EDUC 4454 – Class 17P/J Methods

Resumes, Cover Letters, & InterviewsWELCOME BACK!

Bell Work: Make a list of items you could include on a resume. Discuss at your table.

Bookmark the following site: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com/index.html

What are résumés and cover letters?

Your résumé and cover letters are: A summary of your educational background,

employment history, achievements and interests;

A clear concise statement of your skills, abilities, and experiences, how they fit with what a board is looking for.

What are résumés and cover letters?

Taken together, the covering letter and résumé represent a document that reflects your experiences and achievements as they relate to the needs of the employers who will read them. They are summary statements of who you are and what you have accomplished. They serve as your calling card to all activities related to your search for employment. Writing good résumés and covering letters are skills that can be learned and honed. You will write many résumés and covering letter during your working life in order to reflect the changes in your skills, education and experience.

How may a résumé and covering letter be used?Here is a list of how your résumé and covering letter may be used: To initiate contact with a potential employer To link your skills and experience with potential work

opportunities within school boards To facilitate and support the employment interview by serving as

a guide for both interviewer and interviewee To share information with persons assisting you in your search

for work To leave as a record with a potential employer or resource

person so that follow-up can be done easily and effectively To supplement information when completing application forms To demonstrate what an employer would gain by hiring you

Marketing 101

Effective marketing is a method many employers use when talking to individuals who are looking for employment. It is one of the measurements used by employers to assess potential employees. The process of marketing yourself will be basically the same whether you are applying to school boards or to other organizations.

The key to preparing a strong résumé and covering letter lies in the art of marketing yourself on paper concisely yet with imagination and originality. Simply put, a résumé and covering letter are marketing tools. In preparing to write the most effective résumé and covering letter you can, you should start with the basic principles of marketing, which are:Know the productKnow the buyer or marketKnow how to research the marketKnow how to package the product for the desired market

Know the product

You are marketing – yourself. A good salesperson can instantly articulate the features and benefits of the product.

Identifying your skills - the raw material

The first step in creating a résumé or covering letter is to analyze yourself. Who are you? What are your strengths? What have you done and what do you like to do? Examining your experiences. Education, paid or volunteer work, activities and interests, accomplishments, awards, sports and clubs, and home experience will give you a generalized “catalogue” of your skills. This is the raw materials you will need in order to create an effective, powerful résumé and covering letter.

What, exactly, is a skill?

Consider The Concise Oxford Dictionary definition of “skill” (n) expertness, practiced ability, facility in an action or in doing, or, to do something; dexterity, tact.

Skills are used to get things done, to complete tasks, or to accomplish goals. It can mean a trait, an approach, a style, an ability, or an aptitude. Employers assess these to evaluate and predict your potential to complete the tasks and duties of the job at hand.

What, exactly, is a skill?

There are different types of skills: Personal skills include humour, leadership,

sensitivity, self-confidence and warmth. Transferable skills are learned, used, and valued in

many different types of work or careers. For example, organizational skills are transferable; you can organize and event, a classroom, and extracurricular activity, and so on.

Technical or functional skills are more specialized and tend to be career or work specific. Examples of technical skills might include such abilities as curriculum design, co-operative learning strategies, subject specialization, language competencies, and computer expertise, to name a few.

What is a resume?

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume is a personal summary of your professional history and qualifications. It includes information about your career goals, education, work experience, activities, honours, and any special skills you might have.

Adapted from Purdue University Writing Lab

General Guidelines

Length: It is best to limit a resume to 2 typed pages not including references. Be as concise as possible in stating information in each section of your resume.

Font: Avoid fonts smaller than 10 point and larger than 12 point.

Paper: Use 8 1/2” x 11” 20 lb paper. Print your resume with a laser or high quality ink-jet printer.

Preparing a résumé

The Components: What Goes Where

What follows are the components, or sections, that conventionally appear on a résumé in order to best organize it. Personal data generally appear first; but after that, the order of the sections depends upon how you wish to present yourself, and how you identify your accomplishments.

Preparing a résumé

Personal Information Name, address, and telephone number(s). Please remember

to include your summer contact information. Make sure that an employer can leave a message for you during business hours.

Fax number and e-mail address; if you think an employer is likely to contact you this way. Ensure that the email address you have is professional

Other information such as height, health, marital status, and citizenship, are not, by Canadian law, questions an employer may ask you. Therefore, the additional personal information is entirely optional.

Suggestions: cap, bold and centre your name on the first page and

have it appear other pages in smaller font centered, but still bolded

it is not necessary to repeat your address etc on the other pages of your resume

Identifying Information

Put your name, permanent and campus addresses, permanent and campus phone numbers, and email address prominently at the top of your resume.

Avoid using a nickname to identify yourself.

Consider including your URL address or fax number if you have one.

