This summer, I have spent quite a bit of time screening candidates for licensed and classified positions. This is a task which I enjoy. The "Human Resources" component of administration has always been my one my favorite aspects to my job. However, as of late, I've become somewhat frustrated as I look to hire quality staff in the summer months. So, with some reflection, I have come up with ten suggestions for future and current applicants to consider when looking for a job. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather some tips that will hopefully help teachers with their job search.
- When providing your list of references, please include their home or cell number. While I understand you may not want to "bother" your reference with your job search, but you have to bother them. When a reference signs up to vouch for you, they are taking on the responsibility of being bothered. The background process is hare enough, I do not want to spend unnecessary time searching for home or cell numbers. If your references cannot be reached, your opportunity for employment decreases.
- Always include a past administrator in your list of references. Wether it is a Principal, Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, or even Superintendent, it is best to have someone who can speak from a "supervisory" position. This tells me how open a teacher or candidate is to feedback and change. Additionally, a supervisor can speak to your ability to be a leader. Not every administrator is the same. Some prefer innovative staff, who challenge the norm, while others seek out teachers who "toe the company line." We are pretty good at judging what our buildings need. It's okay to have your admin speak to your abilities.
- If things didn't end well at your last employment, be open, honest, and willing to accept responsibility. Placing blame solely on your prior administrator is a major red flag. It says that you are not willing to own up to why things didn't work. In some cases, the fit might not be the best. That is okay. Some teachers are best suited for large districts, while others are most comfortable in rural communities, ELL/Title 1, inner city, etc. We all have our niche. Be honest and show that you have reflected on why the fit wasn't the best, as well as what you are doing to see that your next placement is a better fit.
- Make sure your employment timeline is correct. Please do not leave gaps in employment, without explaining what took place between jobs. It tells me that you might be hiding something. This may not be the case. It is not necessarily bad to note that you took time to seek out a different career path before returning to your passion of teaching. However, when all I have to go on is your application and resume, I need more information to proceed. Also, make sure your timeline of jobs is in order. This attention to detail on your resume tells me that you are taking the process seriously.
- Make sure to proofread all of your application documents. Again, this points out your attention to detail and indicates to me that you are working hard to impress and stand out from the others. Also, it provides some academic credibility to your name. :-)
- Be sure to list any talents that the district might find appealing, beyond the classroom. If you are licensed to provide CPR/AED/First Aid training, licensed to teach drivers education, fluent in a foreign language, Google Certified Trainer, etc. be sure to mention it. In a day when districts are looking for ways provide students and staff with innovation and training, any talent or skill you have that the district would be able to benefit from will help you to stand out from the other applicants.
- Answer all of the application questions. Skipping questions indicates a lack of attention to detail. In many cases, a skipped question will often lead to your application being skipped altogether.
- Be honest. All employers will do a background check. If you have a record, acknowledge it. In some cases a mistake in college can be understood. If owned up to, the mistake can speak to your ability to recognize a need for a change and your ability to improve. However, dishonesty will never be understood.
- Return phone calls. If you are applying for a job and you list your cell number, keep your phone with you. Your current job may not allow you to answer at the time of call, that is understood - we've all been there. Make sure to check your voicemails. Making yourself available over the phone does not indicate desperation, it indicates your desire to be gainfully imployed. Also, if you have accepted a position in a district, but have applications out with other districts, provide a courtesy call to remove your name from their candidate list. If you have several applications out, rather than call each district, return calls from districts seeking interviews to inform them of your hire. Again, this is a professional courtesy.
- Lastly, show your ability to form relationships. The saying, "kids won't care what you know, until they know you care" is timeless and true. Show your ability to form lasting relationships with students, parents, and your colleagues. We are not robots; we are people. We have lives, families, interests that make us appealing and dynamic. Don't hide this from others. Remember, it's important to take your job seriuosly, but please don't take yourself seriously. Showing a passion for life inspires our students to want to grow up.
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