Fall Job
A few days ago, I sat down and typed a letter of interest to the school district I'm currently working at, as a substitue personal care aide, and I applied for a full-time job starting this fall. I previously hand wrote such a letter, but it was short and to the point. I wanted it to look more professional and I wanted it to state my qualities for the position. I believe that the school should know my abilities, but I wanted to stress them even more for this full-time position. I wanted them to know that I am much more than a substitute.
I have even considered calling one of the school board members and explaining to him about my interest in the position. I don't think that this would hurt my chances. What do you think? And also, when should I do this? School has just let out for the summer. Should I give this member and the school a few more weeks until I call them since the school year just ended and the new school year won't be here until September? I know it's probably not too early, but it's worth trying. I don't want to bother or nag the school district and possibly loose my chance of getting the position.
Also, I had an interview at a tutoring agency in April and was hired, but I still have not started to tutor yet. I have called the agency a few times, but no word from them so far. They needed tutors so why aren't they calling me to work? School is out, but should that matter? I don't want to spend my whole summer waiting for work. I wonder what takes places like this so long to set up tutoring. I have already turned in my clearances and the necessary paperwork back in the beginning of May. I'm just frustrated.
Jill: Yes, yes and yes! One of the things I always caution job seekers about is hiding behind correspondence. You're never hired through letters or emails--it is only AFTER they meet you. So the more in-person contact you can make with any individual that may be influential in the hiring process, the better. Now, you don't want to be a stalker, or contact every single board member. But, you can cahoose one or two whose interests closely align with the district or with your experience and reach out to them. And you should do this soon. Don't wait--continually and professionally remind them of your experience and interest in the district. Ask if you can buy them a cup of coffee: "I know you have tremendous experience working on the School Board and I would love to take advantage of your expertise for just a few minutes." Then, use the meeting to focus on what you can learn about the district and spend the last few minutes reiterating your interest and asking for advice on getting a foot in the door. Good luck!
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Susan Strayer
Author (The Right Job, Right Now) and Recruiting Expert
www.susanstrayer.com
Hi - Your frustration is understandable. Job hunting and getting started in a new gig often take more time than we want. My personal belief is that persistence pays off. A polite phone call to your school board member as well as one to the tutoring agency can't hurt. Just don't let your frustration show. Persistence is good when it's pleasant and polite. Good luck!
- Lindsey Pollak
Author, "Getting from College to Career"
www.gettingfromcollegetocareer.com
Even in a small town (24,000 population) like South Pasadena where rubbing elbows with the Mayor was the same as saying "Hi" to your neighbor who was out watering the lawn, going that far to the top sounds like overkill. The School Board is more focused on governance and direction for the educationally program, facilities, equipment, teacher qualifications (which may be your card) generally, and so on.
A better person to contact would be the principal of the school where you desire to teach. Talk about your knowledge of your favorite age group and your successes with them. Discuss things you've learned about the teaching / learning process in some of your recent experiences. Find out if those are in consonance with the schools goals and objectives with this current crop of students. If not, find out what the goals are. Have a constructive conversation -- an informal interview -- and express your desire to devote your energies to making these youth the success stories and showcase examples of tomorrow.
As to the tutoring program, it may be that they're preparing for their tutor training and getting the classes written up, the trainers lined up, and coordinating preparation of training materials and location. It's more than appropriate to call and ask (if you didn't talk about it before) whether they have a training period in order to have all tutors involved in the program using the XYZ Tutoring Program style.
If they do not have a training period and that is not the cause of the delay, then it may be that they are waiting for school to be out and giving the students a little bit of a breather before having them dive in again. If there is no tutor training / orientation, ask when the summer tutoring program will begin and who you should be contacting about your schedule.