JANE DOECampus Address:

100 College Drive

North Bay, ON P1B 8L7

Permanent Address:

1055 Shorewood Drive

North Bay, On P1B 8G4

janed@nipissingu.ca

(705) 474-3450

Objective Statement- optional

One to three sentence (max) summary of your area of expertise and career interest.

Write as complete sentences or as descriptive phrases with minimal punctuation.

Relate your existing skills directly to the job you are seeking. Demonstrate what you can do for the company rather than what they can do for you.

(go to the board’s website, check out their mission statement, try to include it in your Objective)

Preparing a résumé-section order

Teaching Qualifications: include OCT pending include ABQ/AQ courses you plan to take in

May/June pending

Preparing a résumé

Education Begin with most recent education; most employers prefer dates

on the left hand side. include your B ED but state graduation date June 2009 include your under graduate degree information Degree attained, area of study, educational institution, and year. Mention GPA, if outstanding. List key courses, thesis topic if pertinent. Include your Secondary school information Include scholarships, bursaries and awards

Preparing a résumé

Languages – indicate proficiency

Teaching Related Experience

Include practice teaching specifics Include teaching in another country or province Educational Assistant experience Tutor

Preparing a résumé

Additional Work Experience and Accomplishments

List dates, position title, organization’s name, and location. The mailing address and telephone number are not necessary.

Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Use action words e.g. analysed, designed, developed, implemented.

Use the active rather than the passive tense to describe your experiences.

Avoid using personal pronouns. Be direct, assertive, and honest but not overly modest. Keep the information straightforward and simple. Use past tense to describe past experiences, present tense for

present experiences.

Preparing a résumé

Community and Volunteer Experience should be child related, education related or

community related

Additional Expertise Include computers and name the programs you

have used; Ontario Curriculum Planner, Ontario Report Card, Hyper studio etc.

Professional Workshops

Example:

Hospitality Worker (May 1999-August 1999)Mountain Jacks, Barrie, ON* Oversaw the planning,

production, preparation and prompt delivery of food

* Assisted in training and retaining new and experienced employees

* Created a positive and healthy atmosphere in the restaurant

Make this section easy to read by using spacing and bullets.

Preparing a résumé

Activities and Interests Skills such as leadership, organization, communication, and

time management are often demonstrated in this section. Clubs, professional associations, campus activities, volunteer

work, activities, and interests may be included in this section. Indicate whether positions were elected or appointed. Articulate level of responsibility, duties, and special

accomplishments. include those things that can translate into what you can offer

your school and students as an extracurricular activity

Preparing a résumé

References List three references. It is helpful if the board to which you are

applying knows their names. Always make sure to get permission to use the names of your

references beforehand, and if possible give them a copy of your résumé. Ask them what they would say about you if called by an employer.

Preparing a résumé

Formats

What formats will you use to best showcase your skills and experience and, based on your research, what format would the employer be most receptive to? Make your choice based on what most powerfully highlights everything you have to offer an employer.

Preparing a résumé

Chronological format arranges education, work experience and personal history in reverse time sequence. Start with your most recent experience and work backwards. This is a widely used format. It is easy to follow, highlights the names of your past and present employers, and is best used when your career direction is clear and directly in line with your work experience.

Modified Chronological format allows the grouping or highlighting of jobs or employers, while maintaining reverse chronological order. It is particularly useful when work experience is scattered or not current. Listing them first emphasizes relevant experiences or categories of experiences.

Résumé headings

From this list of potential résumé headings, choose those best suited to your background and the king of job for which you are applying.

Personal Teaching Experience Education Interests & Activities

Personal Information Employment Educational Background Related Activities Personal Background Experience Summary Academic Background Volunteer Activities

Objective Relevant Experience Professional Qualifications Community Service Related Experience Educational Preparation Volunteer Work Career Objective Employment History Professional Education Professional and Community Activities Professional Objective Professional Background Other Education Related Volunteer Activities Employment Objective Summer Employment Special Training Current Research Interests Teaching Objective Volunteer Experience Scholarships & Awards University Activities

Skills Computer Experience Special Interests/Hobbies Student Teaching Research Grants Leisure Activities Computer Related Coaching Experience Academic Awards Travel Special Talents Business Experience Special Awards Publications

Professional Skills Practicum Experience Special Recognition Areas of Experience Additional Experience Honours Exhibits Areas of Knowledge Experience Highlights Scholarships Presentations Language Skills Background Highlights Affiliations/Assoc./Clubs Conferences Attended Language Competencies Professional Memberships Papers Presented (Given)

CREATING A RESUME- Using existing templates in Microsoft Word

Go to File New. Click on Resumes & CVs Here you will find various resumes templates

in 3 categories : Basic, Job-specific & Situation specific. Browse each one. Decide on one you would like to use.

