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Getting That Next JobFebruary 20, 2010

Presented by:Dr. Gaylord Tryon, PresidentG. Tryon and Associates515-727-5807gtryon@mchsi.comwww.gtryon.com

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Getting That Next Job--In Iowa

o Questions to ask yourself.o Finding out where the jobs are.o Learning more about the job opening.o Preparing your letter of application.o Putting your résumé together.o Contacting and listing your references.o Compiling your application packet.o Why your interview did not help get the job.o Accepting disappointing news.

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Five Questions to Help You Get Started in Your Job Search

• What does your ideal job look like?• Why does this position interest you; why are

you attracted to this position?• If you accept this position, where do you see

yourself 5-10 years from now? Will this new position get you there?

• What will this new position mean to you personally and professionally?

• Is this move worth the risk? What are the risks?

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Finding Out Where The Jobs Are

1. Newspaper ads.2. Web sites (e.g., DM Register, AASA,

TeachIowa.Com, search firms, Iowa REAP)3. Networking with colleagues.4. Selecting a particular school district or area of the

state--watchful waiting.5. Watching to see who gets hired (domino effect).6. Staying in contact with key people--search

consultants, SAI staff, school attorneys, AEA people.

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Learning More About The Job

1. Visit the district’s web site (board minutes, annual report, CSIP, enrollments, budget, terms of board members,etc.).

2. Visit with a colleague employed by the district. (Is there an internal candidate?)

3. Call someone in a neighboring district.4. Visit with the search consultant.5. Look up back issues of the local paper.6. DE web site.

Key--find out the particular needs or issues in the district and refer to them in your letter of application, response to listed questions, and the interview.

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Letter of Application

• Opening statement--state the exact job for which you are making application; briefly explain why you are interested in this position. Make an immediate connection to the school district. Your first paragraph should catch the eye/attention of the reader.

• Main body of your letter--identify your key strengths, special skills, major achievements, personal and or professional values. Use action words and descriptive adjectives/adverbs. Discuss how you meet the qualifications of this opening.

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Letter of Application Continued

• Closing paragraph--restate your interest in the position, what you can bring to the school district, and why you should be considered for this opening. This paragraph needs to remind the reader of your enthusiasm for the job and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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Reviewing Your Letter Of Application

A. The letter should focus on what you can bring to the district--not a repeat of your resume.

B. Does your letter say why you want to work in this district?

C. Rule of thumb: Your letter of application should show rather than tell.

D. Prefer one or two page letter of application.E. Make sure someone else reads your work.F. Count the “I” statements. Count the “we” statements.G. Be careful about using “fluff” statements (e.g.,

student-friendly; team oriented; shared decision maker)

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More About Letter Of Application

G. Please do not use abbreviations (e.g., CSIP, NCLB, DEST, IDK).

H. Use action words (e.g., created, directed, implemented, initiated).

I. When you have completed your letter, check and see:a. How often you made reference to students?b. How often you stated your educational values and/or beliefs?c. Did the letter say what you wanted it to say?

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Letter Of Application--Continued

J. Letter should be personalized (e.g., name of person, name of district, etc.).

K. Don’t say anything in your letter that you can’t defend in an interview setting.

L. Use a high quality paper that can easily be copied.M. Suggestion: Tell the board right up front that you

are willing to live in the district.N. Never, ever print anything back-to-back!!!O. Do not print your letter on school stationary!!!

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Salutations--Letter Of Application

What’s wrong here?o Dear Sirs:o Gentlemen:o To Whom It May Concern:

What about this?o Mrs. Mary Smith, Board Presidento Dr. Gaylord Tryon, President, G. Tryon & Associateso Mr. Harold Flatt, Board Secretary

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More--Letter Of Application

Dear Board President:

My name is Gaylord Tryon and I am applying for thesuperintendent opening in your school district.

I have six years experience as a classroom teacher (Sac City,Iowa); two years as a building principal (Odebolt, Iowa); and sixyears as a building principal (Ames, Iowa). I graduated fromGlidden High School and have received degrees from Iowa StateTeachers College, Colorado State College, and Iowa StateUniversity (CAS and PhD).

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More--Letter Of Application

I am a strong believer in children. I am a team player and studentfocused. I have considerable experience with NCLB, DDL, and theCSIP.

I am the father of four children. I enjoy golf, physical fitness, anddoing my own yard work.

While I have no experience as a superintendent, I think I am readyto tackle the job. I think my experience and background make mehighly qualified to be your next superintendent.

Yours truly,Gaylord Tryon, PhD

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Preparing Your Résumé

1. Your résumé is your introduction; it is your sales presentation to the reader; a first impression that is so important.

