EDUCATION JOB SEARCH GUIDE Jennifer Pickerell, M.A. Katie Schuetz, M.A. Director Assistant Director 618.537.6806 618.537.6805
[email protected] [email protected] www.mckendree.edu/careerservices McKendree University Career Services Follow us at @McKCareers McKendree University Career Services TABLE OF CONTENTS Beginning a Job Search in Education Page 1 Networking Page 2 Designing a Résumé Page 3 Transferable Skills Checklist Page 4 Basic Contents of an Education Résumé Page 6 Alternative Headings Page 7 What Makes Me Different Page 8 Action Verbs Page 9 Example Résumés Page 11 Résumé Checklist Page 28 Reference Page Page 29 Cover Letters Page 30 Internet Job Posting Resources Page 34 REAP Introduction Page 35 Interviews Page 36 Preparing for an Interview Page 37 Common Interview Questions Page 38 Behavior-Based Questions Page 41 Illegal Interview Questions Page 43 Career Fair Tips Page 44 Interview Attire Page 46 Thank You Letters Page 47 Job Acceptance Letters Page 48 Assistance from Career Services Page 49 BEGINNING A JOB SEARCH IN EDUCATION 1) Prepare and tailor all materials needed to apply for each position: Prepare your cover letter, résumé, references, 30-second commercial, interview skills, interview attire, questions to ask the employer, and thank you letters. Many schools require an application with a writing section in addition to your résumé and other credentials. 2) Begin your search before the last semester of your program. Districts hire at different times. Many start to interview as early as January for the fall, or during the fall and winter months for January start dates. Maternity leave, medical leave, retirement, non- renewed contracts, and other circumstances impact vacancies.