You will need to accept the terms of usage before you can download and use the template

Accreditations change to Certificates and Accreditations (include here CPR, First Aid, Coaching levels, Conference/workshop certificates

Awards Received (going back to high school is not too far back)

Publications or Professional Memberships are optional choices

Interests and Activities and Extracurricular activities change to Personal

Interests Related to Extracurricular Activities ( here include those things that can translate into what you can offer your school and students as an extracurricular activity)

Other: A must for P/J students to include Technological Skills. Put this heading right after Teaching Qualifications. Include here the knowledge and skills that you have ie Ontario Curriculum Planner, Ontario Report Card, Kidpix, Webquests, what Ontario licensed software, Graphing Calculators etc; plus all the programs, Corel, Word etc

References (a minimum of 3, preferably at least 2 of them individuals that have seen you teach, faculty advisors, associates, principals/vps) Note: You can ask these same 3 people for letters of reference if you want to include them or you can ask another 3 for letters, or any combination. Include home phone numbers, and work numbers)

Note: Those with specialized areas of expertise would want to include a specific heading after Education, i.e. Music Accreditation and Awards to reflect performances, awards, etc in your area of expertise)

Length. Note if the board wants a two page resume then give them a two page resume exactly, no more, no less. If it does not specify, then do two pages and the third page can be the list of references)

What Is a Cover Letter?A cover letter expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position to a prospective employer.

It is your letter of application.

It is usually 3-4paragraphs in length;

1 page in length.

What Should My Cover Letter Accomplish?

Your cover letter should introduce the main points of your resume.

It should also help you to “sell” your qualifications to the prospective employer.

The covering letter

First Impressions Count

We all know how important first impressions are. The covering letter is almost always read first, so it is your first contact with the reader. If you make a good first impression, the chance of having your résumé taken seriously and being selected for an interview increase substantially.

The covering letter

DEAR WHOMEVERYou are writing to a real person, so address your letter to that individual. Find out their name and make sure you have the correct spelling and title. Why? Well, let’s turn the question around. Are you most likely to open a piece of mail with a general address? Dear Occupant… Or one that is addressed directly to you? Dear Ms. Smith… Which is more personal? Which one is more likely to be read? There may be a few cases where, regardless of how persistent you have been, you will be unable to get the name of the person responsible for hiring. In this (hopefully rare) instance, default to a polite Dear Madam or Sir.

Introductory Paragraph

Your first paragraph should: Get the reader’s attention, stimulate interest,

and be appropriate for the job you are seeking.

Make your goal clear to readers. Preview the rest of your letter. Highlight the

qualifications you will discuss throughout the letter.

Introductory Paragraph – Cont’d

The introductory paragraph should also state why you are writing. Specify the advertised position or outline the type of work you are seeking, and explain why the employer would have an interest in you. You may also mention how you heard of the opening (such as advertised position, TEP Centre, Career Centre, family friend or professor). Highlight some of your key qualifications, experiences

Goals of the Body Paragraphs

Highlight your strongest qualifications for the position for which you are applying.

Demonstrate how these qualifications & your experiences relate to the position & will benefit the employer.

Refer employers to your enclosed resume.

Body Paragraphs – Cont’d

The middle paragraphs should explain why you are interested in this employer, highlighting your strengths and abilities and giving examples of your related skills. Link these with related work or volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, hobbies, education or training, or any other qualifications you may have for this field. Focus on what contributions you can make to the organization, rather than on how you would benefit from the experience if they hired you. If appropriate, elaborate on your courses, thesis topic or fieldwork.

Highlight why you want to become a teacher Research the board you are applying to on

their website, include in your letter why you are a good candidate, i.e. because you match their philosophy, have qualifications in the areas they are focusing on in the classroom

Christian philosophy

Other Suggestions

Concluding Your Letter

I would welcome theopportunity to discuss these and other qualifications with you. If you are interested, please contact me at (705) 474-3450 any morning before 11:00 a.m., or feel free to leave a message.

Conclude by asking for a personal interview.

Be flexible regarding a date and time for the interview.

Be specific about how the interviewer should contact you.

Include a thank you.

The final paragraph should thank the employer for considering your application (résumé and covering letter), and pave the way for an interview by welcoming the opportunity to meet with him/her.

Organizing Your Letter

In general, cover letters should be no longer than one typed page.

Organize your body paragraphs to emphasize your strongest and most relevant qualifications. Only include the two or three strongest qualifications from your resume.

Make it easy for readers to scan your letter by beginning each paragraph with a topic sentence.

Mailing Your Letter With Your Resume

Coordinate the design of your letter with the design of your resume.

Be sure to send both to prospective employers; they both reveal different kinds of information about you.

Key Points to Remember

Appeal to employer values, attitudes, goals, projects, etc.

