Job Search Success for Teachers: The Paper Chase

1. Job Search Success for Teachers: The Paper Chase Diana Sanchez Career Center, Craven Hall 1400 dsanchez@csusm.edu (760) 750-4893

2. Your Ally in the Job Search • Career Center • Professional counseling • Mock interviews (can be recorded!) • Resume and cover letter critiques • Teacher Career Fair • Online resources at www.csusm.edu/careers • Job listings (CougarJobs)

3. Developing a Plan of Attack • Review your timeline • Prepare your resume and have it critiqued by the CC • Develop a cover letter • Collect reference letters • Create a reference list

4. An Effective Resume… • Attracts attention • Creates interest • Describes accomplishments • Provokes action – getting an interview • Is a marketing tool…not a life history

5. Resume Features: • CONTENT • FORMAT • REPRODUCTION

6. 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)

7. 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

8. CONTENT Credential and Education Specific credential Check with College of Ed Student Service Degree with major/minor AA or AS? Transfer courses? Projected graduation month and year Academic honors and GPA (optional) Study abroad? List in reverse chronological order

9. CONTENT Relevant experience includes: Student teaching and other jobs Internships/practicum/volunteer experience Job descriptions: Avoid using personal pronouns Use action phrases, not complete sentences

10. 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.

11. “STAR” statements (Situation/Task, Action, Result) • Give specific examples of how the organization benefited from your performance, efforts, involvement or leadership. • Quantify accomplishments in amounts or percentages. From what to what…? • 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?

12. ACTION STATEMENTS WITHOUT AND WITH “STAR”

13. CONTENT Special Skills Computer (name applications) Languages Writing Research

14. CONTENT Activities Only those related to teaching, working with children and youth Affiliations Professional organizations Relevant associations

15. 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”

16. CAUTIONS • Absolutely NO ERRORS! • No personal information: age, marital status, health, etc. • No reasons for leaving previous job

17. 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)

18. 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 company • Bid for an interview • you do the follow up, whenever possible

19. 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

20. PLACEMENT FILES • Letters of Recommendation • Student Teaching Summaries

21. Job Search Success for Teachers Diana Sanchez Career Center, Craven Hall 1400 dsanchez@csusm.edu (760) 750-4893

22. Job Search Success for Teachers Diana Sanchez Career Center, Craven Hall 1400 dsanchez@csusm.edu (760) 750-4893

23. Developing a Plan of Attack • Organize paperwork: • Update resume and have it critiqued by the Career Center • Develop a cover letter template • Clearances and test scores • Credentials and transcripts • Awards and other achievements?

24. Developing a Plan of Attack • Start your self-managedplacement file • Student teaching summaries • Reference letters

25. Your References • Master Teachers • University Supervisors • Mentors • Principals • Other professionals in education • People who have observed your work with children/youth

26. Researching Employers • Web sites • Online directories and resources • District literature • Site visits • Career fairs • Your own network!

27. Questions To Ask Personnel • 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

28. 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! • Meet site administrators, teachers, and others

29. 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

30. Job Search Resources • Job Listings • only 10-15% are listed in classified ads • Internal Campaign • Substitute Teaching • Student Teaching • Tutoring • Volunteering

31. Make the Most of Student Teaching • Semester-long interview • Always give 100% • Draw on experience of others • Interact with parents • Extracurricular activities • Request recommendations

32. Job Search Resources • Networking • Develop a network: friends, family, faculty, school personnel, professional organizations • Maintain your network • Initiate new contacts • Internet discussion groups

33. 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.

34. Job Search Resources • Employment Agencies • specializations? • Telemarketing • Cold Calls/Drop Ins • Long Distance Job Search

35. Support For Your Job Search • Costs will include: • Voice mail • Transportation • Clothing • Accessories • Printing and postage • Computer access • Create a support system of family and friends • Be good to yourself; reward your own hard work

36. The Art of Interviewing:Prepare and Practice Telling Your Story Diana Sanchez Career Center, Craven Hall 1400 dsanchez@csusm.edu (760) 750-4893

37. What is the interviewer looking for? • Can you do the job? • Do you have the skills/abilities necessary for the job? • Will you do the job? • Are you focused and motivated? • Are you going to drive us all crazy while you’re doing the job? • How will you fit in? (culture, team)

38. PREPARATION TIPS • Positive mental attitude • You have a great deal to offer • Positive experience • Things to bring: • Notepad and pen • Extra resumes • Reference list • Portfolio? • Transcripts? Test scores? Clearances?

39. PREPARATION TIPS • Assess yourself • Skills, interests, values • Strengths • Short and long term goals • Review relevant experiences (include volunteer work, internships, jobs, school)

40. PREPARATION TIPS • Research • Learn all you can about the district or school • Websites • Informational interviews • Faculty and staff • Parents • Cal State San Marcos Alumni

41. PREPARATION TIPS • Practice answering interview questions: • What do you want them to know about you? • Set up mock interview and record it! • Practice in front of a mirror • Practice with peers • Practice with master teacher • Practice, practice, practice!

42. INTERVIEW ATTIRE • No wrinkled clothing • Avoid colors that are too bright/loud prints • Good hygiene • Nails clean and trimmed • No “sexy” clothing • Polished, closed toe shoes • Little or no perfume/cologne • No gum • Not too much jewelry • Turn OFF cell phone

43. INTERVIEW ATTIRE What Is Appropriate Attire for Women? For traditional business settings (banking, consulting, insurance, etc.): • Suit, consisting of jacket and matching skirt • Blouse • Stockings and flats or pumps For education, nonprofit, and other less formal settings, the following may also be appropriate: • Dress with jacket • Jacket, blouse and skirt or slacks • Stockings and flats or pumps

44. INTERVIEW ATTIRE What Is Appropriate Attire for Men? For traditional business settings (banking, consulting, insurance, etc.): • Suit (not black) or dark blazer and dress slacks • White or light blue dress shirt • Tie (silk or silk-like) • Dark socks and dress shoes For education, nonprofit, and other less formal settings, the following may also be appropriate: • Dress slacks plus sport coat (wool or wool/polyester blend) or dark blazer • Dress shirt • Tie (silk or silk-like) • Dark socks and dress shoes

45. PROFESSIONAL OR NOT?

46. PROFESSIONAL OR NOT?

47. PROFESSIONAL OR NOT?

48. PROFESSIONAL OR NOT?

49. PROFESSIONAL OR NOT?

50. PROFESSIONAL OR NOT?