Job Search Strategies

Job Search Strategies by Davida Bluhm Educational Career Services 4/28/2009 1 Overview The Placement File Job Search Essentials Resume Tips Tips for Writing Cover Letters Principles of Job Hunting Networking Interviewing Tips Professional Ethics 4/28/2009 2 What is a Placement File? A file located in the ECSO containing information about you . . . Letters of recommendation On-line registration (Profile) On-line documents (Resume) Electronic portfolio linked from your online resume 4/28/2009 3 How Is it Used? Sent to employers of your choice. Call, email, or stop by to request that your placement file be sent. Employers can access your resume on line and contact you. ECSO can refer you for jobs and send your file. 4/28/2009 4 What are the Benefits of Having a Placement File? 10 sets of credentials with your $50 fee sent to employers of your choice. Access to on-line job vacancies. Employer access to your on-line resume. Sign up on line for workshops and recruiter visits. ECSO may refer you for job vacancies. 4/28/2009 5 more . . . Placement files are official, confidential files sent for employment consideration. Central location for your credentials that remain in your file. Your placement file remains in ECSO for 15 years. 4/28/2009 6 The Placement Year September 1 through September 1 of any given year. Undergraduates – File is active until you obtain bachelors degree. If a junior when registering, file active until you graduate. Graduate students – Register in the year you are seeking employment. Reactivation – After graduation when you want to use your file again. 4/28/2009 7 How to Register on the Web Go to our web site at http://ecso.ed.uiuc.edu. Click on Job Tools. Then click on Placement File Setup and read all the information. Complete Authorization to Release Placement File form and Information form obtained from the ECSO. 4/28/2009 8 more registering . . . Submit the form and fee of $50 to ECSO. Reactivation fee is $75. Using internet explorer, return to ECSO web site and click on Students. Be sure to choose University of Illinois – Urbana – Educational Career Services Office. 4/28/2009 9 more registering . . . Log in with a username and password assigned by ECSO. (You can change the password after you have logged in at least once.) Complete Profile section including Personal Info, Academics, Future Plans, and Administration. Complete Documents section by uploading your RESUME. Other documents are optional. 4/28/2009 10 more registering . . . Link your electronic portfolio to your resume by including the full URL address. Be sure to always save your data. 4/28/2009 11 Where do I begin? Know the job search essentials. Know what you are looking for (subject, grade level). Prepare your job search materials. Know when to start applying. Know the game. Determine your geographical limitations or flexibility and identify job vacancies. Begin to develop your job search strategy. 4/28/2009 12 Job Search Essentials Resume Cover letter (application and inquiry) Portfolio Letters of recommendation Application form Transcripts (from Admissions & Records) Interview Certification FOLLOW THE RULES 4/28/2009 13 Job Leads Jobs if you are registered with ECSO http://ecso.ed.uiuc.edu Teacher Placement Day Job Search Handbook (includes web sites for all states) Newspapers – local and national Internet – www.iasaedu.org, www.edweek.org, www.isbe.state.il.us, http://teachers.net/jobs, www.k12jobs.com 4/28/2009 14 more job leads . . . Independent schools http://www.nais.org/careers/seekers http://www.carneysandoe.com (Carney, Sandoe & Assoc.) www.greatschools.net Project Connect (when registered with ECSO) 4/28/2009 15 What is a resume? A summary of your experience. A summary of who you are and what you can offer an employer. An indispensable marketing tool . . . about you. 4/28/2009 16 What is the purpose of a resume? Helps you work through interests and clarify goals and direction. Demonstrates your established goals to a potential employer in written form. Leads to an interview. Provides the interviewer with an outline to follow. Offers an example of your organization and written skills. Helps the interviewer remember you. 4/28/2009 17 Resume TIPS Know your audience. Present your job objective stating what job you are seeking and what grade level. Use strong action words and phrases. Use short, concise phrases. Make it easy to read. 4/28/2009 18 more tips . . . Use bullets, bold, italics, underline, bold-italics, CAPITALIZATION but don’t overuse. Use headings to draw reader. Use sufficient white space and balance content on the page. Proofread. Must be error free. 4/28/2009 19 What is the purpose of a cover letter? To cover your resume. To introduce yourself along with your attached resume to a prospective employer. To obtain an interview appointment or application. 4/28/2009 20 What does a cover letter do? Creates a desire for employer to read your resume and urges employer to talk with you. Informs employer of your communication skills. 