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  • Writer's pictureMargaret Cissel

6 Tips for Your Job Search

With the 2019 independent school hiring season in full swing, the Educator’s Ally Team wants to make sure you feel as prepared as possible for the opportunities ahead.

Here are 6 tips for a successful private school job search:

  1. Get in touch with Educator’s Ally.

  2. To get the conversation started, apply here with your updated resume.

  3. Why work with EA?

  4. Our services are free for job seekers! Whether you’re looking locally or nationally, EA can help.

  5. Since 1975, EA’s highly personalized approach to recruiting has been valued by schools and candidates alike. With New York roots and a national reach, EA represents and recruits for day and boarding schools across the country.

  6. EA gets to know each of our candidates and supports them throughout the search process.

  7. From proofreading cover letters and resumes to providing interview tips to negotiating an offer, we’re here for you.

  8. Just as we get to each candidate, we know our schools and what makes each one unique. With this knowledge, we work hard to find our candidates the perfect job at the right independent school. To get a feel for the EA difference, visit our website to read testimonials from candidates and administrators who’ve worked with us.

  9. Read more about EA services for job seekers here.

  10. Update your resume.

  11. Don’t procrastinate, do it! Be sure to add any new responsibilities and titles you’ve assumed, as well as any professional development opportunities you’ve taken advantage of since your last search.

  12. Use bullet points. School administrators are busy, and you want your experience to stand out at a quick glance. More details can be filled in in a cover letter or in an interview.

  13. Keep your resume simple in terms of font, design, and formatting.

  14. Your EA Placement Manager will be happy to review your resume and provide feedback

  15. Click here to upload your resume and apply for EA representation.

  1. Be responsive.

  2. Check your email and voicemail frequently and respond to schools within 24 hours. We know you’re busy but responding even if just to thank the school administrator for their email and to let them know when you’ll get back to them can make a huge difference.

  3. Make sure your voicemail is set-up (and not full) and that your greeting sounds professional.

  1. Do your homework. 

  2. Every school is unique. Search committees want to know you’ve taken the time to get to know the school. In preparation for an interview, familiarize yourself with the school’s mission and philosophy and be ready to speak to why the school and position appeal to you – use specifics!

  1. Be punctual. 

  2. Make every effort to arrive a few minutes early for an interview.

  3. Use Waze to predict how long the trip will take with traffic and set an alert that will let you know when to start driving.

  4. If you’re Skyping, make sure your computer is set up and Skype is open several minutes prior to your call. Make sure you are in a quiet (and clean!) space where you won’t be interrupted.

  1. Dress for success. 

  2. Whether it’s a Skype or in-person meeting, always remember to dress neatly and professionally for your interviews.

  3. Not sure what to wear? You can always ask your EA Placement Manager for some ideas. Here are a few go-to options:

  4. Dress slacks and a blouse

  5. Navy jacket, tie, and khaki pants

  6. Neutral colored suit

  7. Knee-length dress or skirt and a blouse

  1. Be yourself. 

  2. Take a deep breath, have fun, and be yourself! The best interviews are those that feel more like a conversation than a Q&A so try and relax.

  3. You can always reach out to your EA Placement Manager with any questions before or after your interview.

Want more help on how to conduct your search? Read our other blog posts, Tips for a Successful Private School Job Search Part 1 and Part 2.

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Educator’s Ally is a highly personalized placement agency that connects teachers and administrators with independent day and boarding schools. With New York roots and a national reach, EA’s dedicated approach to recruiting has been valued by schools and candidates alike since 1975.

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