Resources

5 Things to Ensure You're a Final Candidate

To make it to the final round, you need to set yourself apart. Communicate your strengths, interest, and unique skills that can help the district meet their academic goals.
  1. First Impression
    A cover letter is your first chance to make a great impression. It should make the team want to read your resume.
    • Show them that you’ve done your homework. Address your cover letter to the appropriate person, not “To Whom It May Concern.”
    •  Write the body of the letter so it is short and to the point. State the position you want, where you saw the position posted, why you are the best candidate for the position, and when you are available to meet.
    • Proof read twice! Nothing spells doom faster than a misspelling.
  2. Credentials
    Employers discover a lot about you from the pages of your credentials. Organize and package your resume, portfolio and transcripts to showcase your best attributes.
    • Your resume should be succinct, targeted toward a specific job, and sell your effectiveness and skills.
    •  Your portfolio contents should highlight your abilities and illustrate why you are an excellent candidate. Include the following:
      • Unit planning process and outline
      • Sample lesson plans: one that was successful and another that you refined and improved when it did not work.
      • Student assignments
      • Assessment tool and rubric
      • Letters of recommendation
      • Classroom photos
    • Order multiple copies of your transcripts. Highlight the courses in your certified area, keep a copy in your portfolio, and send a copy with your application.
  3. Philosophy
    Your credential paper trail tells just part of your story. You tell the other half in the interview.
    • Share your philosophy of teaching and why you want to teach. Concentrate on things that cannot be found on your resume.
    •  Act confident, speak enthusiastically about your successes, and be forthcoming about what you've adapted or changed when things were less than successful.
  4. Ask the Right Questions
    Districts often leave time at the end of an interview for you to ask questions. Take this opportunity to clarify questions raised during your research and prove that you’ve done your homework.
    Questions provide another opportunity for a district to learn more about you. Ask open-ended questions about the school’s induction and mentoring program, technology training, or professional development opportunities. This tactic positions you as a candidate who is interested in growing professionally, working with others, and focusing on success.
  5. Closure
    Don’t just tell the interviewers that you want the job; tell them why you’re the best candidate for the job.
    Then follow it up with proof.

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