Written By: Robyn Shulman

If you are a new teacher, fresh out of college, it is no secret that landing a job, or even receiving a call for an interview seems out of reach. Competition is high, schools have very low budgets, and programs are cut every day. 

However, there are a few things every teacher can do NOW which can increase your chances of landing an interview.

1. Applications and/or Teacher Profile Builder Tests: When you fill out applications and/or answer questions in regard to your ‘teacher profile’, always remember the following:

-Always check for spelling and grammar errors
-For any test or questionnaire that requires answers, make sure your responses are always student-centered.  Do not mess up here.  There are many school districts that require candidates to fill out a teacher profile builder test.  In some states, if a teacher does not score above a 70%, the application can be pulled (and this will be for some time).  Unfortunately, school districts do not reveal this information, and you won’t know your score.  Remember, every answer must be student-centered (for teachers, these answers should come naturally).

2.  Check out the Highest Need Areas:  You can discover this information by visiting:

http://www.teach.org/become-teacher/job-listings, as this site has a hot map listing areas of greatest need. Certification map, found at:  http://www.certificationmap.com is also very useful if you need state-to-state certification requirements.
View the hot spots and see if you fit any of the high need areas.   If you need to go back to school, start researching scholarships and grants.  There is money out there, but you must be willing to look for it (next article).

3.  Get Active on Linkedin:  Teachers need to keep all doors open, and must be active to be noticed.  Linkedin is an amazing tool if used correctly, and it is one I do not see many teachers using.  Being active on Linkedin means participating in groups, starting groups, and reaching out.  It is okay to let others know you are looking for work.  For more information about getting started with an optimal profile, please sign up for my newsletter (on the right sidebar of this page), and I will send you a free copy Linkedin Basics.

4.  Create a Job:  Just because a job is not listed, does not mean that it doesn’t exist.  Look into different areas and reach out to people when you see a need that can be filled with your own unique skills.   For example, I noticed a university was lacking an ESL program, so I reached out to this university on my own to share my background, skills and ways I would be able to greatly contribute.  I knew I could fill the gap.  Without going into personal details, I will say that this strategy can work and be very rewarding.  Think about things that make you stand out, and then stand out.  You have something unique, find it and use it.

5.  Volunteer, Sub, or Look for Different Work in the Education Field: There are various ways to use your degree until you land your first teaching job. Don’t sit and wait by the phone. Keep going and let your smile and face be seen. Sometimes, we just have to work in a different environment until that dream job comes along. Everyone notices passion and positive energy! The right person will notice your energy, as it just might take a bit longer due to various reasons out of our control (such as politics and the economy). Those that keep going with a positive attitude will shine. Imagine, stay positive and make it happen.

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