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Successful Job Search Strategies for Education Majors

Heather Morens

Career Coach, Career Design Center

Erwin 116

https://www.geneseo.edu/career-design

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Steps to a Successful Job Search

1) Self-assessment

2) Identify potential openings

3) Prepare job search documents

4) Prepare for interviews

5) Follow-up/thank-you letters

6) Offers and salary negotiation

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Self Assessment

Question: What kind of work do you want to do?

What can I do with this major?

Question: Where do you want to work?

Geographical preference, type of school

Question: Where do you need to put in the most work? What are your biggest concerns? What do you need to know?

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How do I find out about jobs?

Advertised postings

Hidden job market

Networking and referrals

Job fairs and on-campus/virtual recruitment

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Advertised Job Openings

This is NOT how the majority of people find jobs

Although it is important to check out advertised openings, a more effective approach is to uncover the hidden job market

Handshake - Career Design Center job posting site

https://app.joinhandshake.com/login

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Common Application Systems

Monroe 2 BOCES On-Line Application System for Educators: https://monroe2boces.recruitfront.com/Default

NYS Regional Online Application System for Educators - (Capital, Central, Long Island, Lower-Hudson Valley, Mid-Hudson Valley, Northern, Southern Tier, Western Central)

Western New York Regional Information Center On-Line Application System for Educators: www.wnyric.org/application

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Regional Job Search Sites

Teach NYC: http://teachnyc.net/
RecruitFront: https://www.recruitfront.com/

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K-12 General Sites

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Teaching Overseas�

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Teaching Requirements�

�

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Hidden Job Market: �Research and Networking �

Approximately 70-80% of jobs are not posted

This means the majority of your cover letters should be letters inquiring about possible opportunities (i.e. I am writing to inquire about any special education teaching opportunities that may be available for the school year beginning in Fall 20XX)

Develop a key list of schools where you would like to work and begin with that list

Begin contacting school districts with phone calls, visits, social media, completing online applications on district websites, or by sending your cover letter and resume

Keep track of who you are contacting and when you made the contact and what documents you sent them

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Research School Districts�

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Networking Essentials

Face-to-face and online

Connect with Geneseo alumni

Informational interviews

Professional Associations

Conferences/Workshops/Seminars/Networking Events

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Where to start…

Careershift: http://www.careershift.com/?sc=Geneseo

Organizations, contact information and job postings

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Informational Interviewing

What is it exactly?

Interview initiated by you with someone working in a school district

Why they are useful:

gain realistic information about what you've heard or read about the district
expand your knowledge of the job market
build your professional network
learn about the skills and attributes sought in potential hires

Ways to connect:

https://www.geneseo.edu/career-design/informational-interviewing-guide

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Job Fairs &

On-Campus/Virtual Recruitment

Rochester Area Teacher Recruitment Day (TRD)

Typically occurs during the spring semester
Recruiting event planned and coordinated by all of the Rochester area colleges that train teacher candidates
Participating districts include local area districts, as well as districts from other parts of NY state and other states

Career Design Center events calendar

https://www.geneseo.edu/career-design/events/calendar

Information sessions and interviews on Handshake

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Job Search Documents

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Resumes

Resources for Education Majors Career Design Center webpage which includes the following information/documents:

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Cover Letters

Intent to showcase your suitability to the opening - genuine interest
Tailored to school district, or position!
Employer-focused

4 paragraphs:

Opening

How did you hear about the opening? Express interest in position

Why them?

Research the district

Why you?

Matches your qualifications with their needs
Demonstrates skills/personal attributes
What makes you an effective educator?

Closing

Summary of why you are a good fit
Contact information and express gratitude for the consideration

Career Design Center Online Resources

Education Major Sample Cover Letters

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Types of Cover Letters

Letter of Application - This is written when you are applying for a specific position that you definitely know is open within that organization.

Example: I am writing in response to the posting for a Biology teacher on the Albion Central School District website.

Letter of Inquiry - This is written when you are contacting a district to inquire about possible openings when you are unsure of availabilities.

Example: I am writing to inquire about any special education teaching opportunities that may be available in your district for the school year beginning in fall 20XX.

Letter of Referral - This is when someone has suggested that you write the letter and agrees to you using their name in the letter. Both letters of application and inquiry can be written as a letter of referral when appropriate.

Example: I was informed of your employment opportunities through Geneseo’s Elementary Principal, Kelly Sattora.

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Letters of Recommendation

Three to five letters of recommendation are ideal
Most districts now allow applicants to upload their letters of recommendation to the application system (non-confidential)
Letter writers may include

Cooperating/supervising teachers
Principals
Faculty in your discipline/major
Supervisors for related jobs

Notify writers at least 6-8 weeks in advance
Clearly identify the intent of the letter of recommendation
Create a list of your personal and academic achievements that can be given to the recommender (enclose an updated resume)
Always send a thank you letter

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Interview Preparation

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https://geneseo.biginterview.com/

Gives you an opportunity to practice interview questions with the ability to record, review, and share your answers.
For content specific to educators, log in to Big Interview, select Practice Interview > By Industry > Teaching Profession.

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FINAL JOB SEARCH TIPS

Employ multiple strategies to find a position
Have your resume and cover letter reviewed
Practice for your interview
Dress professionally
Do your homework on the district
Be patient and pay attention to where you get stuck
Follow-up with your contacts and say thank you (always and often)