teachers/Cooperating Teachers
University Supervisors
Mentors
Principals
Other professionals in education
People who have observed your work
with children/youth
REFERENCE LIST
Researching Employers
• Web sites
(www.csusm.edu/careers)
• Online directories and resources
• District literature
• Site visits
• Career fairs
• Your own network!
Questions To Ask Personnel Staff
• Proper application process?
• Application deadlines?
• Materials to submit? (application,
resume, references, test scores,
transcripts, health and fingerprint
clearances, etc.)
• Request district information, if
unavailable online
Two-pronged Approach to
Job Search
• Respond to current openings
– Submit application and all materials
to district HR office
• Inquire about future openings
– Use your network!
– Send letters & resume to principals
– Meet site administrators,
teachers, and others
Job Search Resources
• Online Job Search
CougarJobs
– www.csusm.edu/careers
San Diego County Office of Education
– www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us
EdJoin
– www.edjoin.org
Indeed (search engine)
– www.indeed.com
• Online Job Search
Education America Network
– www.educationamerica.net
Ed Zapp
– www.edzapp.com
Teachers-Teachers
– www.teachers-teachers.com
Top School Jobs
– www.topschooljobs.com
Check out Education Week Top School Jobs’
Career Corner Blog!
Job Search Resources
• Job Listings
– only 10-15% are listed in classified ads
• Internal Campaign
– Substitute Teaching
– Student Teaching
– Tutoring
– Volunteering
Make the Most of
Student Teaching
•
•
•
•
•
•
Semester-long interview
Always give 100%
Draw on experience of others
Interact with parents
Extracurricular activities
Request recommendations
Job Search Resources
• Networking
– Develop a network: friends, family,
faculty, school personnel, professional
organizations
– Maintain your network
– Initiate new contacts
– Internet discussion groups
Job Search Resources
• Career Fairs
– Review participant list
– Have your resume critiqued
– Bring plenty of resumes
– Dress professionally
– Arrive early
– Be ready to ask questions
– Follow up as soon as possible with thank
you notes, etc.
Job Search Resources
• Employment Agencies
– specializations?
• Telemarketing
• Cold Calls/Drop Ins
• Long Distance Job Search
Support For Your Job Search
• Costs will include:
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–
–
–
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Voice mail
Transportation
Clothing and accessories
Printing and postage
Computer access
• Create a support system of family and friends
• Be good to yourself; reward your own hard
work
Questions?
Contact me!
Diana Sanchez
dsanchez@csusm.edu
(760) 750-4893
Career Center
Craven Hall 1400