Job Searching for Teachers Presented by: Kim Meredith, LPC, NCC Assistant Director, Career Counselor (678) 547-6584 meredith_kc@mercer.edu

Teacher Recruitment Fair Provided by the Mercer Career Services Office Thursday, February 13, 2014 Mercer macon campus university center 9:30 a.m. Sign-up not required Professional attire and Résumé required See your Mercer BEARlink account for list of participating school systems.

Optional Event www.GISA-schools.org SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2014 Mercer atlanta campus AACC Building 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Sign-up is not required List of participating employers coming soon…usually Woodward, Marist, etc. Lots of Atlanta area schools. Appropriate fair for all certification areas Not all the employers that recruit at this fair require certification *This event is open to the public. Mercer participants are given a chance to talk to recruiters first, from 1:00-1:30, before the event opens to the public at 1:30 p.m.

A Marketing & Sales Tool. Resumes A Marketing & Sales Tool.

Your Résumé Must Be: Crisp Concise Compelling High Impact

Resumes Should showcase your achievements or contributions, not just list your past jobs Should tell the results or impact of your work Should consider the needs of the employer (from researching) and tailor what you have to offer around their needs Should use educational jargon

What is a High-Q / HQ Teacher? Teachers are considered to be highly qualified if they have: a bachelor’s degree 2) full State certification 3) demonstrated competence in subject knowledge teaching skills From the Georgia Professional Standards

Resumes Should Stress That You Are High-Q! TOP of your resume: High-Q Definition a Bachelor’s Degree Full State Certification demonstrated competence in… subject knowledge And teaching skills List Your Bachelor’s Degree Name of Degree “Expected Month/Year” Name of Granting Institution: Mercer University GPA (if above 3.0) Honors / Societies Not Certified Yet, But List these: “Passed GACE Content Exam, Month/Year” T4 Early Childhood T4 Middle Grades: “Math & Science” Sell Your Competence! Consider these sections: “Qualifications” “Strengths” “Profile”

Sample Top ½ of a Resume - Shows Critical Selling Points! Mercer A. Student 1001 Atlanta Drive ♦ Atlanta, GA 30341 ♦ 404-222-0000 Mercerstudent@hotmail.com ♦ www.mercerstudent.com SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER Passion and proven track record for teaching SWD to excel! QUALIFICATIONS Experience in teaching collaborative classes during my student teaching which included students with EBD, SLD, ADHD, and OHI Focused teaching strategies to meet the needs of SWD - resulted in a 30% increase in mastery of GP standards in writing during student teaching Researched effective strategies to teach writing and reading comprehension to SWD for my Adolescent Development and Learning, Teaching Exceptional Learners, and Research classes at Mercer University Awarded Teacher of the Month during student teaching for my commitment to helping students achieve mastery of GP standards for reading comprehension and writing Received the following praise for my Analysis of Student Learning: “This is one of the best Analysis of Student Learning that I have ever received. You were very thorough with supporting details and you actually learned from the experience. Fantastic job.” Somebody Here, University Supervisor Georgia T4 Teaching Certificate - Expected May 2011 Early Childhood and Special Education General Curriculum Consultative (P-12) EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED) Expected May 2011 Mercer University, Atlanta, GA GPA: 3.71

Classic Clichés to Avoid on Your Resume “Planned, created, and instructed lessons” “Assisted in the classroom instruction” “Took attendance roll” “Met with parents in conferences” These are too VAGUE! To avoid basic, cliché statements on your Résumé, you must take the time to reflect on your contributions and achievements during your field experiences, practicum, and student teaching (and any other classroom experience you may have). It’s not enough to recite basic teacher duties on your Résumé. Really tell the value and reach of your contributions by writing content in the Résumé that captures the reader’s attention and shows how you are different than every other certified teacher in the candidate pool.

