Using modern networking methods will help you in various ways throughout your school principal, teaching, or college instructor career.
While searching for a new career in education, it helps to network with others to gain information about which school districts are hiring.
The ability to network during your job search will greatly benefit your teaching career and overall success. The larger your network is, the more support and information you will have at your fingertips. Want to learn more?
Below are reasons why you need to network consistently to improve your career and professional life. Using modern networking methods will help to ensure you don’t come across as demanding or annoying.
Modern Networking Methods – It’s a Two-Way Street
Job search networking is one of the top ways to land an education job. Many jobs, especially at a higher-level, are unadvertised, and many job seekers discover leads through some form of networking. The caliber of jobs found through networking tends to be better and more coveted. A personal connection to the decision-maker is an excellent way to get your resume and cover letter on the top of the pile.
To prove just how effective career networking for educators is, think about ten of your employed friends. How many of them got their jobs through a form of networking versus the traditional teaching job search approach? I bet you find that networking far outweighs conventional methods.
Sure they had to submit their resume, letter of intent, and an application like every other teacher or administrator, but did they find out about the opening before the public?
LinkedIn can be a benefit to your career and job search in many ways. If you use LinkedIn, have your profile in top-notch shape. If you need help, we write many LinkedIn profiles to help clients get noticed by recruiters and decision-makers.
Many educators claim that networking only works in the corporate world and not in education. Well, I disagree – I have heard many great success stories where networking played a crucial role in securing an education position.
To maximize your network, use your contacts to help gather information, and of course, in return, you would assist them if you can. Networking works much like six degrees of separation. Anything is possible, and you never know just who you or a colleague know until you reach out and connect and ask a few questions.
Everyone wants to meet someone. As a general rule, there are never more than six people between you and the person you would like to make a connection with to gather information. Networking is the best way to access otherwise inaccessible people, like decision-makers of school districts.
Having contacts within certain districts can help you with learning more about the school community. They can give you the scoop about the students, parents, staff, and the work environment to better prepare your job application and for the interview.
Who would be better to talk to about the available job than with someone you know and who has an inside edge?
Another significant advantage of networks is that it is a two-way street. It’s a circle of friends who help each other to improve their careers. When you help others, they may assist you in return. Everyone likes helpful people – good things will likely come back to you if you are using to other job seekers.
In every social situation you are in, let the people you meet leave knowing who you are, what you do, and how to get ahold of you. Career opportunities come from unexpected places and when you least expect them. Involving yourself in professional development opportunities can generate new relationships.
When you least expected it, you could randomly talk with someone looking for a person with your skills. For this reason, keep your education resume in tip-top shape and business card handy.
If you need assistance with any aspect of your job search, reach out to Candace today. Read more about her background, experience, and success in helping others just like you.