4/28/2009 21 more . . . Emphasizes additional skills, experiences, or abilities not found in a resume. Can expand on experience in resume or include experience not in resume but no repeats. Letters are compared with others to screen applicants for further consideration. 4/28/2009 22 2 Types of Cover Letters Letter of application Targets identified positions Letter of inquiry or interest Not directed at any specific job vacancy. Directed at a school district or school. 4/28/2009 23 3 Parts of a Cover Letter Introduction (1 paragraph) Body (1 or 2 paragraphs) Close (1 paragraph) 4/28/2009 24 TIPS for Writing Cover Letters Short and to the point. Include all possible identifiers – local and permanent – email, phone, address, etc. Address each letter with an individual’s name. Use tone of moderate confidence. 4/28/2009 25 more . . . Use center of letter to arouse employer’s curiosity – use concrete examples of your experiences and abilities. Make your signature bold and legible Use good word processor and printer. Use good quality paper that matches resume. 4/28/2009 26 more . . . Include a challenging thought. Be direct in requesting an interview. Sign and date your cover letter. Apply only for positions for which you understand, are qualified, and interested. Obtain as much information about the position as possible. PROOFREAD – MUST BE ERROR FREE. 4/28/2009 27 TIPS for Applications Complete on-line applications when possible. Some require it. Follow instructions carefully. Complete a draft and transfer your answers to the final copy. Proofread. Keep copy of completed applications. 4/28/2009 28 Principles of Job Hunting Job hunt is an information hunt. Job hunt is a rejection process. Narrow your choices. Decide where you want to work and live. Size of community and school, location, rural, urban, inner city 4/28/2009 29 more . . . Have a job search goal. Know what you’re looking for – subject, grade level, etc. Set weekly objectives, follow through and evaluate your progress. Plan, stay on target, review, improve. Look for specific job vacancies. 4/28/2009 30 more . . . Be willing to relocate if possible. Obtain names and addresses of school districts. Research school districts and communities. Said an Indiana University football coach, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” 4/28/2009 31 more . . . Know what employers want and need. What can you do for them? Not what they can do for you. Register with ECSO. Begin sending letters and resumes in January and February for fall employment. 4/28/2009 32 more . . . Contact employers after two weeks to verify that your application materials arrived. Be persistent in your job search. Do a self-assessment. Get to know yourself well. Know your strengths and weaknesses. The better you know yourself, the more comfortable you will feel in an interview. 4/28/2009 33 more . . . Evaluate job options before accepting a position. Never accept a job on the spot unless you know it’s the one you want. When you accept a position, do not change your mind or keep looking for other positions. 4/28/2009 34 Networking What is it? An opportunity to connect with the right people. A research tool. Why network? To create job leads. To solicit advice and information 4/28/2009 35 Who Are My Contacts? Anyone you know in the system. Family, friends, neighbors. Alumni association and alumni in the field. Service people Banks, cash register operators in grocery stores, doctors, dentists, realtors, hair dresser/barber, etc. Places – airplane, train, bus, restaurants Professors, teachers, principals, superintendents, politicians. 4/28/2009 36 How Can They Help? May know reputation of schools and school districts. May have kids in school and have inside information. May be school board members. May know who needs your talents. 4/28/2009 37 Networking in the School District Visit individual schools within a district. Request a meeting with the principal or department chair. Call ahead of time or drop by. Research and obtain information on the school and district before speaking with them. 4/28/2009 38 in the school . . . Dress appropriately. Know the correct pronunciation of the person’s name. Know what information you want. Prepare questions in advance. Have a prepared and rehearsed 20second, mini-speech saying who you are and why you are there. 4/28/2009 39 in the school . . . Observe what’s around the office and informally comment on anything there. Shows interest in the person and makes them feel comfortable. Focus your conversation on them, their school and programs and relate your experiences. Be courteous, respectful, and professional. 4/28/2009 40 in the school . . . Could be a screening interview. Request tour of the building. Ask to observe a class. Volunteer to assist in a class. Leave your resume. Leave a video of 10- to 15-minute teaching sample if you have one. Send a thank you note. 4/28/2009 41 Sample Questions to Ask What do you like most about your school? What are the challenges in your school? Does your school implement efforts to retain its teachers? Why did you choose education as your career? 