So I've been applying since the beginning of June and I have yet to get an interview or response. I've applied to several school districts and many many positions within. I personally email the principals with my resume, phil of edu, and LOA. What's the deal?
i also have not gotten a single response. the only interview so far is with the district I already worked in. out of over 60+ positions applied to this year not even one interview! so i'm realy of no help, just know you're not the only one
Around here, they receive literally thousands of applications for each vacant job. They simply don't have time to reply to each application, along with the followup emails requesting info on the status of each of those applications. Why not call to find out when the principals are in over the summer, and walk in some resumes?
I'm also having a hard time getting interviews. The market for teachers is just so saturated and this year is harder than other years. Just keep applying and contacting principals and hopefully one will contact you for an interview. Also, if you haven't already look into private and charter schools. Good luck!
Maybe consider revising your resume? Make sure it stands out. Do you have your GPA on there? I have found that GPA is a major factor in getting interviews. Review your cover letter and make sure it says why YOU are the best person for the job and what makes you stand out.
Alice- I have a friend that works in NY in the Bronx, I think. And she said at her school they let go 17 teachers due to budget cuts and enrollment decreases. She said it was really a shame because they were all young teachers with great ideas. The faculty was heartbroken to see them go. That is sad.
Here in the district I just interviewed with, most of the principal are still on vacation or traveling. I received an autoreply to an email from one principal that said he would be out of the office from June 21st to July 21st. At the school I accepted a job with, I won't meet the principal until the end of July during inservice meetings. The associate principal who interviewed me said that he would be traveling until then. The only reason I got an interview is because the principal was still checking email and forwarded my resume to the associate principal. I'm in Houston also.
I'm pretty sure P's will start coming back today for year round school. I've applied to tons of jobs and I have had only 2 interviews. I've dropped by a few schools to find notes on the door that they're out until July 13th and a couple even said August 3. It's frustrating, trust me- I know. You'd think they'd want to get the vacancies filled, but in all reality, its not them that has to set up the classroom, it becomes your challenge- so they're taking a break...probably even from email. Good luck to you and hang in there!
I agree with Alice. Go visit some schools. A resume will show your experience and education, but it does not give a P any information about you as a person. And as one of the other posts suggests, appearance and personality are important. Come visit a school, joke with with front office staff, show your face to the P or AP.
Of course, during the summer, catching pricipals will be hit-or-miss. But how much better to be "that nice teacher who dropped off her resume" than "resume #106 in the pile of 986"
I agree GPA can be a big deal. Mine is good, and both the principal and superintendent commented on it. I think it sealed the deal for me...
I haven't heard anything back either. Do you think I should add my GPA to my resume? I have that I graduated summa cum laude....didn't add GPA since this means 3.9 - 4.0 at my college. Do you think I should add it?
You're probably good with summa cum laude - just let them know you have an edge. I put it because I'm a fairly new, but middle-aged, teacher. At my interview, they asked something I knew nothing at all about. I said I really don't know about that so I'll have to get busy and start researching... The principal laughed and said, "Well, judging from these grades, I'm sure you'll know it all before school starts." So I say use it if you've got it. Good luck!
The same thing hear. Most principals will back Wed. and I am stopping by the schools who have vacancies. I am going to fill up and drive. I had a couple of teachers tell me they tell you anything on the phone, but the one who stops by end up being at the right place, at the right time. Go figure!!
I don't think principals care about GPA. I had a 3.8 and I have it on my resume, no one seems to care.
I think you should add it. I have done screening work for districts to filter out the baddies and that was one of the points to consider. It can't hurt!!
I've gotten 2 rejection letters and no interviews. Two positions I applied for in my district have been taken down. I called another district for which I had applied and they told me that job had been filled. Needless to say, it was depressing. However, I called several private schools yesterday. Two are taking applications for teachers and one principal said she would like to meet with me, so hopefully, one of those will come through.
I do have to chime in. I've dropped off resumes and tried to get a quick face-to-face with principals and it hasn't worked. I've applied to over 50 positions (public, private and charter schools) and there is nothing. I'm going on to my third revision of my resume, fifth for my cover letter. I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but there are those of us who have been trying everything and it is just bleak out there.
I think a great GPA is definitely something to be proud of, but I don't think it's one of the most important points a P looks at when hiring. I think it's a lot more involved than that. Please don't take this the wrong way. I applaud all those with high GPA's. My GPA is not the highest simply due to that fact that I worked 2 jobs and went to school. I know that's not an excuse, but that was my reality at the time. I don't consider myself a "baddie" because my GPA isn't the highest.
Do go, as suggested, to the schools in person to drop off another copy of your resume. Chat up the school secretaries. Be friendly. Getting in good with the secretary is a good way to get your foot in the principal's door. E-mail the Ps again. So what if you have e-mailed them once already. Let them know you are STILL interested in a position with them. You CAN pursue a position aggressively without being too aggressive. Just make sure your name stays in the forefront.
