Following Up on Job Applications

May 8, 2004 9:42 AM

I've finished my teacher education program and now I want a job. I sent out resumes to every school system I was interested in and followed up with the basic "Just want to confirm you received it" blah blah blah. I've been told that, now that some systems are posting openings, I should be calling them regularly to keep them aware of my name. But... what do I say?

Also, how do I get past the office staff and talk to the people making decisions? How important is it to do that? How much is too much? If I get somewhat shot down, is there any recovery? (Specifically there, I called to ask when Mr. Assistant Superintendent would be beginning the interview process, was told that he already has, could I schedule a time to speak with him, told that he's already called everyone he wishes to speak to.)

posted by ferociouskitty to Work & Money (3 answers total)

I am not and have never been located in Ohio, so take this as you wish. I would go and speak to the principals of the campuses that you wish to work for. Give each of them a resume and let them know that you are interested in working for them on that campus. The secretaries are usually pretty decent about getting you in for a minute or two just to let you put a face with a name on your resume.

Before school is usually a bad time as the administrators usually have some sort of duty and lunch time is always bad. Either early morning, or better yet after school is a good time to introduce yourself.

The principal is going to be your direct (or indirect) supervisor so he/she should have a lot of input in the hiring process. If the districts you wish to work for have a human resource person talk to them also. It has been my experience that you have more luck with the individual campus principals.

In Texas teachers can sign their contracts and then be released from them until ~July 1 (depends on the start date for that district.) In many instances a teacher will sign his/her contract to be assured a job for the upcoming year and then begin looking. If they find a job at district #2, they simply resign from district #1. All of that to say this; lots of jobs do not open up until summer.

One other thing; I recommend applying for a job in a district that you do not wish to work for, and you know will have many openings. Interview with that district to get a “feel” for the interview process.
posted by busboy789 at 10:28 AM on May 8, 2004

I don't know anything specific about your area, but in NC, it seemed like the only way to get a teaching job was through the principals. I don't know anyone, from my program or any other, that got a job by applying to the district. I drew a circle with a radius of an hour's drive around my apartment and called every single high school in it, saying "hi, my name is ... and I was calling to inquire whether you had any social studies positions available." Most of the time they transferred me right through to an administrator, and I got all of my interview appointments and three of my offers during those phone conversations.

I also attended a bunch of job fairs -- no leads -- and sent in applications to the districts -- I never ever got an interview that way. And don't worry if you can't find anything right now. I know our school is only hiring to replace people we know will be retiring, and we won't hire for other positions till July -- and then, once school starts, there are always a few more positions to be filled, because we never predict our enrollment well.

Feel free to email me if you need any more advice. Good luck!
posted by Cecilia at 5:01 PM on May 8, 2004

I drew a circle with a radius of an hour's drive around my apartment and called every single high school in it, saying "hi, my name is ... and I was calling to inquire whether you had any social studies positions available."

I still stand by going to see, meet, shake the hand of principals. This puts a face with your name and shows that you have the intuitive to go out seeking them for a job.
posted by busboy789 at 8:41 AM on May 9, 2004