Oh the Places Youll Go Landing Your Dream

Oh, the Places You’ll Go: Landing Your Dream Job Myra K. Watson Western Carolina University Haywood County Schools

Résumé Tips for Teachers There is no “correct” way to write a teaching résumé, but there are some important things to remember: Aesthetics Content Editing

Aesthetics Good Choices What to Avoid Classic Professional Consistent Format Appropriate Length (1 page) Easy to read Use quality paper Colors Designs Clip Art or Pictures Design that is too ‘busy’

Example of Poor Aesthetics o Text is centered. o Difficult to distinguish between categories. http: //www. craigkunce. com/job-search. bad_resumes. html

Example of Poor Aesthetics o Decorative fonts o Difficult to read http: //www. craigkunce. com/job-search. bad_resumes. html

Example of Poor Aesthetics o Body font is too large o Margins too small o Headings italicized http: //www. craigkunce. com/job-search. bad_resumes. html

Content Good Choices What to Avoid Focus on Teaching Use ‘Achievement Statements’ Use ‘Buzz Words’ in moderation Including Irrelevant Information Making information and descriptions too general

Action Verb + Example + Result Average (Action Verb) Writing an Achievement Statement Tutored an eighth grade student Better (Action Verb + Example) Tutored an eighth grade student in pre-algebra Best (Action Verb + Example + Result) Tutored an eighth grade student in pre-algebra, using teacher’s curriculum to improve grade from a C to a B+ over the course of a year

Good Choices Editing Use reverse chronological order (new to old) Consistent formatting and punctuation Proofread carefully (and have someone else proofread, too!) What to Avoid Errors Sloppy or inconsistent formatting

Necessary Components of a Teaching Resume Identification Certification Education Experience Teaching Experience (Student Teaching) Teaching Related Experience Interactive Field Experience Other Work/Professional Experience Other (optional) Volunteer Experience Leadership Experience Honors/Activities Special Skills/Interests

Appropriate Email Addresses A Word About Email Addresses… Inappropriate Email Addresses myra. watson@gmail. com ilovebeer@yahoo. com mkwatson@yahoo. com sexy. WCUgirl@gmail. com m_watson@hotmail. com evansmommy@hotmail. com **If you don’t have an email like this, create one specifically for your job search**

Example http: //www. wwu. edu/careers/docs/resumehandout_foreducators. pdf

Example http: //www. wwu. edu/careers/docs/resumehandout_foreducators. pdf

Before the Interview….

For Women What To Wear • Tailored Skirt or Pants • Nice Blouse with Blazer or Cardigan • Comfortable Shoes • Simple Jewelry and Hair • Natural Make-Up • Briefcase or Small Purse • Minimal Perfume For Men • Suit & Tie • Dress Pants, Blazer & Tie • Dress Pants and Blazer, No Tie • Dress Shoes, Loafers, etc. • Professional Hair • Minimal Aftershave/Cologne • Briefcase

Things to Remember Women Look at yourself in the mirror standing and sitting in your interview outfit. Make sure you look professional. Clothing should be in good condition and ironed. Hemlines should be knee-length for dresses/skirts and shirts should not be low-cut or revealing. Make sure you can walk comfortably in your shoes. Do not wear shoes that have very high heels or that you are not used to. Remove any non-traditional piercings and cover tattoos. Make sure your hair and nails look professional. No crazy colors!

Men Things to Remember Make sure shoes are polished and clothes are in good condition and ironed neatly. If wearing a tie, make sure it is long enough. Hair should be styled professionally—no mohawks! Remove any nontraditional piercings and cover tattoos. Make sure nails and facial hair are well-tended.

Before Your Interview… Drive to the school. Make sure you know how to get there and where to park. Check out the websites for the school and county. Make note of information about curricula, students, etc. Assemble a teaching portfolio with examples of student work that demonstrate your philosophy. Make a list of questions that you have about the position.

During the Interview… Body Language and Eye Contact Energy and Humor Appropriate Use of Education Jargon Clear, Concise Answers to Questions Focus on Student Learning **Remember you are showcasing yourself! Show your personality and your uniqueness**

Send a personal note of appreciation to each member of the interview committee. Quickly! After the Interview…

http: //www. craigkunce. com/job-search. bad_resumes. html http: //www. wwu. edu/careers/docs/resumehandout_foreducators. pdf https: //www. pongoresume. com/articles/56/good-and-bad-resumes-brwant-to-see-the-difference-. cfm References http: //teaching. monster. com/careers/articles/3373 -a-guide-to-teacherinterviews http: //teaching. monster. com/careers/articles/3367 -10 -secrets-to-aperfect-teaching-interview Powell, K. (n. d. ) Resumes and Cover Letters for Educators, Western Washington University Resume Guide for Teachers, De. Paul University