Two Ways to Customize Your Teacher Résumé! (and avoid those clichés!) Use the PSRV exercise to help you write your contributions and achievements Deconstruct the job description and use language from it to capture the reader

How to… Get to Your Contributions/Achievements PSRV Exercise: (just an exercise to get your thoughts rolling) Problem/Issue/Challenge/Situation Solution Result Value Let’s Try PSRV Now! One of the most challenging aspects of writing an effective resume is one’s inability to think confidently about how they’ve contributed positively to various work, school, volunteer or life situations. The purpose of the PSRV exercise is simply to force you to think about your current and past experiences in a way that helps you synthesize your overall contributions. Complete this exercise on a blank piece of paper numerous times. Once you’ve racked your brain and come up with some problems/issues/challenges/situations that you’ve helped solve, you must decide which ones are meaningful on the resume you’re writing now. Which ones tell about your ability to perform the job you’re aiming for now? Which ones sell your skills/abilities/accomplishments to your next employer? Use those to ensure that your Résumé is customized to the particular employer/position you are seeking. Note: the PSRV format is not recommended for the actual wording on your resume. It is simply meant to be a brain exercise. Once you’ve gone through the exercise, it is critical to form concise summary statements that represent the situation you want to express. Begin your summary statement with a verb (see resume verb lists…there is one on the Career Services web site or you can Google to find them all over the web!). Example summary statements appropriate for use on a resume: Initiated and grew an After-School Art Club providing students an opportunity to further explore/practice their art interests in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Club has approx. 20 members, is well-known in the county and is now in it’s 6th year. Implemented varied strategies and differentiated assessments meeting needs of a diverse group of students transitioning from local feeder schools, resulting in faster academic progress and assimilation into the school.

How to… Consider the Needs of the Employer Deconstruct the Job Description (JD) This means analyze the JD thoroughly. Highlight key words and phrases. Make a list of the top three things that the employer is looking for. When you find job descriptions that are short and not informative, you must do your research through other means in order to learn about a particular school/county/employer. Through your research, make a checklist of the top three things that employer may be looking for. Some JD’s are short and not very informative Dig deeper.

It’s just not optional… If you want to compete. You Must Study the Employer’s Web Site! Learn enough that you could deliver a thoughtful, fact-filled presentation to the employer, about themselves. It’s just not optional… If you want to compete.

Educational Jargon… Let’s think of some Here’s a great web site to help you create powerful phrases using educational jargon: http://www.sciencegeek.net/lingo.html RTI – Response to Intervention Differentiated Instruction Professional Standards Small Group Cooperative Learning EBD EIP The list goes on and on…make a brain storm list of the things you’ve learned and will be implementing in your classroom. Go to your LiveText account to get some clues!

Which Style Resume? Conservative Creative

Move Education to Top

Resumes Tips for Career Changers Use the “Rule of Relevance” to decide whether to include the experience in your resume First, determine if your experience is in the Education field or outside the field (non-education) Ask yourself if the experience in your past is relevant to your new teaching career. EDUCATION Experience Relevant Non-Education Experience Not Relevant Yes! Sell this in your resume! Yes! Sell this in your resume! List in the employment history, but de-emphasize it by shortening the content.

#1 Turn-off for recruiters… Poor writing skills. Poorly written email to the recruiter Mistakes in grammar or typos in any of your communication Unprofessional looking in format Being informal – use of lowercase, jargon, chat/text talk, etc. Application must also be flawless! Don’t start your email with Hi how are you doing? Doesn’t need to look like your communicating with your friend. Be formal in your writing. You will be disqualified!

Your Job Search A positive outlook!

Job Outlook for Teachers Source:O Net web site

TeachGeorgia.org currently has 270 openings posted. Elementary Teachers Middle School Teachers TeachGeorgia.org currently has 270 openings posted.

100 Best Jobs of 2013 (U.S. News & World Report) School Pyschologist - #13 Speech-Language Pathologist - #28 High School Teacher - #38 Elementary School Teacher - #45 Middle School Teacher - #52 Pre-School Teacher - #55 School Counselor - #59

GAE – Georgia Association of Educators Leverage Your Job Search by Becoming Involved in a Professional Organization! GAE – Georgia Association of Educators www.gae2.org PAGE – Professional Association of Georgia Educators www.pageinc.org

References Select your people wisely. Ask their permission and keep them abreast of your search at all times! A reference that’s not strong can hurt you. (Despite having superior quality resume, cover letter and appearance.)

References List Should match font and overall look of Résumé 3 people is enough Only those who can attest to your strengths as a Teacher! Separate document from Résumé Usually not needed at a fair When an employer asks for references, you can generally supply a one-page list of 3 to 4 people who can speak on your behalf regarding your quality of work, level of integrity, and/or professionalism. When creating a list of references for an employer, keep the following in mind:   Suggested references include bosses, supervisors, team colleagues, professors, or directors. Use the same paper for your reference list that you use for your resume. Set up your reference page with the same personal contact information you use on your resume. Use the same font and style as your resume. (Just cut and paste your personal letterhead used on the resume onto the references page.) List 3 to 4 people with complete contact information including full name (spelled correctly), title, company name, company address including street or post office box, city, state, zip code, telephone number with area code, and email address. Make sure you ask permission from the individuals you list as your references. Prepare them in advance by letting them know the company(ies) you are applying to, the types of positions, and the most important skills related to the positions that you would like them to emphasize. Select employers or professors who can speak well of your past work performance, either in a job, in academic coursework, or in a leadership positions. Keep your references up to date on your progress and be sure to thank them for their support.

