I’ve had several people reach out asking if there are things they should be adding to their resume or experiences they should be seeking out while looking for a position. I think there are several key components that can contribute to landing an interview and ultimately, your perfect job!
Disclaimer: I FULLY believe that when you find the right fit for you, it will be the right fit for them. As someone who has interviewed and not gotten positions before, I know now that I am RIGHT where I needed to be, when I needed to be there!
Five tricks that can help separate you from the pack:
- Know your information. If you’re emailing, know who you are talking to and their role. Take the extra step to know more about the campus/district you’re applying too. A cut/paste generic intro letter looks just like…a copy/paste generic letter.
- Think on your feet! An interview is an opportunity to show you’re a quick thinker. Spend some time preparing yourself.
- Maintain professionalism. From your resume copies to your shoes. Bring your A game. YOu never know what little detail will separate you from the rest!
- Some key phrases that will stand out? “I’m a life long learner, always willing to grow!” “Feedback? I LOVE feedback!!” “I get the job done, no matter what it takes!”
- Examples, examples, examples…speak to specific examples from your experience that relate to the question asked. There’s a method called STAR that I’ve found to be really helpful, especially when I am nervous! The STAR method is :- S – Situation, background set the scene T – Task or Target, specifics of what’s required, when, where, who A – Action, what you did, skills used, behaviours, characteristics R – Result – Outcome, what happened?
It’s never to early to let your places of interest know you are interested. Every district runs a different hiring ship! Send a note, and then a follow-up when you see a posting you’re interested in, with your resume/letter attached.
Good luck if you’re searching!!
Amber
This is helpful! Love your blog and twitter post. I am looking for a teaching job in the fall. Keep in touch and have a great summer.