Don’t let potential job search liabilities hamper your enthusiasm for landing a new education position. Some job-seeking educators feel their employment applications will not be rejected for job postings because of prior work experience or personal reasons.
Most job seekers believe these employment liabilities will significantly diminish their chances of securing an education position. It isn’t always the case.
How to Overcome Job Search Liabilities
The truth is that imperfections in work history or age discrimination issues are fast becoming a primary concern for many job seekers. They believe they have more than one obstacle to overcome. Identifying potential job search liabilities as a teaching candidate is necessary to improve your job search results.
Among the most commonly encountered concerns is the applicant’s age. Still, some teaching candidates have to overcome employment history gaps, consolidate a diverse career history, or have an educational background different from the new teaching career they want to pursue.
Age Concerns or Age Discrimination
If you identify your age as a job-search liability, ask yourself: Are you only using it as an excuse to procrastinate on starting your job search?
Job seekers who lack confidence or are confused about how to start their job search often see their age as a reason they are unable to obtain a teaching job in the first place.
If this is your case, you need to address this issue honestly. I will help you overcome it and get started on your job search immediately. Not all schools consider applicants’ age a barrier to hiring for teaching positions. As long as you have the right skills, you do not have to worry about being accepted due to your age because all that matters is your ability to perform as a talented educator.
How to Alleviate Concerns
I have had past clients worried about age discrimination, but you can alleviate any concerns by showing your eagerness to work for several years if you can get to the interview. Additionally, I would recommend highlighting your recent training, technology expertise, and professional development to demonstrate that you are continuing to learn and adapt your teaching methods. Some school representatives may think that older teachers don’t adjust to change—for the most part, this isn’t true.
Highlight your maturity, wealth of experience, and classroom success stories as assets. Tailor your cover letter and resume to meet the school district’s needs by showing your expertise in the areas they seek in a new teacher.
Regarding gaining interviews, your resume hides your age by only showing your recent professional experience. If you like, you can take the graduation date for your degree off the resume.
Limited Teaching or Children-Related Job Experience
If schools only hired people with enough job experience, the possibility of career advancement would be nil. Remember that many teaching candidates lack a job requirement or two, and you are not exempt. Do not be afraid to look for available teaching jobs where you do not have all the qualifications required by the schools.
Schools don’t always expect candidates to have everything they’ve listed in the job posting. The job posting lists the attributes they are looking for in their new teacher. The candidate selected effectively communicates their passion and possesses the qualifications required for the job posting. During the interview process, the candidate shares their success stories.
Showcasing Relevant Experience
More often than not, it is enough to showcase your specific teaching experience while emphasizing your extraordinary eagerness and enthusiasm to take on new challenges at work. Bear in mind that the decision to hire a teacher is usually based on your attitude towards teaching and your overall job experience.
Many schools are willing to hire a teacher with limited experience and work history if they demonstrate enthusiasm for teaching and a commitment to professional growth.
Be proactive and address any concerns by taking the necessary steps to prepare in advance, creating a positive job search experience.
