Best practice teaching CVs:An employer’s perspective(AKA The 30-second sell)

Objectives

• To provide you with advice and resources for the job application process

• By the end of this session you will:– Develop an awareness of critical value factors– Distinguish the elements of an effective CV– Know how to structure a concise cover letter– Gain an appreciation of the application process in

the independent sector

Your journey from today

Self-development

Self-promotion

Self-service

Self-preservation

Self-achievement

Self-awarenessThe world

Your world

Your teaching

Your subject

Your class

Your lesson

What’s the right job?

• Factors to consider– State, Independent or Catholic– Academic or broad emphasis– Career opportunities– Size– Location– Last but not least…. People

A Principal’s perspective

• You will see two applications for each of the following jobs: Primary, Graduate, Maths, LOTE, Leadership position.

• Decide which person you would employ?• You have 10 seconds per position.

Purpose?

• What is the purpose of:– The Cover Letter?– The CV?– The KSC?

• Which is the most important? Why?• Which do employers read first?

Dispelling the myths of job applications

True or false?1. The employer reads the cover letter before reading the CV2. The school may receive 30 – 50 applications for some

vacancies3. It is possible to make an employment decision in less than

30 seconds4. Presentation is more important than content5. Each application receives an equal amount of

consideration6. Employers are rational, unbiased, unemotional machines

Conclusions

• Be strategic, be sincere• Make every word count• Put your best foot forward• Spell-cheque, poof-reed, spell-check, proof-

read• Network, baby• If they don’t want you, it’s their loss: Try not to

take it personally.

Your CV part 1: The basics

Do Don’t Depends

Keep to 2 – 4 pages Put Résumé or CV at the top Use minimal colour

Give your file a suitable name Put your photo Hyperlink to portfolio pag

e

Keep it ‘clean’ not busy Use fancy fonts and graphics Link with social media

Keep formatting consistent:

Bullets, fonts, tables and tabs

Sections to include

• Personal Details (no need for a heading)• Personal statement• Qualifications• Teaching strengths (optional)• Employment history (or ‘Professional experience’)• Professional development and memberships• Activities and interests• Referees (3 max.)

Your CV part 2: Maximising ‘Brand YOU’

What does a great CV look like?

• Answer: How do you like your coffee?• Know your strengths and lead with them:

Academic? Experienced? Sporty? • Blow your own trumpet funky horn! Banish

bashfulness. • Your CV is PRIME REAL ESTATE. It is the cover

of Time magazine. It is a Nobel Prize winner. Don’t waste it!

Your cover letterIntroduction (2 lines): • This is why I am writing to you and it will be worth your

while.Body (2 short paragraphs): • I can bring the following attributes to the role. Here are a

few of the achievements you’ll read about in my CV. • This is why I would like to work at your school.Conclusion (2 lines): • By now you should want to read my CV if you haven’t

already and you should be dying to meet me. • I am serious about wanting the job and want to meet you.

The application process

Job-hunting• Where do I look? Recruitment Online, The

Age, ISV, Seek, SchoolJobs, CEO, school websites...

• Better still… NETWORK!

Self-service

• Register on a job board; create job alerts– www.schooljobs.com.au– www.teachers.on.net– www.emergencyteachers.com.au– www.education.vic.gov.au– www.independentschools.vic.edu.au– http://web.ceomelb.catholic.edu.au– www.seek.com.au– www.mycareer.com.au– www.tes.co.uk– www.eteach.com

Self-promotion

• The school recruitment landscape is changing• Use a recruiter to help you find work– www.oxfordeducation.com.au– www.twrecruitment.com– www.smartteachers.co.uk– www.tanvic.com.au– www.sanzateaching.com– www.anzukteachers.com.auAsk yourself who they are working for and why?

The application process

Applying • What do they want? Value for money! Tried

and tested. Zero risk.• How can I improve my chances? Offer

something different. Be specific. Be yourself.

The application process

Interviewing• Behavioural-based interview:

Situation Action Outcome

• Principal or Vice-Principal or Dean of Staff/HR Manager/Head of Department

To view this presentation visit www.schooljobs.com.au

For more information about the presenter see

www.oxfordeducation.com.au