Saturday, March 9, 2013

A Cry for Help...

As you may have picked up already, I am currently a student teacher.  This means I am in the middle of the very daunting task of applying for an actual, real-life, big girl, salaried job.

This is absolutely terrifying.  I officially submitted my first application today, and actually had a minor panic attack when that big SUBMIT button showed up on my screen.  The fast breathing, the nausea, even a few tears...the whole shebang.  It was kind of embarrassing.

But I kept worrying that I hadn't made myself look good enough on paper.  There's not much you can do anymore to set your application apart.  You can't just stop by and drop off a resume anymore - they literally will not even take it in most places.  The application process has you fill in tiny bits of information at a time, so I'm sure every application looks exactly the same to the people reading it.  I can only say so much in a cover letter, and I definitely can't hand anyone a pink, scented resume, Elle Woods style.

So here's the thing, slicers.  You are all teachers.  Actual, real-life, big-girl (or boy), salaried teachers.  How did you do it?  I would really and truly love and cherish any little piece of advice that might help find this girl a job and get her into her own apartment.  Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance :)

4 comments:

  1. I'm surprised to hear you can't hand deliver a resume! It's still okay to do that here... I know many people are long-term subs and get to know the teachers and admin on those campuses, also. I landed my first teaching job from a district job fair -- took my portfolio along and shared my teaching beliefs... and the rest is history! But I know how you feel; I'm in the process right now for a different position and feeling nervous. But you will find your just-right spot. Give it a little time, BREATHE, and enjoy the ride. :)

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  2. Persistence and optimism are key attributes -- stay determined in seeking opportunity and be open to possibility, even things that might seem off your radar screen. Be humble and willing to go where the work is. And when opportunity strikes itself, be ready to talk about and show who you are in detailed and unique ways. Interview self-prep -- anticipating questions and what your answers will be, defining your thoughts about each dimension of teaching, is very helpful; preparation shows in an interview setting, as does your genuine self.

    It will work out eventually; you just have to bring a lot of positive energy and patience to the table. Good luck!

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  3. One of the things that helps people get jobs in my district is simply knowing someone to get a foot in the door. Talk to people you know that are teaching- your supervising teacher, people you have met, people that graduated the year before you, etc. Also be prepared to work as a para or sub for a year, or work at a private school to gain some experience. And remember, lots of new teachers don't get jobs until August, right before school starts. I actually got my first job when a new school had too many kindergarten kiddos, I think I started in late September. It was half time and I taught in the morning and worked as a receptionist in the afternoon. The next year, I started working full time. Good luck!

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  4. Subbing is a great way to get your foot in the door and get to know people. When you are able to network with other educators and they know you are looking for a job before you know it you'll have a permanent sub job and from there you get to wow them! It's a tough place to be right now but keep at it and be persistent.

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