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Good points, JaKay. As a person who has been on hiring committees for school librarians we are looking for someone who is positive and a team player. After all, we're working with others collaborating, and if they're not to that point, we should be working to build bridges for collaborative teaching in the future. I look for someone with a sense of humor and isn't put off by kids being kids. They're going to do the unexpected and it helps the program and the school if we can deal with issues in a calm professional manner. As much as possible, know the demographics of the district and the school. We asked one applicant for an elementary job who was her favorite author/illustrator and she admitted she didn't know children's literature. She couldn't think of one! Good luck! Jan Cole LMS Horace Mann Elementary Duncan, OK n2books@cableone.net 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. 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