Many times I am asked by out-of-state applicants how to get a job? Here are some tips that might help.
•Complete the online application and apply for posted jobs on the school’s website. Send a cover letter and a resume (email or hard copy) to the principal.
•Do your homework on the school district and the location of the school district. Principals and recruiters will know that you are serious about moving if you have done research and aren’t asking questions like, “Where are you located?” or general questions about their school district.
•Come out to visit in the spring which is when most jobs are advertised. Also, look for jobs fairs to attend. Let schools with posted jobs know that you will be in town.
•Try to make more than one visit. The more that you come out the more chances you have of meeting with someone. If you have friends or family in the area, try to do an extended stay.
•When you visit, bring along your resume and drop them off at schools. Some people will tell you not to do this, but as a former principal, I recommend it. If someone took the time to drop a resume off, I looked at it! Please note that you probably won’t be able to meet with the principal and make sure that you are nice to the office staff. (You wouldn’t believe how many people wanted a job that weren’t nice to my secretaries.)
•Move! It is scary to come to a new place without a job, but honestly you increase your chances if you are in town. There is no bias in regards to out-of-state candidates; it’s just that in-state candidates can come to interviews on short notice and there are no issues around relocation, start date, etc. Many times the candidates that move here start out as substitutes. Through subbing, someone can recognize how good they are and maybe they can fill in on a short term leave.
Todd Fukai
Director of HR, Cherry Creek School District