First, create a list of potential districts/schools. Do some research on each district to determine the most appropriate individual to speak with, and learn about the school's vision, strategic plans, and future goals.
Once you have made successful contact with someone within a district, follow through with a simple thank you letter indicating that you are grateful for the opportunity to speak with the individual and that you are particularly interested in working for their district. After sending off your letter, wait a few weeks; then follow up with a telephone call, restating your interest in the district.
If you are not looking for a job at the moment, it is still important that you maintain your network list, adding to it when you can. You may ask, "Why do I need a networking list when I'm not looking for a new career?" The answer is that networking puts you in a winning position and keeps you "on the inside" with individuals who can make things happen. Maintaining contact with your developed network will allow you to take advantage of any future opportunities that may arise.
Good networking is vital to your job seeking success; always maintain good relationships with your contacts and keep in touch with the new people you meet on your journey.
Tips for Great Networking
- Show sincerity
- Be true to your word
- Be polite and formal
- Respect people's time
- Do not expect payback
- Treat referred friends with care
- Introduce yourself-don't wait to be introduced
- Always say thank-you
- Follow-up
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An Extra Tip for Your Job Search
After you send out your applications, you will hopefully get calls for job interviews. Many districts will do an initial telephone interview, so it is important to be prepared. If you have sent out many applications, and someone calls to discuss it further, I would suggest taking their name, district or school, phone number, and a good time you can call back, rather than trying to take the call at that moment. This will allow you to get your thoughts together, do some research on the district/school, etc. You can always politely ask if you can call them back within the next hour. This will ensure that you are prepared for the telephone interview.
About the Author
Candace Davies, Owner of A+ Resumes for Teachers, is a Global Career Management Professional dedicated to assisting educators worldwide to leverage their strengths, accomplishments, and unique selling points to capture their dream position. Her team has successfully assisted 3000+ education professionals by transforming their talents into concise documents that secure numerous interviews, leading to excellent job offers. Candace is dually certified as a Professional Resume Writer, Certified Employment Interview Professional, Certified Interview Coach, Certified Electronic Career Coach, and Certified Career Coach. Please visit her website at resumes-for-teachers.com, send her an email to candoco@telus.net, or call toll-free 877-738-8052.
