I thought this might be a good topic in the "heat" of summer, since many of
us are currently searching for positions. I wrote this for a school board.
It was written for a lady that stated that she was over 50 and just starting
her career as a teacher. I have edited a bit for our profession.
I am hoping that the comments are general enough to cross international
lines.
JaKay
1. School districts will start hiring between April-June, May-June,
June-Aug, Aug-Sept, and Thanksgiving. It depends on the school district.
Some want to have all interviewing done before school is out, some don't
want to hire until after the first day back, that way they can hire you on a
temp contract. Have patiience. The hiring process has just started, and
there are LOTS of people who are looking. And you will have some
competition. Just know, when you are hired you will be considered the BEST
for your position.
2. Age, can play a factor. If the school already has an aging population,
then they will be looking for younger applicants. BUT, REALLY play up your
life experiences if you are older. That you ARE more patient now, that you
have already raised your children, and understand the pressures that parents
go through, etc. Talk that you have the experience of other jobs and can
translate the experience to this school.
3. Credentials: Make sure that you have the BEST references that you can
get. If you do not like how something is worded, ask the person to rewrite
that section. Even ask someone you might not think will write one. You
might be surprised. Also, have a short list of items that you would like to
have commented on if the person asks. That you work well with others. That
you have been active in being a life-long learner.
4. Subbing may be the way to get into a school district, BUT for some large
districts, they will NOT hire their subs. Ask the Substitute Personnel about
the percentage of subs that are hired on a yearly basis. This will tell you
which type of school you are at. Also, if you do not find work, SUB. Get
your face out there. Hand resumes to the building principal/administration
to let them know that you are interested in permanent work.
5. Send letters. Let them know that you are available for interviews when it
is convenient for them. If you know any staff within the district, ask them
to let you know when a position is posted internally.
6. WATCH what you say online!!! Make sure that your comments are ALWAYS
positive or neutral. It is amazing what can be learned about a person via
GOOGLE.
7. Don't give up. But you may need to broaden your perimeters a bit. What
else is in your profession? Can you move?
8. If you are NOT working, then volunteer. Be seen. Be known.
9. Write for the local newspaper about the WONDERFUL things you see
happening in the school for the guest opinion editorials. Again, get your
name KNOWN. Yes, administrators LOVE having people who are positive and
active in promoting education in a positive light. KEEP copies to include
in your resume.
10. Attend board meetings. Again, get your FACE known. People like to hire
who they already know and are comfortable with.
11. Write for the professional journals--This includes ANYTHING in
education, not just librarianship. Did you work with a new technology? then
write about the pros/cons. Read a book? then write a review. Want to
praise someone for doing a wonderful job? then write it up for the
district/regional/state newspaper or journal. Write for an
administration/principal journal about how the administration can
help/benefit from a librarian.
12. Attend workshops/conferences were you can receive some of the latest
training. Think you might need to know about Web 2.0? then attend a
workshop and learn the basics.
Okay, you get the picture. BE active. STAY positive.
AND REALLY have 3 CLOSE friends in the profession to whom you can vent.
They can give you good perspective that YES, you WILL survive this.
I am ALSO looking--AGAIN--for a position--library. But I have 18 years of
experience, so I understand that I will REALLY have to sell myself and
abilities because of too much experience. I need to tell them EXACTLY why
they need a very experienced person. And, I will bring SEVERAL items with
me that I have created to show what type of services I will/am capable of
providing for this school.
JaKay Greer
Teacher-Librarian
St. Helens, Oregon
_________________________________________________________________
http://liveearth.msn.com
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