Identify and incorporate qualities relevant to the position you are seeking in your job search documents. Start your resume with a vital area of strengths and skills section to showcase you are a viable career changer job applicant. If you have little to no classroom experience, you may be wondering how to find them.
An excellent way to determine your areas of expertise (or areas of knowledge if you prefer not to call yourself an “expert”) is to examine the different topics you covered while completing your schooling in education. Reflect on your classroom observations or practicum experiences to identify the teaching skills you strengthened or issues you excelled in.
Items you may wish to include are:
- Use of manipulatives
- Technology integration
- Guided reading
- Individualized support
- Parent-teacher conferences
- Hands-on learning
- Group projects
- Graphic organizers
- Creative learning environment
Additional items to include:
- Needs assessment and analysis
- Performance management
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Group discussions
- Brainstorming sessions
- Motivation
- Mentoring
As a career changer, if you find it hard to develop education-related skills, this last group could have easily been experienced (and perfected) at one or more of your other positions in your past career. Incorporate qualities that school principals will be seeking in new teachers.
Regardless of the areas you wish to include, make sure they are relevant to the grade level you wish to teach. For instance, if you hope to be a high school chemistry teacher, you will want to discuss hands-on experiments instead of guided reading. If you are applying to be an early childhood educator, you will include cooperative learning or socialization skills instead of career preparation.
First, determine your top-notch vital areas of knowledge and relevant skills. The next step is to incorporate qualities you want to highlight in your resume and other job search documents.
Highlight Your Relevant Skills in a ‘Key Skills’ Section
In your resume, you will have an entirely separate section devoted to these unique skills. The header will read “Areas of Expertise” – or “Knowledge” depending on your particular level of familiarity with them.
Arrange your topics in bullet point format in two separate columns to draw the reader’s eye. If you want to include more than ten points, you may wish to arrange them in a horizontal list, spread across three lines, with markers such as • or ~ in between them.
Either format will make these words pop and let the reader know right away you have what it takes to be an outstanding new teacher.
Incorporate Qualities and Highlight Your Skills In Your Cover Letter
In your career change cover letter, you need to be subtler about presenting these various topics. Do not list them or use bullet points that only list the skills, but instead explain how you use these skills or traits to enhance the learning process. In full-sentence format, include three or four lines about your areas of expertise.
For example:
• By incorporating manipulatives, complementary activities, and small group projects, I can establish a hands-on classroom environment that entices all students to learn; or
• By utilizing different forms of technology such as the Internet, SmartBoard, and digital cameras, I can successfully reach out to all students and facilitate their unique learning styles; or
• I encourage student learning by developing and implementing exciting lesson plans that convey the information in a meaningful and relatable manner.
Incorporate Qualities – Desired By All School Districts
Besides skills and job responsibilities, there are personal traits that all school districts look for in their teachers and support staff. Being a good educator teaches a student the core subjects and helps the student develop academically and socially.
If you are to make the shortlist for job interviews, you must be able to demonstrate you are far more than just “good.” Show potential school district representatives. You are an incredible person and would be a real asset to their school or district.
Passion for Teaching and Learning
One such quality you must be able to demonstrate is a passion for teaching and learning. If students see that you are excited about learning, they will be too. Remaining enthusiastic and keeping the drive to educate alive will always find your job meaningful and rewarding.
Supportiveness
Another teaching trait that is sought after by administrators is supportiveness. Each student is unique and comes with their own goals, needs, learning style, talents, and issues. It is your responsibility to get to know your students as best you can to accommodate them appropriately. It’s crucial to let your students know you are there to support them and help them any way you can.
Creativity
Potential school district representatives highly desire creativity. Spice up your lectures, incorporate new complementary resources, and find other innovative ways to reach out to students; you will gain an edge over your competition.
Dry lectures are a thing of the past. Teachers need to facilitate auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learners – types that can vary by grade level. Utilize your creativity to bring the classroom to life and keep students actively engaged in the learning process.
Goal-Driven
A goal-driven nature is another quality you should possess. This trait goes hand-in-hand with enthusiasm. If you are already eager to help your students learn, set the bar high and help them achieve greatness in your classroom.
Your goal should be to ensure no student gets left behind, and each person reaches their potential—set goals for yourself as a teacher, as well as your classroom. Encourage students to participate in goal setting and achievement.
Cooperative
Cooperation is a must and highly desired. As an educator, you will be working with a very diverse population, including the students, staff, and parents. You must understand how to communicate and get along with others, regardless of personality type. Convey a willingness to cooperate with others in the school population, listen to their thoughts and concerns, and collaborate to develop effective solutions.
By consciously incorporating qualities in your resume and cover letter, you will surely pique the reader’s interest and gain a better edge for landing a teaching interview.
When you do receive that call for the interview, remember these above qualities that helped you get there. During your meeting, reiterate them and work to keep these traits healthy during your new profession as an educator.
If you need help writing a resume and cover letter, reach out for help. Email Candace or call toll-free at 1 877 738 8052. Check out the services we offer or the resume samples on our website.
