A question I’ve been getting a lot lately is when do I know when to share my professional documents (i.e., resume, cover letter, references, portfolio) with potential employers? Frustratingly, the best answer is…it depends! Here are some highlights to help you navigate.
Branding
Why we suggest leaving your address off your resume…
Traditionally a resume includes all your main contact information: name, address, email, and phone number. As of late, resume norms have changed and it’s for your safety. It is now recommended to leave your physical address OFF your resume – especially if you plan to post your document online.
Consider this: you post your resume on your website or online portfolio, making your resume public. Including your contact information. When Googled this is one of the first things people will view and the information can lead them directly to your house! I don’t know about you, but I don’t want anyone to know where I live!
Here’s an example of a super simple (yet still effective) contact header for your resume:
Google yourself. Do you like what you see? If not make your information private or change what you are communicating. Keep yourself safe, people!
On-site Career Fairs
Many school districts offer their own Teacher Fairs throughout the year to recruit future teachers. It’s never a bad idea to get face-to-face with these employers to express your interest (even if it’s a few years from now)! Keep your eyes and ears open for others this winter, spring, and early summer.
Portfolio How-To
Thank you to Sarah P., 2014-15 Secondary Social Studies Intern, for her wonderful guide for creating and appropriately utilizing a teaching portfolio. Remember, this portfolio is unique to you! Use it to show off your best work and most unique self!
Although there is no right or wrong when it comes to online portfolios, we are happy to provide a simple review. Email it to COECareers@msu.edu and we’ll look it over.
Dress for Success
The Teacher Fair is coming. Learn to dress professionally for a career fair from the experts at J.Crew. Receive special discounts and free refreshments!
Sunday, January 15, 6:30-8:30 pm – J.Crew at Eastwood Town Center.
Alternatives to Teaching
Every once in a while an intern gets through his/her student teaching and decides that classroom teaching is not for them. And guess what, that’s OK! If this is how you’re feeling, read on.
How to Incorporate Your Portfolio in an Interview
As career fair and interviewing season fast approaches, have you thought about how you are going to incorporate your portfolio? We have! Here are some sample questions that may provide you with an opportunity to show off your work. Continue reading
Practice Your Interviewing Skills
It’s never too early (or too late) to practice your interviewing skills. The more prepared you are the better you will feel about the whole interview experience.
Letter of Recommendation vs. Verbal Reference
Early spring semester is a really good time to start taking action on choosing folks for references and letters of recommendations.
More Resume Resources
It’s not uncommon that when the job search is in the horizon a small wave of panic comes over us as we realize: “oh crap, I need to work on my resume!” Relax, my friends. The resume is important, but it is only one of the many ways to impress a school district with your special skills and teaching abilities. Here are a couple additional resources to help you with your resume building.
- Resume Video – For your review, please see a special professional development seminar I did for secondary interns in December on how to write a professional teaching resume. The video may be on the longer side, but it’s full of great resources and tips for you as you begin to fine-tune your document.
Video: https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/PD+Session+11.6.2015/1_t0qjcwhh
PowerPoint Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1T4-2lcnJlVc9vBFqEuSaE3U03R2CnFPjzPqAlxIBLYs/edit?usp=sharing
- Peer Career Advising – Although I am personally not always available for resume reviews, there is now a peer career advisor available in the College of Education to assist you specifically with your resumes and cover letters. You do not need to meet in person (unless you want to), quick reviews via email are also an option (allow 1-2 business days for feedback).
Katie Morisette, COE Peer Advisor, moriset5@msu.edu
Katie offers walk-in advising on Fridays from 3:30-5:00PM (spring 2016 only, check here for current schedule) or by appointment (Log into MySpartanCareer for her schedule)
And don’t forget, guys, the “intern” resume isn’t going to cut it in the real world. Be sure to check out the video “how tos” for transforming your internship resume into a professional resume.