References FORM Required by School System

Georgia’s Official Recruitment Clearinghouse www.TeachGeorgia.org A web-based resource tool for educators in Georgia Apply for teaching jobs in Georgia school systems in one place Announces job fairs, information sessions and upcoming events Set up a profile today!

Be attentive to the fact that some counties prefer their own application system rather than the TeachGA application.

What the Recruiters Say For ECSP graduates: they are very interested in your dual certification! For MIGR graduates: Math and Science are highly sought! For all: Special Education Teachers are needed! Principals have access to search through the applicants They can see your resume, references, cover letters…everything! Human Resources professionals are usually not knowledgeable about LiveText But, principals might be. You MUST Build Relationships with People! Network! Student teaching in the county is seen as a plus

Job Search Resources Check out the articles below: 50 Great Questions for Teacher Interviews The questions principals ask during interviews are key to drawing out the personalities of applicants and selecting the right people. Prepare for your next interview by learning the questions principals might ask! The Interview: Principals Share 30 Favorite Questions for Future Teachers Education World's "Principal Files" principals share 30 of their favorite questions to ask applicants. Character(istics) Count! -- What Principals Look for When Hiring New Teachers A recent article on Teaching for Excellence discusses what school principals look for in the new teachers they hire. Which of 15 "can-do" characteristics is most important? Education World asks the Principal Files principals. From the Principal Files: Principals Offer Advice to Job Seekers Have a plan, a portfolio, and a good attitude! That's just some of the advice Education World's Principal Files principals have for soon-to-be college grads looking for their first teaching positions. Are You Ready for That Job Interview? It's that time of year -- school districts are recruiting for fall teaching vacancies. If you dread the interview process, here are some tips that can help you prepare and boost your self-assurance. What Qualities Do Principals Look for in a New Teacher? What do school principals look for in the new teachers they hire? Principals' responses to that question might help others -- principals and teaching candidates -- as they focus their thoughts on the interviews ahead.

Consider Relocating! Example – We recently heard from a rural Georgia school system who is planning to participate in our career fair this year for the first time – they are really eager to hire…specifically Mercerians! At least think about relocation, even if you come to the conclusion that it is just not possible for you and your family.

Consider Other Employment! Certified Teachers are needed by other employers. Develop a List of 10-20 “non-School System” Target Employers When conducting a search for alternate employers, use other keywords: Adolescents Children Education Mentor/Tutor Coach Curriculum Education Leadership Graduation GED preparation BE CREATIVE! Think of other words related to your area of expertise…especially for career changers who may have several years of experience in another field. There may be a way for you to creatively attach your two fields. Example: A previous dental assistant who decides to become an elementary teacher may be able to conduct/teach dental education with a particular employer…orthodontics education for parents, etc. (this may not be the reason you decided to become a certified elementary teacher, but it IS A VALID CAREER OPTION) For a list of ideas, see document entitled “Alternate Employment for Certified Teachers” (provided by Career Counselor)

Job Search Advice Job search through Google For example, this site was found: Search professional organizations When using engines, use keywords other than “teacher” Education Adolescent Mentor/tutor Coach Training Continuing Education Curriculum Advisor Instruction or Instructor

Can your attire hurt your teaching career? Hello Recruiter, My name is… YES!

Wear an interview suit to recruitment fairs! (and interviews) What do I wear? Wear an interview suit to recruitment fairs! (and interviews) And to interviews!

Teachers Are Professionals Showing up at the Recruitment Fair looking like a polished professional will empower you and give you confidence! Which of the people pictured above are not dressed appropriately for a recruitment fair?

Interview Suit Women Matching two-piece suit (pant or skirt suit) Tailored fit (not too tight) Color: navy, grey, taupe, dark brown, tan, olive or black Skirt should be knee-length with no inappropriate slits Wear hosiery with a skirt!

Interview Suit These are all great!

These are unsuitable for career wear. NO! These are unsuitable for career wear.