2. It needs to be brief and well organized (3 pages max).3. As a screener, I should not have to go looking for your work

related experiences. Put them right up front.4. Include dates when listing employment experiences.5. Explain any gaps in employment and/or frequent moves.6. Emphasize your experience, strengths, passions, leadership

roles, and achievements.7. Do not include such things as your weight, height, age, social

security number, or photographs. (Cross out SSN on transcripts.)

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What Should Your Résumé Include?

• Personal data (name, address, telephone, email address)

• Education• Licensure • Work experience• Strengths/skills• Job responsibilities; achievements; awards• Professional affiliations/memberships• Community involvement; volunteer work• References (name, address, phone, title)

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References

Talk with your references--let them know:1. You are applying for a job.2. What particular skills, experiences, passions you

want them to emphasize (create your own theme!).3. Not to include the name of the school district in the

letter--if you are going to be applying for more than one job (address the letter To Whom It May Concern).

4. Include dates on your letters of reference.

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More About References

Be very selective in choosing your references:1. Include some from your present employer

(especially your immediate supervisor).2. Limit the number of references from DE, AEA,

university, fellow superintendents.3. Do not use outdated letters of reference (most

college credentials are outdated).

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Your Application Packet

A. Read and follow directions (e.g., do not bind, staple, fold, etc.).

B. Use the U.S. mail (faxed copies to not always print well; emailed copies can arrive in a different format).

C. Submit your complete packet in a timely manner; let someone know if it is going to be late; don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application.

D. Follow up to make sure everything has been received (especially those items coming from other sources--e.g., letters of reference, transcripts, credentials, etc.).

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Why Your Interview Did Not Help

A. You did not make a good first impression (I.e., first 30 second impression):a. Poor professional appearanceb. Poor personal groomingc. Poor eye contactd. Weak handshake

B. You did not answer the questionsa. You did not take time to reflect on what the question was before you started to speakb. You rambled. Unnecessary details take up a lot of time and you came across as unfocused.c. It’s okay to take notes during an interview; this might help with questions that are long and complex

C. You used poor grammar or off-color language

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More About The Interview

D. You did not come prepared to discuss your strengths and weaknesses or to discuss your perspectives/values about education or school administration.

E. You did not sell yourself to the board or to the other people with whom you met.

F. You tried to be someone else during the interview (always be yourself--the job must fit you and you must fit the job).

G. You did not use peoples’ names during the interview (people like to hear their names).

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More About The Interview

H. Your tone of voice and/or body language left a negative impression (7 % of the information you give comes in words; 38 % through tone of voice; 55 % from body language). Some examples:a. Slouching in your chairb. Pushing back from the tablec. Looking disinterested, intimidated, or that you are in over your headd. Chewing gume. Excessive use of hands (avoid finger gestures—don’t point index finger; don’t steeple your fingers together)f. Crossing or folding your armsg. Sitting with your legs crossedh. Not making eye contact

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More--Why The Interview Did Not HelpI. You did not come prepared with questions of your own (or,

you asked too many questions).J. You spoke critically of your previous board or your previous

school district or your colleagues.K. You appeared disinterested; you did not show passion for

the job.L. You treated the receptionist, office secretary in a cavalier or

condescending manner. This is a real no-no!M. You did not have a good opening and/or closing statement.N. You did not share commonalities—make a connection.O. Portfolios or handouts can be a major distraction; they may

not be helpful to your interview.P. Did you do your research--are you a good fit for the job;

were you able able to talk about the job and or school district during your interview?

Q. Send a thank-you note as soon as possible.

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Common Interview Questions

1. Why do you want to work here?2. Tell us a little bit about yourself.3. What are your strengths? What are your

weaknesses?4. Why did you leave your last job?5. Tell us about the worst boss you ever had.6. What are your career goals?7. Why should you be the person selected for this

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Questions to Ask During Interview

A. What are you looking for in a candidate?B. What is the most pressing issue in the next 2-3 months?C. What is the best thing about working for this school district?D. Tell me more about the district’s mission—its meaning,

purpose, history.E. How would you describe the culture of this building; this

district?F. Have I answered all of your questions? What questions have I

not asked?G. Is there any additional information I can provide to convince

you I am the right person for the job?H. Is the district involved in any litigation or formal complaints?

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Accepting Disappointing News--With Class And Dignity

A. When you apply for a job, you will not always get selected for an interview.

B. When you are invited for an interview, you will not always be offered the job.

C. Don’t kill the messenger--or, burn any bridges!D. Don’t fault yourself--it really is a matter of fit and not

necessarily who has the most to offer.E. Accept the news graciously and keep applying.

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Thanks For Listening And Good Luck On Getting That Next Job

Dr. Gaylord Tryon515-727-5807

gtryon@mchsi.comwww.gtryon.com