Job Seeking and Curriculum Vitae Writing

Lecturer: Linda Tod

With special thanks to Jenny Blake

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this topic you will be able to

Identify the key components of a teaching vacancy advertisement

Devise a strategy to effectively plan for applying for a teaching vacancy

Assess your draft Curriculum Vitae for impact and effect

Identify the components of a letter of application

The Education Gazette

Vacancies can be viewed:

Online at the New Zealand Education Gazette Website

www.edgazette.govt.nz

Or in the Education Gazette published approximately fortnightly throughout the year

The Education GazetteCurrent vacancies are listed.

Online you can display advertisements by region or by relevant descriptors, eg Teachers, Middle Management, Senior Management, Years 0-8 and Years 7-15

Online you can see vacancies listed in the last 48 hours

Key Components of an Advertised Teaching Vacancy

• School Name (possibly with a code indicating school type such as decile 1A or class D)

• Number of vacancies advertised

• Date the position closes

• Job Title and status (part time, permanent, full time, long term relieving (LTR) etc)

• A brief description of the position to be filled

• Contact details for the advertiser (school address information and phone contact)

Planning for your Application – Research Required

What is the name of the Principal?

Who are the key personnel in the appointment (HOD/HOF/Tutor or Dean)?

What is the size of the school?

What is it’s culture?

Check out www.tki.org.nz/e/schools

Two Curriculum Vitae FormatsChronologicalExpresses your experience under headings based on time.

Advantage – clearly states your previous employment history

Disadvantage – Does not readily show what skills and expertise you have

Longer for the interviewing panel to read and assess

Two Curriculum Vitae Formats

Functional

Outlines the transferable skills you may bring to a teaching position

Advantage – clearly states skills which you bring to a teaching position in the school

Disadvantage – employment history less obvious

Actively Demonstrate your Interest in the Position

By being knowledgeable about the school

Eg Decile, Location, Hierarchy, Philosophy

How?

By reading the sources of information distributed by the school to educational and community sources eg ERO report, newspaper articles, radio notices, school prospectus, web-sites

Consider YOUR Brand Image – What is YOUR Point of Difference?Use fonts, heading styles and colours that reflect your personality.

Choose a “theme” for the letter of application and the Curriculum Vitae

Put personal details/image on each page of the Curriculum Vitae – your “brand”

Always think about the readers of the information you are providing – what would they want to know about you? Is it easy to read? Clear? etc

Tailoring to Fit – Read the Advertisement CarefullyFor example, the position states:

“the successful applicant will be joining a vibrant, expanding department and is expected to participate in the co-curricular life of the College …”

Then show that you are keen to be part of this kind of culture in your application!

Why should the school choose you? Answer the big questions.

• What is your vision for your first teaching position?

• What are your personal strengths?

Put these answers into headings such as “My Vision” and “My Strengths” and make them STAND OUT – these are your points of difference

Your teaching philosophy can be discussed at an interview

The Curriculum Vitae – Use Sub Headings such as• My vision• My strengths• Education• Previous employment• Co-curricular interests• Referees/references• Professional aim• Personal interests

Strategically Thinking

It is believed by professional CV writers that if a person reads/hears something three times they believe the statement to be fact.

Develop your Curriculum vitae with a statement about your strength, support with a reference and make a statement in support of your strength in the covering letter

Common Faults with CVs

Avoid revealing personal information that should have no bearing on whether you are employed.

Your CV is an example of your writing skills. It is important it contains NO SPELLING, punctuation or grammatical errors.

You will be judged by the presentation of your CV (Just like in an interview where most decisions are made by individual panel members in the first few minutes)

Avoid Common Faults

Ensure your CV is readable (makes sense) and legible (fonts can be clearly read)

Use spiral binding

Use a title page with the image on it

Avoid making untrue statements or boasting – but don’t undersell yourself either

Ensure you only send copies (verified if necessary of important documents)

Try to keep your actual CV as brief as possible

The Static Image

If a picture says 1000 words, what does the image you have selected say?

The Static Image

Save the 1000 words! Use a static image! Digital cameras downstairs!

Choose your image carefully – avoid glamorised or retouched photos.

Ensure your “look” is professional – consider your attire

Solicited Letters of Application

• Respond to an advertised vacancy

• Are your first point of contact with your potential employer

• Their purpose is to gain an interview

• Include with your Curriculum Vitae and any application form the school requires

Solicited Letters of ApplicationEleven Points to Include:

1. Your home address – physical or postal

2. Date of letter – ensure it is not after Gazette’s closing date

3. Prospective employer’s name and postal address

4. Salutation – use the employing person’s name (Dear Mr Bloggs)

5. Subject line – use the name of the position you are applying for

Solicited Letters of Application6. Opening paragraph – state position and date of the

advertisement

7. Body of the letter – why are you applying. Show evidence of your research here

8. Closing paragraph – ensure you include contact details here and show enthusiasm for a meeting. Make sure your phone contact remains current after your finish at CoE

9. Complimentary close – Yours sincerely is most appropriate

Solicited Letters of Application

10. Your name – type this carefully and include any title you wish return correspondence addressed by (usual convention for females!)

11. Enclosures – note the number of any items included

Body of Letter Keep your letter to 1 page.

Focus on your points of difference.

Focus on what you offer or bring to the school.

Focus on why you’ve chosen their school to apply to.

Shouldn’t be a list of all the things you’ve done in life!

Application Documents

You could be required to detail your career and other matters in school specific documents eg Application form.

May require evidence of your character and qualifications and to be police vetted.

http://www.privacy.org.nz

My ChecklistSuccessfully getting the interview requires

Curriculum Vitae completed

Letter of Application created

Check Vacancies:Position, School, Tenure etc

Research prospective employing school

ERO & Other Sources

Prepare documentation and static image

Reminders:First impressions count – be professional

Education circles are small – be true to yourself

Present yourself well

It’s OK to contact the school and meet with them BEFORE putting in your application

It’s OK to drop your application off in person

Be positive and appropriately assertive – expect to get an interview