Kdp: Novice Notes - Job Applications

Your Application Matters Teena R. Gorrow and Rebecca A. Emery

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Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything.

– Xenophon, ancient Greek writer



Get Ready

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Keep accurate dates for all work and field experiences. Print and fill out an applica- tion for reference. Update and have your résumé at hand. Know your certification areas and expiration dates. Know your high school and college GPAs.

The teacher application is not just a form to fill out—it is a great opportunity to present yourself professionally to potential employers. Completing a thorough application that honestly presents your qualifications can expedite your selection for an interview. Conversely, omissions or errors can cost you a job. In fact, a host of application do’s and don’ts emerged from a recent poll of school systems regarding teacher application preferences. FIRST THINGS FIRST: Before you start to fill out an application, get organized and prepare to invest your time. Time spent preparing is well worth it. 1) Obtain the application. Approximately 90% of the school districts polled reported using online applications, so visit the district’s Web site to access information. Even when you are instructed to complete and submit an online form, print the application to gain a perspective of the overall process. Be sure to access the correct application. Most schools have one

for certified applicants and one for noncertified, while large districts may even have multiple applications by subject or grade level. If online applications are not available, contact the district’s central office to request an application packet. 2) Read the entire application, including instructions and requirements, before filling out any information. 3) Contact your references. Educators personally aware of your teaching experience make the best references, so ask your mentors, supervisors, and administrators. Though most school districts make available their own reference form and obtain letters from a college credential file, they prefer individual reference letters. Some districts also accept online references. 4) Gather required credentials, including your résumé, national test scores/Praxis, references, student teaching/intern evaluations, certification eligibility, and transcripts. List them and immediately request any missing documents.

Tips to Apply • Supply contact info where you are most accessible. • List your most recent job first. • List your most recent education first. • Include references. • Read your application again to check for spelling and grammatical errors. • Remember to sign your application!

For Tomorrow’s Teacher

Test Your Teacher Application IQ

1) True or False School systems prefer online teacher applications. 2) True or False Incomplete or inaccurate contact information is a prevalent problem reported by districts. 3) True or False Flawed information could prevent applicants from moving forward in the process. 4) True or False Requesting that your reference write an individual letter is a good strategy. 5) True or False Submitting a mid-term student teaching/intern evaluation is unnecessary. Score Key: If you answered True to each question, you earned an A+. Stepping Into Your Career

GETTING STARTED: Once you are organized, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind as you start the application. Allow yourself time to be thorough. • Do follow instructions! • Do pass up the temptation to exaggerate. Be honest and straightforward by presenting accurate information about your experiences and credentials. • Don’t forget your professionalism. Supply correct, up-to-date contact information including a permanent home address, two phone numbers, and an e-mail address other than your campus information. Steer clear of unprofessional voice mail messages, amateurish e-mail

names, and suggestive cell phone ringtones or on-hold music. • Do provide complete information. Don’t assume that you will be called to provide omitted information—incomplete information can take you out of the running. Carefully list education background, experiences, dates, test scores, and certification status. Ask a trusted mentor to proofread your application for errors and omissions. • Don’t use phrases such as “see résumé” and “see above,” which simply save your time. Provide the information requested in the appropriate spaces to make it simple for the reader to view your credentials with ease—the reader

We Asked . . . They Said

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could be your next employer! Do correctly spell the district name. Double check and don’t rely on spell checker to catch errors. Do keep paper forms clean and type or write legibly. A sloppy application indicates careless performance and might screen you out of the process. Don’t rush to press send or seal the envelope; wait a day to go back for a final review. Do follow up with the district to ensure that your application was received and to determine next steps. Do take advantage of technology to monitor and update your application online.

for the position for which he or she has applied. If this information is not included, I rule out the applicant.” • Missing transcripts, application, letter of interest, and evidence of certification automatically eliminate an applicant.

We asked: What one piece of advice would you offer a teacher who is completing a teacher application? They said: • Always tell the truth. • Cover letters matter. Set yourself apart from other candidates, pointing out special endorsements or related work experiences. Develop a creative “hook” that gets attention and establishes compelling reasons for districts to hire you. • Always convey a professional tone when communicating with prospective employers. • Submit very specific information about current certification status. • Spend a lot of time on one application done well, and then print two copies—one to send and one to save as a prototype for future applications. Because most applications are online, some information will be the same and you can modify your answers for the rest. • Fill out the application carefully, making sure to complete all information.

Dr. Teena Ruark Gorrow, Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Salisbury University in Maryland, is a former public school teacher, principal, and central office administrator.

We asked: Would incomplete information on an application prevent an applicant from getting an interview? They said: • “When reviewing applications, the first thing that I look for is whether the candidate is certified

Dr. Rebecca A. Emery, Director of Career Services at Salisbury University, networks with education employers, arranges education job fairs, and conducts workshops for teacher candidates seeking employment.

We asked: What are other costly errors you see in the teacher applications you receive? They said: • Not following instructions. • Incomplete or incorrect contact information. • Missing student teaching/internship information. • Incomplete employment history/background. • Not specifying the desired position. • Not including references.

Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education

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