The process of searching for a job involves a multi-layered strategy that leverages a wide range of resources in order to achieve success. The resources in this section will help you develop a strategy best suited to your career goals. For many people the process of searching for a job can seem overwhelming. These resources are offered to help you better organize your job search by focusing on the key tasks.
As an active job seeker it is important to understand the difference between looking for “a job” and trying to find an opportunity that best matches your career interests, values and goals. Developing a targeted job search strategy will enable you to pursue employment opportunities that will not only be a good fit, but will also lead to long term job satisfaction. While your job search strategy may evolve over the course of your search, it is important to take a few moments to set some parameters for your job search, assess your strengths (and weaknesses) and identify critical resources.
KEY ELEMENTS OF A JOB SEARCH STRATEGY. Here are initial tools and resources to begin developing a customized job search plan.
- Career Goals – What type of positions are you targeting? What type of employer are you targeting? What are your geographic preferences?
- Task List – A list of short term and long term tasks you will need to complete in order to make progress towards achieving your career goals.
- Schedule – Prioritizing and scheduling your tasks and developing a system that holds you accountable for completing each task on time.
- Tracking System – A system where you can track your progress. This should include keeping detailed records on your networking efforts, job applications submitted and interview activity. Here is an example of a tracking system you can use.
SETTING PARAMETERS FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH. While it may seem that narrowing your job search targets you are reducing the number of job opportunities, keep in mind that the parameters you identified are simply a guide to help you find the perfect fit.
The reality is that many job seekers won’t find positions that match all their parameters so it is important to understand which parameters are required and not negotiable and those that are more flexible. Lastly, the parameters help you define targets that will enable you to conduct an effective job search. However, they do not prevent you from considering other opportunities. As mentioned earlier, the focus of your job search may evolve over time so a flexible strategy is just as important as a targeted one.
What type(s) of position(s) are you targeting?
If you are looking at teaching positions this should include details such as grade level and subject. If you are looking at administrative positions in an educational setting this should include the area(s) within administration and student services. If you are looking at positions outside of a traditional educational setting, what do those positions look like?
What type(s) of employer(s) are you targeting?
Employer type could refer to the type of school/institution/organization, the school/ institution/organization size, student population/demographics/clients served, the mission/culture of the school/organization, etc. Considerations of public vs. private are important in educational and non-educational settings. Developing networks aligned with your interests are important consideration, too.
What are your geographic preferences?
Are you conducting a narrow or a broad search? Most candidates tend to focus their job search in one specific city or region while others view their job search as an opportunity to pick up and relocate anywhere. If you find yourself in the latter category, it is still recommended that you narrow your geographic focus to a few specific locations. This will enable you to better manage your search and also allow you to implement a more focused, proactive component to your job search.
Are there any additional considerations you need to consider?
Additional considerations may include salary, benefits, advancement potential, professional development opportunities, etc.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE ASSESSMENT. Once you have identified your job search targets, the next step in developing your job search strategy is to gain a better understanding of what you have to offer potential employers.
Take a moment to identify your strengths as they relate to the position(s) you are considering. In addition, take an inventory of your past experience and make a note of specific experiences that highlight your strengths.
This exercise is first step in developing your “sales pitch” which will enable you to write strong resumes and cover letters and effectively prepare for interviews. Here is a resource to develop a version of this, your “30 Second Elevator Pitch.”
Bridge the Skill Gap! It is also important to identify areas where you may be lacking the necessary skills and/or experience. Part of your job search strategy should include ways to compensate for these shortcomings. You may seek out volunteer opportunities or internships that will help bridge the gap.
JOB SEARCH RESOURCES. Once you have set the parameters for your job search, you are now able to focus your research in these specific areas. The goal of your research is three-fold:
- Gather additional information on the types of positions and employers you’ve identified and develop a deeper understanding of the different opportunities, state of the job market, recruitment process, and critical skills needed.
- Research information on specific opportunities and employers currently available.
- Familiarize yourself with the various tools to find position openings. These may be electronic job board (i.e., Handshake, Indeed.com, EdJoin.org, HigherEdJobs.com), professional associations, or institution/company websites. Sign up for alerts on new postings, where available, or schedule a time to visit those sites on a regular basis. While some positions may post for a few weeks, others may only be required to post for a matter of days, and still others may have an aggressive timeline to begin the screening applicants. See Job Postings for more details and resources.
For some searches, particularly more senior roles or within certain sectors, executive search firms could be part of the search process. Search firms are hired by institutions and companies to help ensure a successful search. They serve as an intermediary between the hiring entity and the applicant, they have positions posted on their website, and they oftentimes maintain their own database of potential applicants. Rossier hosted alumni working at various search firms—click the link to view the respective session: supporting K-12, community college, and higher education/independent schools/social impact organizations. A listing of various search firms within education is also available.
NETWORKING RESOURCES. The last component of a targeted job search strategy is networking.
In short, a proactive job search is critical to your success. While checking job boards enables you to learn about current openings, your job search strategy should involve connecting with people who can provide you with “insider” information on existing opportunities. Since you have already identified parameters for your job search, the focus of your networking efforts has already been determined. Your initial networking targets should be:
- Individuals working in the types of positions you identified.
- Individual working at the types of employer you identified.
- Individual who does the hiring in the type of positions you identified.
Don’t underestimate the value of speaking to individuals that only meet one criterion. Your goal in connecting with these individuals is to learn more about the position and/or the employer, and ultimately make a connection that can help you going forward in your job search efforts. Visit the Networking section for more information.
MANAGING YOUR JOB SEARCH. Here are some resources to keep you organized.
Managing Your Job Search Guide provides tips on keeping you organized and motivated.
- Managing Your Job Search Guide provides tips on keeping you organized and motivated.
- Tracking Form is an example of a system you can use to track your applications and interviews.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION
It is inevitable that you will be asked for samples of your work. It could be the development of a lesson plan, a research project, a statement on your teaching philosophy or commitment to DEIA, a published article, a business plan that you have implemented, or a solid representation of your best practices. You will also need to provide references (DO NOT list them on your resume, provide them when requested). It takes time to review so getting them aligned now will have you fully prepared and confident with that request to showcase your best stuff.
An effective job search:
- Organizes your efforts so that you can track progress (or not) towards a decision;
- Motivates you to add to and document your efforts;
- Holds you accountable and honest in moving forward and making progress towards your appropriate job opportunities.
See Job Posting for more help on your job search.