English for Specific Careers (ESC) - Education

Education and Workforce Development

Spring 2026

Job search & Review Session

Monday

Job Search & Interview tips

�

Where to start your job search

Where Can I Find Job Opportunities?

​

• Talk to the MRS Employment Coordinator and/or Case Manager
• Use one or several Internet employment services: Monster.com; Ziprecruiter.com; Indeed.com; Linkedin.com.
• Contact County and school districts or State employment sites.
• Use community services: EWD; MRS; Goodwill; many others
• Call companies directly – contact companies that specialize in type of work you want (such as Kelly Education).
• Attend job fairs that include employment opportunities in education.
• Talk to people who work in the type of job you want; ask if they will be a reference
• The more applications you submit, the more likely you’ll find what you want
• Keep sending applications while you wait for offers

​

Career Pathways and Employment Opportunities�

Graduates of the ESC program are prepared to pursue a variety of positions across the education sector, depending on individual qualifications and district requirements. Participants can pursue roles such as:

• Substitute Teacher Assistant
• Teacher Assistant
• Cafeteria Monitor
• Food Service Associate

Requirements for these roles vary by position and school district, but all require strong communication skills, reliability, and the ability to work effectively with students and staff—skills reinforced throughout our program.

​

ESC Career Pathways

ESC Career Pathways

Example Career Path: Substitute Teaching in Virginia�

 Substitute teaching is a common entry point into the education workforce. In Virginia, requirements typically include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• A high school diploma or GED
• Relevant work or educational experience, often including experience working with children
• Passing a criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Completion of district-required orientation or training

​

There is no statewide substitute teaching license required in Virginia, although individual school districts may set additional requirements.

Organizations such as Kelly Education hire tens of thousands of substitute teachers nationwide each year and work closely with school districts to fill classroom needs when teachers are absent. Strong English skills and classroom communication abilities are essential for success in these roles.

​

Tips for a successful interview

Tips for a Successful Interview

• Research the company and person who will interview you
• What services or products do they offer?
• Who are their customers?
• Have they won any important contract(s) recently?
• What type of problems have they encountered recently and how could you help?
• What type of employee are they looking for?
• Dress appropriately for the type of position you are interviewing for. It’s always acceptable for:
• Men to wear a suit (tie optional) and dress shoes
• Women to wear a dress or pants/blouse with closed, leather shoes
• Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed
• Check grooming – Men: hair and beard/moustache trimmed and combed; Women: check hair, makeup, nails.
• Bring extra copies of your resume
• Walk and speak with confidence
• Be sure to use appropriate body language; smile; look directly at the interviewer; sit up straight; be positive

More Tips for a Successful Interview

• Be prepared to answer interviewer’s questions
• Immigration status and ability to work legally in the U.S.
• English language ability – written and spoken
• Availability of transportation
• Hours you are available to work; your desired salary
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Prepare a few questions for the interviewer, for example:
• What would my responsibilities be?
• Please describe what I would do on a typical day in this position?
• Would there be opportunities for professional growth? (promotion, salary increase, greater responsibility)?
• Do you offer assistance to cover the cost of college classes or certifications?
• Do you offer a retirement program (401k, IRA)? Does the company match employee contributions?
• Tell the person you are very interested in the position and ask what will be the next step(s) for their decision
• Thank the interviewer for taking the time to talk to you

​

Tips for a Successful Virtual Interview

• Prepare the same way you would for an in-person interview
• Test your technology
• Keep your virtual identity professional
• Create a suitable backdrop
• Rid yourself of distractions

​

Do you need references?

References

• Job references are very important to the success of your application
• Be sure you consider the following:
• Always ask permission to list someone as a reference
• Make sure that the contact information is up to date for your references
• Good references include former employers, co-workers, and even college professors
• Your employment specialist can be used as a reference
• Or, if you are taking any courses, your teacher may be a good reference
• You should create a separate document for references and provide them only when asked
• Include telephone numbers and email addresses (if available).
• Make sure you have at least three references who are comfortable speaking on your behalf
• Do not post on Indeed or anywhere else!

​

Your Name

Your Address

Your Phone Number, Your email address

Name of Reference, Position Reference Holds, Company Reference Works at

Phone number of reference, Email address of reference

​

Wednesday

Wednesday- Career Support & Job Search Review Session

Review, Improvement & Q&A

This is a review session, not a new lesson

• Focus on:

What students already learned

What they can improve

Their questions and challenges

• Goal: Job readiness and confidence

​

Objectives

• Resume quality & improvement
• Cover letter quick check
• Job search strategies
• Interview readiness
• References
• Open Q&A

How This Session Will Work

• Short reviews
• Student reflection
• Group discussion
• Practice and feedback
• Questions encouraged at any time

RESUME REVIEW

• Professional and easy to read
• Clear job titles and responsibilities
• Strong action verbs
• Skills related to education roles
• Certifications included (if applicable)

Common Resume Issues

• Too long or crowded
• Weak or unclear job descriptions
• Missing skills or certifications
• Inconsistent formatting

Resume Self-Assessment (Activity)

• One strength in my resume:
• One thing I should improve:
• Does my resume match the job I want?

Instructor-Led Discussion

• What improvements are most needed?
• What questions do you have about resumes?
• What feedback have employers given you (if any)?

COVER LETTER QUICK REVIEW

• Cover Letter: Quick Review
• Not always required, but often helpful
• Shows motivation and professionalism
• Should be tailored to the job

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

• Too generic
• Repeats the resume
• Too long
• Grammar or spelling errors

Reflection Question

• Have you used a cover letter before?
• When do you think it is helpful?
• What part is hardest to write?

JOB SEARCH STRATEGY REVIEW

• Job Search Reflection
• Where have you applied so far?
• Have you received any responses?
• What challenges are you facing?

​

Improving Your Job Search

• Apply consistently
• Tailor resume for each job
• Use education-specific employers:
• School districts
• Staffing agencies (e.g., Kelly Education)
• Keep applying while waiting for responses

Career Pathways in Education

• Substitute Teacher
• Teacher Assistant
• Cafeteria Monitor
• Food Service Associate
• Other school-based support roles

Interview Review: Key Reminders

• Speak clearly and confidently
• Dress professionally
• Positive body language
• Be honest and respectful

​

Common Interview Questions (Education)�

• Why do you want to work in education?
• How do you handle challenges with children?
• What are your strengths?
• How do you work as part of a team?

​

Interview Practice (Activity)�

• Volunteer answers
• Group feedback
• Instructor guidance

​

References: Quick Review�

• Always ask permission
• Choose professional references
• Keep contact information updated
• Share references only when requested

​

Final Questions & Support�

• Resume questions
• Interview concerns
• Job search challenges
• Individual support needs

​

Wrap-Up & Next Steps�

• Update your resume and cover letter
• Continue applying and networking
• Prepare for interviews
• Ask for support when needed

​

Thank You�

• You are building your future in education.�Keep practicing, improving, and applying.

​