PreK-12CoeducationalCollege PrepDay School

Girls boarding in grades 8-12

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Correspondence – your first impression can mean the difference between getting an interview and being looked over.

From: Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 10:40 AMTo: Cindy Patton <cpatton@stuart-hall.org>

Subject: Re: Spanish Teacher Position Ms. Patton,

Thank you for your response.  Unfortunately at this time I do not have a bacheor's degree at this time.  I will be graduating in December.  If you find that you still need a teacher to fill that position when December rolls around I would be more than interested.  Thank you.

Be qualified for the position for which you are applying.

From: Date: Friday, April 30, 2010 8:00 AMTo: Cindy Patton <cpatton@stuart-hall.org>Subject: Middle and High School Science Teacher Dear Cindy,I hope that you are doing well. Please find my attached resume for position of Middle and High School Science Teacher.Thank you,

Do not be too familiar. When speaking and writing use formal introductions until instructed to do otherwise.

From: Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 6:00 PMTo: Cindy Patton <cpatton@stuart-hall.org>Subject: Re: Stuart Hall School Hola Sra. Patton y gracias por su correo electrónico en vuelta.  Yo tengo mucho interésen la posición en SH. Me gustaría hacerle unas preguntas en cuantoal trabajo.  ¿Puedo llamarle mañana durante mi hora libre, como a las 9:20 al tiempocentral?  Le dejé un mensaje de voz esta tarde en su máquina. Gracias otra vez por escribiéndome.  Atentamente,

Consider your audience.

From: Date: Sunday, June 28, 2009 2:30 PMTo: Cindy Patton cpatton@stuart-hall.org,Subject: Residence Life Coordinator Dear Ms. Patton,Please consider my candidacy for Residence Life Coordinator at Stuart Hall.  I come to you with over twenty years experience in independent schools where I served for eleven years as Dean of Students at a coed boarding school, three years as Dean of Students in a day school, seven years as a Dorm Head for 100 boys, and two years as a Dorm Parent.  I understand residential life, the needs of boarding students, and the special benefits and problems of independent school life. I have a particular interest in working with international students.  Several years ago, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Korea for 3 1/2 weeks with students whom I have taught.  Throughout the years, I have planned and carried out many social, cultural, and educational programs.  I have coordinated and conducted leadership programs for student leaders, dorm parents, and dorm heads.  I see disciplinary events as learning opportunities and believe that saying "no" is simply part of everyday life.  I have participated in hundreds of Discipline Committee meetins. Attached are my resume, personal statement, and several references.  I hope you will contact me. Sincerely,

Spell and grammar check written correspondence.

From: Date: Sunday, June 28, 2009 10:35 AMTo: Cindy Patton <cpatton@stuart-hall.org>Subject: STUDENT LIFE COORDINATOR position Good Morning Ms. Patton, Attached please find my credentials for the available position of STUDENT LIFE COORDINATOR at Stuart Hall School. This is an outstanding educational leadership opportunity that truly fits my background and expertise. I thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope to hear from you. soon. Most sincerely,

Hello, 

I am attaching my resume, cover leter, and references for your review please let me know if you ahve any additional questions. 

Thanks 

Some errors are deal breakers!

From: Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 11:34 AMTo: Cindy Patton <cpatton@stuart-hall.org>Subject: Residence Life Coordinator

I have applied before with Mrs. Buchanan but could not except the salary.My name is Lois B. Buchanan and I have taught Sunday School withchildren ages 4 through 14 for four years as well as PTA President fora year. I have a BA in Design and attended college for one yearBusiness Management. I am a Christian Jesus believing woman with a truelove of life and learning.I would love to meet with you to discuss the position. I am currentlyworking at Hershey's in stuarts Draft.My phone number is 540-292-4855.Thank you,

This email hits most of the “not to do” points and then some. Consider everything about this email a no-no!

From: Date: Monday, August 13, 2012 11:51 PMTo: Cindy Patton <cpatton@stuart-hall.org>Subject: a possible opening Dear Ms. Patton,I am emailing you because of a reference to your school about a possible job opening. I am a recent certified graduate of the Bridgewater College Education Department and am currently looking for a teaching position. I am planning to stop by tomorrow afternoon in order to drop off my resume and possibly meet with you. If there is a time in the afternoon that is better for you to meet, please let me know. Again, this position was just mentioned to me by a friend, and I was encouraged to contact you about the potential opening. I look forward to hearing from you soon. You may reach me on my cell phone at …….. Educationally yours, -- Bridgewater College '12 Elementary Educ. Major

I like this young woman’s enthusiasm!

From: Date: Monday, April 2, 2012 5:20 AMTo: Cindy Patton <cpatton@stuart-hall.org>Subject: teaching position Good Morning Ms. Patton,I really enjoyed my visit to Stuart Hall. It seems like a wonderful school community and a great place to teach. I was wondering if any positions have become available for the upcoming school year? Again, it was a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you,

Follow up immediately.

What can you do today?

*check your Facebook settings.*Google yourself.*consider joining LinkedIn.*develop a statement of professional purpose/philosophy:  "I

believe that the human endeavor is a holistic one and that all learning should be infused with art, community, craft, technology, and compelling, connected content from across the disciplines." *prepare an example of an accomplishment about which you

are proud, and an example of how you handled a difficult situation.*consider acquiring an “all purpose” suit. *attach a photograph to your resume.

What to do before the interview?

*Be sure you know where you are going. Consider taking a test drive to check traffic conditions and parking.*Arrive 5-10 minutes early.

During the interview:

*it is ok to be nervous.*first impressions are lasting impressions – take care in your

presentation.   Dress professionally, avoid heavy perfume, appearing too rigid or, conversely, too familiar (hugging/first name).*be well spoken and use good grammar.*use good eye-contact and a firm handshake.*show interest in the person with whom you are speaking and

about the school. Ask questions.*seem to be glad to be there.*share information about yourself

During the interview:

*talk about kids and content with excitement, enthusiasm, and passion.*show your sense of humor appropriately.*listen well and answer questions appropriately. do not speak

over or interrupt the interviewer.*be able to articulate a sense of professional purpose.*have an example of an accomplishment about which you are

proud, and an example of how you handled a difficult situation.

What to do after your interview:*follow up immediately.  Speak to something specific

(school/students/community) from your visit.*if asked to teach, prepare a dynamic lesson that showcases

your style and engagement with students. *Check in approximately a week after the interview.

What not to do:*do not speak poorly about former/current

employers/colleagues.*do not ask about salary/benefits package before interview.*job hopping (as seen in the next slide) and gaps in professional

experience are red flags.

Six jobs in six years!

Cindy Patton, Lower School Directorcpatton@stuart-hall.org