Interview Shoes for Women Hobbling around a job fair in shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional image, so make sure your shoes are comfortable to wear on all kinds of flooring. Even professional looking shoes get worn out. Don’t mess up your professional appearance by wearing worn out shoes. Shoe polish and some elbow grease can certainly help revive an older pair of shoes. Try it. But, if the shoes still look worn or tattered, replace them. Do not wear worn-out shoes

NOT These Shoes! Heel too high. These shoes are not appropriate for job searching or for daily wear in the workplace!

No! Cleavage is Not Appropriate.

Interview Suit Men A two piece matched suit Solid or pin-striped Tailored fit, including pants length. Navy, dark grey, dark brown, olive or black Briefcase or portfolio instead of backpack

Aim for the “most recommended” look on the far right.

Crisp Sloppy Neat Lack of Neatness Clean Well-Pressed Can you see the difference here between a polished, crisp look and a sloppy, thrown together look? It’s all about preparation. Take the time before your event to make things look polished and crisp!

Interview Shoes for Men No rugged soles for professional attire. Not:

Details of Grooming Polish your shoes! Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. No odors on clothes. Don’t smell like smoke.

Yes, they are still effective. Career Fairs Yes, they are still effective.

Talking to Recruiters at Fairs Be prepared with your WOW elevator speech Practice it BEFORE the event Try speaking to a recruiter at a county that’s not one of your top choices, FIRST Listen to people in front of you or at other tables Know your strengths and weaknesses Don’t get chatty, but don’t feel rushed Close your conversation by asking for their business card

Nervous? Having well-thought-out questions ready to ask can calm you. Puts the “ball back in their court”

When To Use Your Elevator Speech Career Fairs When responding to “Tell me about yourself”  Informational Interviewing  Networking  Interviewing  Happenstance meeting with a new person  Any social situation Practice, Practice, Practice! Consider using Interview Stream – a free web based practice interview site offered to Mercer students/alumni – available through your BEARlink account.

Invest in a Pad-Folio $10 - $50 Can Be Used At: Career Fairs Padfolios: Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate, but if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly. No large tote bags, backpacks, etc. (especially those with loud prints) Stay conservative for your job search. Can Be Used At: Career Fairs Interviews Meetings Conferences

What to bring to the fair Mercer name badge & Mercer ID (Bearcard) Several crisp copies of your resume Enough for employers you want to speak to + 3 Extra copies cannot be made at an event Paper and pen Breath mints Reference sheet Lists at least three professional references See more info, include an example by clicking here Sample of your work (just in case, not req’d) Career portfolio Sample lesson plan Do Not Bring Large Tote Bags and Heavy Outerwear. Don’t forget your pen! You generally always need a pen at a recruitment event. There’s no need to bring large tote bags or heavy outerwear to the event. There is not a place to put these things and they would be too cumbersome to carry throughout the recruitment fair. If your hands are full, then you are more likely to feel frazzled and look unkempt.

After the Fair Follow up with recruiters within 48 hours with a thank-you letter/email. See sample. Stay organized and keep track of who you spoke with, their contact information as well as materials you may have collected. Communicate, especially, with the recruiters that you had meaningful conversations with! Give them a reason to remember you. It’s a good idea to de-brief before leaving the event. Find a quiet place to sit and think about how the event went and who you need to follow up with. Also, make sure you have their business card or contact information!

View list of participating employers in your BEARlink account! go to: www.MercerProfessional.org Go to your BEARlink account to view the list of employers signed up to recruit at the Teacher Recruitment Fair. Password for establishing a new BEARlink account: toby Student Login Link

www.MercerProfessional.org To download this PowerPoint (to access live links) or to access other career related documents pertaining to the teaching profession, Go To: www.MercerProfessional.org Click: “Your Major” Then Click: “Education” Documents used as links in this presentation can be found on our web site, www.Mercer-Professional.org, on the following pages: - Click Your Major, then click Education - Click Resources, then click Career Fair Preparation - Click Resources, then click Networking

To-Do List Mark your calendar for 2/13/14 -- MERCER TEACHER FAIR! Identify your teaching strengths…brainstorm and list them! Research prospective employers Draft your resume Draft your cover letter Get resume and cover letter critiqued Purchase an interview suit Identify your reference people and talk to them Polish your resume & cover letter and tailor to specific employer Complete and submit online employment applications Write your elevator speech Practice your elevator speech and handshake