Conducting a Job Search Via Social Media
Published October 11, 2009
Some teachers and administrators will look askance at the idea of using online sites and tools to conduct a job search. Be careful before you cast aspersions on these new ways of finding a job. You just might be on your way to becoming a dinosaur.
First of all, understand that tools are simply that - tools. A chisel in the hand of a novice makes clumsy cuts and produces amateurish results. The same is true of online tools and social media. Learn how to use them effectively to land the job you really want.
Let's focus on the pros and cons of using social media in your job search.
Pros
Creating a presence.
Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs and Twitter allow anybody anywhere to create a presence for themselves. These tools offer you a way to get yourself noticed.
Standing out from the crowd.
With thousands of people vying for a few openings it is very important for you to use social media to help you stand out from the competition. Be careful how you do this, of course, but the easiest way to get noticed is to participate in discussions. Make sure you subscribe to or belong to professional associations and affinity groups relative to your academic interests. If educational technology is your thing, then you should belong to and participate in the fascinating discussions on ISEN.
Proving your competence.
You may have a degree from Cambridge University. But if you keep your learning hidden from others, how are they going to know that you are passionate about, and, indeed, an authority on Spanish novellas? Joining in the discussions, tweeting about an article you have seen, or, better yet, which you yourself have written, will go a long way to getting you noticed at least in the circles which really matter. The circles of your peers.
Once again, the social media and online tools are merely a means to an end. The secret to finding a really great job in any profession is having people who can vouch for you and your accomplishments. On every private school job application is a section for professional references. These referees must know you and your work intimately. Building your network is an essential way of accomplishing this.
The Cons
The biggest negative about anything online is that it is out there for all to see. So be very, very careful about what you say and how you say it online. If you are a huge fan of Hugo Chavez and his policies, you might want to keep your opinions and commentary to your offline circle. In a similar vein, photos of you at a fraternity party quaffing a stein of beer might seem harmless enough until somebody uses it to sabotage your chances of getting that dream job.
Establishing yourself online requires new ways of looking at how to present yourself and your accomplishments. Get it right and you will have thousands of loyal followers hanging on your every word. Get it wrong and it could be a disaster which will be hard to recover from.
Read what Alison Doyle has to say on the subject. She has lots of useful information and advice on her Job Search and Career Networking page.
First of all, understand that tools are simply that - tools. A chisel in the hand of a novice makes clumsy cuts and produces amateurish results. The same is true of online tools and social media. Learn how to use them effectively to land the job you really want.
Let's focus on the pros and cons of using social media in your job search.
Pros
Creating a presence.
Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs and Twitter allow anybody anywhere to create a presence for themselves. These tools offer you a way to get yourself noticed.
Standing out from the crowd.
With thousands of people vying for a few openings it is very important for you to use social media to help you stand out from the competition. Be careful how you do this, of course, but the easiest way to get noticed is to participate in discussions. Make sure you subscribe to or belong to professional associations and affinity groups relative to your academic interests. If educational technology is your thing, then you should belong to and participate in the fascinating discussions on ISEN.
Proving your competence.
You may have a degree from Cambridge University. But if you keep your learning hidden from others, how are they going to know that you are passionate about, and, indeed, an authority on Spanish novellas? Joining in the discussions, tweeting about an article you have seen, or, better yet, which you yourself have written, will go a long way to getting you noticed at least in the circles which really matter. The circles of your peers.
Once again, the social media and online tools are merely a means to an end. The secret to finding a really great job in any profession is having people who can vouch for you and your accomplishments. On every private school job application is a section for professional references. These referees must know you and your work intimately. Building your network is an essential way of accomplishing this.
The Cons
The biggest negative about anything online is that it is out there for all to see. So be very, very careful about what you say and how you say it online. If you are a huge fan of Hugo Chavez and his policies, you might want to keep your opinions and commentary to your offline circle. In a similar vein, photos of you at a fraternity party quaffing a stein of beer might seem harmless enough until somebody uses it to sabotage your chances of getting that dream job.
Establishing yourself online requires new ways of looking at how to present yourself and your accomplishments. Get it right and you will have thousands of loyal followers hanging on your every word. Get it wrong and it could be a disaster which will be hard to recover from.
Read what Alison Doyle has to say on the subject. She has lots of useful information and advice on her Job Search and Career Networking page.
Read Related Employment Articles:
How to find a private school position.
-
Do I Need to be Certified?
Each state sets its own teacher certification requirements. While many private schools do not require you to be certified, it is in your best interests to obtain certification. This article includes contact information for state education offices so you can begin the process. -
Private School Employment Dos and Don'ts
It's a tough job market out there. Observe these Dos and Don'ts to keep yourself ahead of the competition. -
Private School Jobs
Teaching in a private school is different from teaching in a public school. Find out more here including information on duties, compensation and where to find jobs. -
What About Teaching Overseas?
With the job market looking bleak, teaching is an option many recent college graduates are considering. Teaching overseas has all kinds of attractive features. We look at private school teaching jobs and explain what is involved in finding one, applying and more.
Applying and Interviewing
How to apply for a private school job
-
5 Common Employment Application Mistakes
Submit your employment application the way a Swiss watch craftsman builds a watch. With precision and accuracy. -
5 Tips for a Successful Job Interview
You have a lot riding on your job interview. Here are some tips for a successful interview. -
How to Apply for a Private School Job
Do five simple things when applying for a private school teaching position and you will be successful. -
How to Write a Cover Letter
When you apply for a position at a private school, you need to use a slightly different approach than you would use if you were applying for a sales job somewhere. -
What To Wear at Your Job Interview
First impressions are lasting impressions. What you wear at an interview for a teaching job is important. Almost as important as your qualifications and credentials. -
Job Search: Matching Your Qualifications
Matching your qualifications with what the school is looking for is one of the most important parts of the job process. Get it wrong and you might miss getting an interview. -
Making It Accurate and Truthful
You must not fudge the facts on your private school employment application. Tell the truth. Put a positive spin on any potentially negative areas. More here. -
Staying Positive While Unemployed
Staying positive while being unemployed is never easy. But it is a critical part of the process.
Basics
Information about working in private schools
-
Employing Foreign Nationals
Can non-U.S. teachers get employment in American private schools? The answer is "No" in 99.9% of cases. -
How to Find a Private School Job
You can send in a resume and use an agency, but the very best way to find a private school job is to use your network. You do have a network, don't you? -
Is Your Network Keeping You Connected?
The non-unionized private school teacher has to create her own ways of staying connected. Staying connected keeps you informed and gives you a sense of solidarity. -
Job Search Resources
This guide is designed to provide teachers and administrators seeking employment in private schools a road map for the job search process. -
Time Line for Finding a Private School Job
Finding a private school job takes time. Lots of time. This time line will focus your efforts on what has to be done and when it ideally should be done. -
What Do Teachers Make?
What do teachers make? Teachers' salaries vary from state to state, indeed, from school to school. -
What's Your Marketability Quotient?
Finding a good job requires some market savvy.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
