It is difficult to land your first teaching position. It takes patience, time, hard work, and a top-notch resume. Before starting, ensure that you have the right degree and credentials to fill the job you are applying for. These tips will help you land that dream job.

Step 1: Write a cover letter

The most important part of attracting employers’ attention is the resume. How do you think your resume will differ from the rest when there are so many resumes? Attaching a cover letter to your resume is crucial. 

Employers can quickly see if you are interested in reading your resume. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job you are applying for. Your cover letter should be a summary of your achievements and include information that is not in your resume. 

This is the place to add a teaching certificate. Include a request for an interview at the end of your cover letter. This will let them know that you are serious about getting the job.

Step 2: Create your resume

A well-written, error-free resume will grab the employer’s attention and show that you are a worthy candidate for the job. A teacher’s resume must include your identification, certification, teaching experience, professional growth, and other skills.

If you want, you can include extras such as memberships, career objectives, special honors, or awards. Employers may look for specific teacher buzzwords” to determine if you’re in the loop. These words could include cooperative Learning, hands-on learning, discovery-based learning, and Bloom’s Taxonomy. Integrating Technology can also be used to facilitate learning. These words will help you show that you are knowledgeable about education issues.

If you don’t have the time or skill to write a high-level resume, you may want to consider working with a professional resume writer. Resume writers are experts in crafting resumes that are tailored to specific industries and job positions. They have the knowledge and experience to highlight your skills and qualifications in the best possible way, making sure that your resume stands out from the rest. 

They can help you create a resume that is clear, well-organized, and easy to read, and they can also help you identify the most important information to include. Additionally, many resume writers offer additional services such as cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, and interview coaching, which can help you prepare for your job search. 

Step 3: Organize Your Portfolio

A professional portfolio of teaching skills is a great way to showcase your achievements and skills in a tangible, hands-on way. This portfolio is a great way to show potential employers your best work beyond a resume. It’s an important part of the interview process. You need to create and use a teaching portfolio to get a job as an educator.

Step 4: Write strong letters of recommendation

You will need to submit several letters of recommendation for every application you make as a teacher. These letters must be from someone who has seen you in the field of education, not a friend or family member. In addition, you can ask your former teacher, instructor in student teaching, or cooperating teacher for references. These references should be strong. If they don’t do you justice, you shouldn’t use them.

Step 5: Volunteering is a great way to make yourself visible

Volunteering in the school district where you are interested in a job is a great way to make yourself visible. Ask the school administration if they can help in the library, lunchroom, or any classroom requiring extra assistance. Even if you only do it once a week, it’s a great way for staff to see that you care and want to help.

Step 6: Get started subbing in the district

Substitute teaching in your district is a great way to attract the attention of administrators and other teachers. In addition, student teaching will give you a chance to make a name for yourself and to get to know the staff. After you have graduated, you can apply to become a substitute teacher in the school district. All of your networked teachers will contact you to replace them. Tip: Keep a copy of your credentials on your business card and place it in the teachers’ lounge.

Step 7: Get a Specialized Certificate

A specialized teaching certificate will help you stand out from the rest. Employers will be impressed by your teaching credentials. Employers love to see that you have the ability to enhance student learning. You can also apply for multiple teaching jobs and not just one.

You are now ready to learn how to excel in your first teaching interview.

Conclusion

Applying for the all-important first job as a teacher trainee can seem daunting. Finding the right employer for you and writing the perfect personal statement can seem daunting to someone with limited experience.

However, this is not true. Schools will welcome a new recruit, even if your career is still in its infancy. Although years of experience are not necessary, enthusiasm and character can go a long way.

We can help you with the application. The following video is by Tes Recruitment Editor Grainne Hallahan. She explains how to do this correctly, starting with researching potential schools and ending up at the interview.

Andy Taylor, a former mentor and NQT expert, is also joining her to answer important questions.