EDUCATION JOB SEARCH

Erin KoolenAssistant Director/Career Specialist

Careers and Internships

Center for Service, Work, and Learning

Agenda

JOB SEARCH PROCESS

START EARLY!!!!

Job Search Process

Education Job Search

Success = using a variety of tools and search methods◦ Internet – Edpost, Landit◦ District Websites◦ Network – friends, family, alumni

Meet with a Career Specialist

Use the Careers and Internships Wiki: http://cswl.pbworks.com/

Credential File

Usually letters of recommendation and transcripts◦ Depends on each school district, so always check for what

they would like◦ May also include a resume, cover letter, teaching license, etc.

Shows teaching skills, strengths, and motivations

Self-managed credential file

Include a cover sheet that has your college, graduation, area of license, and contact information

District Applications

Takes a lot of time, so start ASAP

Start with districts you are most interested

Less is more, but think about your answers

Do not just repeat resume

Can send follow-up letter and resume later if position becomes available

Follow-up is key!

Interviewing

Be prepared! ◦ Will lead to success

Behaviorally Based and Hypothetical Questions

Provide concrete, professional examples

Practice with a Career Specialist

Interview Stream

Portfolio

Documented evidence of teaching skills and achievements

Hard copy works best in an interview◦ Use as an aid◦ Lesson plans, evaluations, resume, cover letter,

activities, and awards

MN Education Job Fair

MondayApril 19, 2010

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis Hotel Exhibit Hall1300 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, MN  55403

Reasons to GO!!!

Job Fair Information

Preparation is the key to success Fair orientation/prep sessions Research districts and apply Prepare your 30 second introduction Look out of state Registration starts in February

will get emails with registration information

JOB SEARCH QUESTIONS?

RESUMES

Purpose

To promote yourself – is your marketing tool to school districts◦ Are written with your audience in mind

The purpose of a resume is NOT to get you a job… but to get you an INTERVIEW!!!!

Basic Guidelines

Should always include the three E’s:

Section Headings

Personal Information

Full Name should be displayed boldly and larger than the rest of the text

Include full address, phone number and email address

Should spell out all abbreviated words

Use a professional email address and have professional message on your phone

Personal Information

Objective

An objective statement is optional It sets up your resume like a thesis to a

paper Should clearly state what type of job you

want, in what type of organization, and skills you would use in that position

Education

Include your degree, college major, expected graduation as well as the city and state of your college

Can include GPA, Honors and Awards, Study Abroad, and any relevant coursework in this section if you wish

Include any other post-high school experiences if you received a degree from that school

Licensure

This comes after the Education Section because schools will want to see it

They will know you will not have it yet – just put when it is expected or that it is pending

Student Teaching

Most relevant, so it comes next Include grade level, school name, city,

state and the dates

Resume Statements

Include statements that describe what you did – start each with an action verb◦ A strong resume statement includes action

verb + details + results Statements should be unique and specific

experiences that you performed Place statements in order of what the school is

looking for Place statement in the past tense Include who, what, where, why and how Create a balance between overly concise and too

wordy

Resume Statements

Speak to the following: implementing your own lesson plans, working with different learning styles, working with diverse students, dealing with parents, managing student behavior, and curriculum development

Related Teaching Experience

Set up the same as student teaching Then describe what you did and how it

relates to teaching

Classroom Skills

List any special skills you have that could add to your teaching and classroom experience

Examples: computer skills, languages, musical skills, art skills, and coaching

Other Sections

You will want to add any other sections that highlight your well-rounded abilities and interests

How much you add depends on how much room you have left

Examples: Volunteer Experiences, Additional Involvement, and Other Work Experience

Other Sections

Final Tips

Final Tips

RESUME QUESTIONS?

COVER LETTERS

What is a Cover Letter?

is a letter that gives you a change to elaborate on more skills you have that may not be specifically highlighted on your resume

is meant to get the employer to read your resume

Basic Guidelines

should always accompany a resume even when not requested

needs to be well-written and in a professional tone

do not start all of your sentences with “I”

customize each letter with a job description of the organization you are applying for

Heading

your name and address should come first

then put the date next the employer’s

name, title, and work address

always address your employer as: Dear Mr. or Ms. Last

Name:

Opening

indicate the position you are applying for and how you came to learn about the position

state why you are interested in the position say something you know or admire about the

organization shows you have done your research

Middle Section

highlight your experience as it relates to the position

provide them with the key skills you have that are mentioned in the job description

be specific about how your achievements and education have prepared you for the position

elaborate more in-depth than what is on your resume

Middle Section

Closing

reiterate your interest in the position and thank them for their consideration

state that you hope to discuss your qualifications in an interview

say when you plan to follow-up with them and then do so

Final Tips

COVER LETTER QUESTIONS?

Reminders

Upcoming Events Business Etiquette Dinner

Thursday, November 12, 2009 

Center for Service, Work, and Learning Anderson Hall, Room 23 612.330.1148 Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open other times by appointment