4/28/2009 42 Record Your Actions Keep track of contacts/meetings and what was discussed. Names, referred by, referred to, dates, calls, emails, etc. Follow-up actions. New contact names. Stay organized. 4/28/2009 43 Research and Be Prepared ! What information to look for . . . About the community Population of the city Per capita income Businesses in the community Possibilities for recreation University/college to further education 4/28/2009 44 research . . . About the school district Philosophy of education Number of students in the district and/or individual schools Size of classes – Secondary teachers – how many classes will you teach per day; how many courses Per student spending Any programs for which they are known – Mentoring for students, outstanding music programs, etc. 4/28/2009 45 Where do I find information? Libraries Community newspapers School district publications School newsletters Student newspapers Teacher/student handbook Yearbook Policies and procedures manual Teachers and parents in the district 4/28/2009 46 more information . . . People in the community District initiatives, referendum issues, curricular-specific information (reading series, funding, textbook), community concerns and support School secretaries Chamber of Commerce Web sites Realtors 4/28/2009 47 Major WRONGS of Interviewing Taken from So You Have to Have a Portfolio, A Teacher’s Guide to Preparations and Presentation by Wyatt III and Sandra Looper. Do not chew gum (includes hard candies, mints, or anything that impairs your speech.) No limp handshake (look people in the eye and give a firm but not bone crushing grip). 4/28/2009 48 the wrong way . . . Do not enter the office and plop down (remember what your mother taught you – wait to be invited in and to be seated). Do not smell of smoke (avoid that last cigarette in the parking lot). Do not call the interviewer by his/her first name (use correct title – Mr., Miss, Mrs., Ms., or Dr.). 4/28/2009 49 the wrong way . . . Do not use nonstandard speech or slang (good or poor habits will help or haunt you). Do not be too nonchalant (insert enthusiasm and energy into comments). Do not ask inappropriate questions (e.g., “Do I get the job?”). Do not be too casual (do not make yourself at home, it is not your office). 4/28/2009 50 The RIGHT Approach to Interviewing Taken from So You Have to Have A Portfolio, A Teacher’s Guide to Preparation and Presentation by Robert Wyatt III and Sandra Looper. Be on time (15 minutes early). Be courteous to all school personnel. Smile – display sense of humor. 4/28/2009 51 the right way . . . Demonstrate knowledge of state and national standards and an ability to address them in daily lessons. Acknowledge importance of technology and a willingness to integrate into classroom practice. Show an ability to think through a complex question before answering. 4/28/2009 52 the right way . . . Have some knowledge of school district policies and programs. Ask intelligent questions. Display sincerity, genuineness, and enthusiasm. Answer honestly posed questions, not “canned” answers. 4/28/2009 53 the right way . . . Have poise and confidence despite nervousness. Acknowledge “willingness to try” attitude. Be an unselfish team player. Show flexibility and adaptability. Acknowledge strong work ethic. 4/28/2009 54 the right way . . . Recognize importance of lifelong learning. Be prepared and organized. Demonstrate reflective thoughts about personal progress. Display grateful spirit for those who have helped you along the way. Handwritten thank-you note following interview will be positively received. 4/28/2009 55 Interview Tips Do not overdo the after shave and perfume/cologne. Keep jewelry simple. No long, brightly colored nails – wellmanicured nails. No outrageous hair styles – no purple, green, spiked, etc. 4/28/2009 56 more tips . . . Do not display tatoos. Close-toed shoes are best. No low-cut blouses. No jeans or shorts (too casual). Do not dress in any way that would detract from you, the person. Key word -- professional 4/28/2009 57 Interview Attire What colors are best? What should men wear to an interview? What should women wear to an interview? What about pant suits for women? 4/28/2009 58 Who is the perfect candidate? (according to employers) 1. Do Your Research Do not interview if you have not researched the district. 2. Be Prepared Practice ahead of time. 3. Have a Focus Know what you are seeking. 4. Bring Experience to the Table Student teaching, etc. 4/28/2009 59 Professional Ethics Do not keep looking for employment after accepting a position (even if you have only made a verbal acceptance). 4/28/2009 60 Love the kids, love your content area, and welcome the opportunity to share it. Smile. Show a sense of humor. 4/28/2009 61 Aloha and Mahalo! 4/28/2009 62