Resume Writing and Interview Skills for Teachers

Transcription

1 Resume Writing and Interview Skills for Teachers Workshop Overview Before you start Purpose of the resume Quick tips for success Common mistakes Develop your portfolio Preparing for the Interview During the interview Where to now? Natasha King, Career Education Officer, Careers Centre Before you start Develop your own philosophy of teaching Identify your strengths, skills and teaching style Plan some short & long term career goals Identify your preferred teaching environment View school websites and learn about their ethos and educational philosophy Prepare yourself for the graduate recruitment season Familiarise yourself with Make use of the Careers Centre website, workshops, job alerts, handouts Teaching Expo 2009 Wednesday 15 th April pm Bosch Lecture Theatre 3 Companies attending ACT Department of Education and Training ITN Mark Education Protocol Education SANZA Australia Smart Teachers Vision for Education 1

2 Education Faculty 15 th & 16 th April 10am Bosch Lecture Theatre 3 NSW Department of Education and Training Catholic Education Office Independent Schools Teaching Options The Department of Education and Training Applications close 4 th May Independent Schools Catholic Schools Teaching in remote or rural areas Teaching Interstate Teaching overseas Other eg. Aid work Many Resume Formats There is no one single correct way to present a resume Your study and experience deserve a professional style Work in reverse chronological order for study and jobs Be honest Tailor your resume for each vacancy, especially your relevant skills Update your resume every 6 months Tips Consider your resume as a marketing tool Use a format to match your situation and experience Graduate Resumes Name & contact details Career Objective Education / Qualifications / Awards Skills Summary Relevant Work History (includes teaching practicum) Other Work History Courses Attended / Relevant Training eg. first aid, computing course Professional Memberships Residency status / work visa (if applicable) Interests / Extra curricular activities Referees 2

3 Quick Tips For Resume Success Make sure it is easy to read Use bullet points where possible Put all practicum details in your resume Use appropriate key words relating to teaching profession Make your most impressive points first Link studies and experience to vacancy Note relevant experience and/or projects Make sure all contact details are up to date! Katrina Watson 123 Jones Rd, Camperdown NSW Career Objective To apply my innovative teaching skills and practicum experience to enhance student learning within a stimulating and inclusive school environment. Education Bachelor of Education (Primary) University of Sydney. High Distinctions in Mathematics and Science, 2009 Fourth year Distinction Average Higher School Certificate, 2003 Shenton College, North Sydney. UAI: 90. First place in Mathematics Scholarship award Skills Summary Excellent interpersonal skills with students, staff and parents Innovative teaching strategies in the Brooks method Planning and implementing teaching program Ability to cater for diverse learning needs High level computer proficiency Relevant Work History Teaching Practicum Year 3, 2009 Waverley Primary School Duties Planned ten week program in all learning areas Initiated Reading Recovery Program Reported on student development Effected classroom management strategies Achievements Recorded student development in numeracy skills Coordinated morning fitness schedule Implemented weekly literacy meetings After School Care Coordinator, Gumnuts Child Care Centre Duties Supervised children aged 5-8yrs Planned children s activities Achievements Developed reading corner Received positive feedback from parents Other Work History Sales Assistant, Camper Shoe Store Supervising city store/ managing cashier Assisting customers Achievements Maintained repeat customers Received Best Seller award for Nov, Conference Participation Issues in the Education of Boys Forum, Nov, Courses Attended Early intervention Literacy Strategies, 2008 Senior First Aid Training (current certificate), 2007 Leadership, Centre for Continuing Education, 2006 Professional Membership NSW Teachers Federation Interests/Extra Curricular Activities Secretary, EdSoc, University of Sydney Netball coaching, Volunteer Bondi Surf Lifesaver Referees Dr Mary Smith Coordinator of Primary education The University Of Sydney Ph: m.smith@usyd.edu.au Common Mistakes Spelling and grammatical errors Font too small Obvious cut and paste Too wordy, too brief, poor wording Not tailored for the vacancy or school Not clear, leaves reader with questions Fancy gimmicks (borders, highlighting, underlining, many fonts) Fun address Lack of detail about your studies Overstated claims, bluffing Develop your portfolio A portfolio is a system for storing and displaying your work Keep your system current Take RELEVANT documents in a folder to job interviews Include: Academic transcripts and certificates Your current resume Evidence of courses attended and professional development Evidence of your skills and achievements Examples of your work eg. prac reports, lesson plans, work samples, presentations, school events Photos or video clips of any relevant activities 3

4 Need more help Resume Rescue Workshop Register through the Careers Centre website Resume Express On-line guide to writing your resume Teaching Job Vacancies Job ads in Saturday newspapers DET Interview Conducted by senior officers of DET (1 June - 25 Sept) Panel interview Takes approx 30 min Take photo ID & original i documentation ti (degree awards, transcripts, passport) Take your supporting statement describing your personal qualities teaching expertise knowledge of curriculum and teaching methods leadership abilities specialist skills as they relate to teaching Preparing for the DET Interview Information on website lists topics that will be covered, eg Teaching strategies Classroom management Student welfare Curriculum issues Your experience 4

5 How to Prepare Private sector Expect to get questions about: Why you are interested in that particular school What is your philosophy on teaching, behaviour management and student learning What you know about the school and its teaching philosophy What additional skills you can offer the school eg. computing, literacy, sporting, arts and music Responding to Interview Questions Practice answering behavourial questions Use the STAR technique Use past behaviour & performance to indicate future behaviour and performance Practice answers demonstrating practical examples around key job criteria Structuring your answer Situation Who, when, where? Give a context Task What did you do? What was the goal? Activity How did you do it? Clear strategy Result So what? Outcome achieved Structuring a S.T.A.R. Answer a brief description of the Situation a brief outline of the Task the Action you took the Result or Outcome Tell me about a time when you.had to manage a difficult student what was the situation? how did you handle it? On my recent teaching prac at St Columbus Primary School, I had a class of 30 year 6 students with varying learning needs. I had one particularly disruptive student who was refusing to cooperate. I quickly dealt with situation by speaking directly and clearly with the student while also ensuring that the rest of the class were on task. I clearly explained the consequences of the student s behaviour and through my calm and firm voice, communicated my intention to carry out the consequence. The student did cooperate, I quickly moved on to the next activity and order was restore. 5

6 Sample Job Criteria Strong communications skills Excellent interpersonal skills with students, staff and parents Teaching expertise Strong leadership skills A sound understanding of the NSW teaching curriculum How to Perform at Interview Be punctual Mobile phone off Professional appearance clothes neat, polished, not distracting Try to remember interviewers names Make eye contact Smile Confident body language & handshake Take your time, don t race, breathe! Refer to your resume or portfolio if you need to Be yourself! Where to from here? Perform to your best during your teaching prac Consider it as one long interview Talk to other teachers and peers Continue to gather teaching resources and information Explore innovative teaching techniques Network 6