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Career Advice Opinion

Improving Your Candidacy

By AAEE — December 01, 2009 1 min read
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When speaking with candidates during job fair events, I am often asked what people can do to “stand out” as they look for a position. Following are some things to keep in mind as you navigate the process:

• Always be professional, courteous and considerate
• Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes on your application materials and
correspondence
• Learn everything you can about the school district(s) that interest you (websites
often contain a plethora of information)
• Prepare good questions for job fairs and interviews
• Express genuine interest and enthusiasm for the district
• Be conscious of your personal “web presence” (social networking sites, etc.)
• Understand that each school district may use a different hiring process
• Recognize that principals and other school district administrators are very busy
people and candidate “drop-ins” are not always appreciated
• Be thoughtful about your attire and grooming
• Express a willingness to assist with any extracurricular activity as a teacher, but
also share areas of specific strength
• Consider school districts outside of your “comfort zone”
• Seek coursework/experiences in bilingual education and/or special education
(growing areas of need in most school districts)
• Offer to volunteer in schools
• Consider serving as a teacher assistant position or a substitute teacher (if teaching
positions prove elusive)
• Avoid “burning bridges” with the people you meet along the way (you might cross
paths with them later)

I wish you all the best as you seek to realize your dream. Perhaps I’ll see you at a job fair soon.

Tim Neubert
Director of Human Resources
St. Charles Community Unit School District 303

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