Tips on Applying
When you’ve successfully found a job posting that appeals to you, follow these steps to maximize your chances of landing the position.
Craft a cover letter
Job listings often request a cover letter along with your resume or CV. It’s best to write this cover letter after you’ve selected a particular position to apply to. This allows you to tailor your cover letter to meet the needs of that specific employer, thus increasing the chances of you being selected for an interview — and hopefully for the job. Regardless of how you specialize them, all cover letters posses similar characteristics. Include your name, address and contact information in the top left-hand corner, followed by the date. Address the letter to the principal or hiring manager in charge of the position to which you are applying. Be sure to include that person’s work address (if this information is unavailable in the listing, call the school to obtain it). The cover letter should not exceed one page and is typically made up of three paragraphs. In your introduction, clearly state why you’re writing, indicating the exact position you’re applying for and how you heard of the opening. The second paragraph should include why you are interested in the post and how you are qualified for it. If you have any knowledge of or past experience with the particular school or district, include it. In the concluding paragraph, indicate your interest in an interview, explain how your credentials can be verified (via relevant contact information) and thank the reader for their time and consideration. Click here to view the cover letter that got a real-life teacher successfully hired.
Obtain recommendations
Prospective employers may request a letter of recommendation to find out what others have thought of your instructional abilities. These recommendations are best written by those who have seen you in action, like prior students or coworkers. You may be hesitant to solicit a writer, but a positive letter of recommendation from a prior student is like the testament of a satisfied customer — nothing could make a better case for hiring you. In order to make your writer’s task simpler, explain to them what you’re looking for: a letter, including the writer’s name, title, address and contact information, that is addressed to your potential employer or the hiring manager (including their name, title, address). The letter should discuss the writer’s experience with you as it is relevant to the position you are applying for. Ask the writer to review the circumstances of your experience, cite specific reasons for their support and offer to follow-up their recommendation (e.g. “If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at …”). If possible, ask them to use official letterhead from their work or other organization that they are involved in. Do not ask current students as this creates an obvious conflict of interest.
Track attempts
Stay organized. Keep track of the job listing you’ve pursued to keep from accidentally repeatedly contacting people. Bundle together your inquiry emails and cover letters for easy access; if an employer does call you back, having these materials organized and accessible can be helpful. Noting the dates of each contact is also useful in cases of follow-ups. Emails do get lost in the clutter of people’s inboxes, so if you haven’t received a reply after a few days, one more inquiry may be appropriate. Don’t over do it though. Allow your prospective employer ample time to reply because no one likes a pest.
