Education Job Search - Keys to Finding the Perfect Teaching Job
Before beginning your education job search, you may want to take some time to reflect on your personal goals and priorities. Ask yourself "what is it that I want out of my teaching career?" Through the establishment of realistic, specific and attainable goals, you will be able to realize what will make you most happy.
Here are a few points to consider:
- Be Realistic. Make sure your goals are attainable. Also, let your goals be those things you truly wish to accomplish. Don't let your goals be based on a popular fad or trend, or because everyone else is doing it. Do what you do because it is the right thing for YOU!
- Write Down Your goals. Create a plan. Once you create a plan, mentally develop your plan.. How? Begin by writing down your goals and review them often. Maybe even place them on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror. This is a way to remind yourself daily why you get up and do what you do. You are trying to get somewhere. Remind yourself where you are trying to get, and remind yourself often by reviewing the goals you have written.
- Solicit Information. Seek out people with goals similar to yours. Especially seek out those persons who you identify as having some level of success in an area. Then ask them how they reached their goals. Listen and learn. Everyone has a story to tell.
- Now that you have defined your goals and priorities, you will need to begin your job search. As overwhelming as this may seem, it is important that you remain focused and diligent.
Below is a list of resources that often prove beneficial when searching for a job:
- Networking: Make connections with employers and professionals who can help with your job search. LinkedIn is a powerful professional network, understanding how to unlock the benefits of LinkedIn may be worth your time. This involves being proactive about your job search and taking the initiative to make things happen. You may want to connect with friends, family members and contacts made through friends and family. This is no time to be reluctant, let others know you are looking for a job as most people will want to lend a hand. Additionally, you will want to look into professional societies, professional meetings and symposiums that provide an opportunity to link up with employers and professionals.
- Job Fairs: Employment fairs provide excellent opportunities to learn about careers while making initial contact with individuals who may be able to give you vital information and insight as to how to obtain a desirable position.
- Local Employment Agencies: These agencies will provide assistance in finding jobs and have a database of available opportunities. You will find this information useful in identifying hiring practices within your field and within your region.
- Newspapers & Internet: Both the newspaper and the internet are great sources of information providing direction on imminent jobs, articles on future trends and careers, opening of new businesses and companies that are hiring.
- Directories: Utilizing directories such as the local yellow pages and a business-to-business directory will provide you with essential information, allowing you to identify employers and organizations where you can inquire about available positions or future possibilities.
- Cold Calls: You should plan to "cold call" any employers at which you do not have a potential contact. Cold-calling covers the writing and calling of hiring managers to inquire about job openings and possibilities. You will then submit your resume and cover letter to various companies in an attempt to establish a relationship.
The avenues of job hunting is only limited by your imagination!