Find out what you need to do to make a career change to education by reading these job search transition tips. Changing careers to teaching or a different position in a school, such as becoming a principal, can be difficult, especially if you haven’t taken the time to uncover and communicate your transferable skills and accomplishments in your resume to target an education job.
Keep in mind; you need to have the proper education requirements and credentials required by the state or province to apply for a position.
Are you going from a familiar career to a totally unknown position? If you have never taught in a classroom, you may be wondering how you can show prospective school districts you have the teaching skills and passion for doing the job. You may discover that you did teach children or mentored colleagues somewhere along your career path if you look hard enough.
For instance, if you are an administrative assistant and have trained other oncoming assistants, then you have “taught.” You would have taken the time to outline what is required in the position and explained how each task is to be accomplished. You may have also passed on hints and tips to do the job more competently, thus helping your co-worker catch on quickly. Your manager might have also asked you to evaluate the new employee’s performance and make appropriate recommendations.
Or perhaps you help coach your child’s sports team. This requires patience and the ability to communicate with others. You have to guide children through the rules and play of the game while assisting them in honing their skills and becoming better players. You will have worked with the team as a whole, as well as with players on a one-on-one basis, much like in a classroom.
Maybe you are a day home provider looking to help children grow in a more formal environment. The time you spend nurturing their individual gifts and helping them learn the basics corresponds to early childhood education. Highlight these instructional responsibilities in your resume and cover letter and convey them once more during your interview.
If you have never instructed a colleague or coached a child, then you might want to look at doing these things. Even if you have the degree or certification, it does not guarantee you a teaching position. The job market is extremely competitive right now, and you need to stand out from the other job candidates. Some extracurricular activities that you may wish to pursue, which could help you land a position include:
- Tutoring struggling students
- Coaching a sports team
- Working as a classroom assistant
- Helping with an after-school program
- Leading a church Sunday school group
- Supervising at a day- or summer camp
Volunteering in your local community is another great way to attract positive attention as a teaching candidate, so make sure they appear on your resume. Different avenues you might want to take include:
- Reading to children at the library.
- Serving food at a soup kitchen
- Supervising at a homeless shelter
- Comforting people as part of a victim services unit
- Assisting with local non-profit initiatives
- Fundraising for a local cause
Another good idea is to ask for additional responsibilities at work that includes leadership or instructional element. Offer to train new employees or mentor those who may need extra assistance. Consider volunteering to set up or revise the company’s process manual, which can be similar to developing lesson plans.
The resume writers at A+ Resumes for Teachers have created many resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles for career changers. If you need resume writing help, contact Candace via email or 1 877 738 8052.