Elaborate on the information in your resume.

Provide evidence of your qualifications.

Proofread carefully for grammatical and typographical errors. The letter should be error-free.

Things to get in order: Transcripts Ontario College of Teachers’ Registration Application Form Requirements Deadlines for submitting applications QECO rating References (letters) PortfolioResume, cover letter…

Where can you go to find extra help with your resume and cover letter? Lianne Gagne (474-3450

extension 4491) in the Placement Services Office located in Student Affairs (A201)

Help with revising, and editing your resumes and cover letters

Also: Visit your professor during office

hours, or by appointment. Peer editing??

School Board Application Scoring

Source: Getting The Job You Want, ETFO.

The interview

Preparing For The InterviewYou should present yourself at an interview appropriately dressed, well groomed and on time. Aside from these obvious details, you need to do a great deal of research prior to the interview. Begin by referring back to your résumé and be prepared to answer questions such as:Why do you want to be a teacher?What do you have to offer us?What are your long-term career goals?What would your friends say about you?What would a student in your class have to say about you?

The interview

Researching the employing organization, school, or company is essential prior to the interview. A handy hint is to consult the Ministry of Education Curriculum Guidelines in your subject area. If you apply to a secondary school, each one should have a student booklet stating the courses offered and the school policies. Interviewers certainly know when someone has taken the time to do some research. When applying to a school or board you should consider the following sample questions:What ethnic or cultural group or groups does this school serve?What are the board/school’s curriculum policies?

Question one:

Why have you applied for a teaching position with this board?

Answer time (about three minutes)

Consider these points in your answer

State succinctly your personal philosophy of education (make sure it is in line with the board)

Indicate that you have researched this board Refer to the mission and unique qualities of the board Refer to your personal experiences in education Refer to practicum experience as it applies to that board Refer to your lifestyle interest (i.e. I want to live and work in a

diverse urban environment)

Do not use all of your experiences in this answer. You know there are specific questions to come.

The curriculum question

Describe a unit or a series of lessons you have taught. How did you go about planning the unit? How did you know that unit was successful?

Answer time (4-5 minutes)

Consider these points in your answer

Describe the unit very briefly “I taught a science unit on mitosis to grade 9…”.

Refer to the curriculum document and choosing expectations from the document.

Describe a ‘planning backward process’ and designing the evaluation activity first.

Describe the different kinds of learners in the classroom and how you designed activities to meet their needs.

Describe ongoing assessment and evaluation. Indicate your reflection on the unit and what you

would do differently.

The classroom management question

Describe a student who disturbed the learning of others. How did you deal with this student in your class? What proactive things could you do to deal with these students?

Answer time (4-5 minutes)

Consider these points in your answer

Explain why it is important to deal with the student. Point out your sensitivity to the reasons for the poor behaviour and the

needs of the students. Describe a series of escalating steps. Point out consultation with other teachers, guidance, parents, sp. ed. If needed send student to the Vice Principal.

Proactive Steps: Discuss having a lot of work. Be very organized so you can begin class immediately. Get to know students quickly. Be at the door when they get there. Establish a few important rules in advance and outline consequences.

The diversity question

Describe working with a diverse student population in your classroom. How did you meet the needs of this population?

Answer time (4-5 minutes)

Consider these points in your answer

What are different kinds of diversity? What is your belief about the learning potential of all

students? Describe a diverse classroom you have worked in? Describe how you used the curriculum and strategies

to create a safe and risk free environment? Describe how you adjusted curriculum strategies so

all students could be successful?

The extra curricular question

What do you have to contribute to the school beyond the classroom?

Answer time (3 minutes)

Consider these points in your answer

Talk about your workload as a new teacher. Talk about why it is important for teachers to work

beyond the classroom. Discuss areas of strength and real interest. Discuss new knowledge or your experiences that you

can bring to staff. Don’t forget committee work.

Other typical questions:

What would your entry plan be to begin your year in your new school?

How would you accommodate and provide modification for special needs students integrated into your classroom?

How would you create long range plans for the year? Describe how you would create an integrated unit? What would you do to assist ESL students in your

classroom? What information technology skills could you bring

into the classroom?

Describe a difficult management situation and how you handled it.

Describe some management strategies you would use in this situation….

Describe how you would create a balanced literacy program. Describe how you would create a numeracy program. Describe how you would integrate literacy and/or numeracy

across the curriculum. Describe how you would help contribute to a school’s

community of learners. Describe how you would work collaboratively, i.e. be a team

member, in a school.

Behaviour questions

These types of interviews centre on the idea that a scenario is presented to the candidate. They would have to describe what they would do in that situation. Again there would be one in management, curriculum development, special education etc.

SOME BOARDS HAVE A WRITTEN COMPONENT TO

THEIR INTERVIEWS!!!