Jeff Mayo Superintendent, Arlington Community Schools, Tennessee
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ost school districts have moved to the use of an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen candidates. With an ATS, human resources departments can automate and store hiring documents online so that principals and hiring managers don’t have to sift through stacks of paperwork or hundreds of emails to find the information needed to make employment decisions. In a competitive market, job seekers are looking for ways to stand out to prospective employers. Prospective job seekers can differentiate themselves from others with similar skills and experience by emphasizing their professional attributes. While the job application is only one aspect of the employment process, candidates have a very limited opportunity to capture the attention of those making employment decisions, due to the automation of this process. Relying on my 15+ years of experience as a human resources administrator, I’m offering my guidance in the areas that could be automatic “consideration eliminators” of prospective candidates in an online employment application.
1. Thoroughly read job descriptions
6. Fill out all fields within the application process ü
By filling out every field, you are demonstrating your interest in the job. Many recruiters bypass candidates who don't complete their applications.
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With an ATS, many school districts filter candidates by responses to certain fields within the online application. Don't miss any chances to be included in the recruiters' filtered selections.
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Online applications make information more accessible. This increases the number of applicants for a position and intensifies the competition.
7. Address gaps in employment ü
A gap may be asked about during an interview. An experienced recruiter will notice it.
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Perhaps you were recovering from surgery or caring for an ailing family member. Disclosing gaps on the application shows your openness, indicating your integrity.
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Don’t apply if you aren't qualified for the job.
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Take the time to understand exactly what the school district expects from applicants; pay close attention to the detailed description of what the job entails.
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Applying for multiple jobs that vary in qualifications can indicate that you have little focus, as most people are not proficient at everything!
School districts encourage inclusion of professional information from your social profile, typically LinkedIn, Google+, or Facebook, in the online application process.
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Viewing your dynamic social profile allows recruiters to see your current work status. This is often referred to as a “social resume.”
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Make sure your content and experience dovetail with specific job descriptions.
2. Create an original cover letter. ü
If the school district requests a cover letter via the online application, include one that is specific to your accomplishments and skills; address the job description directly.
8. Ensure that your social profile is current
9. “Sanitize” your public social media profile ü
Don't display public images or content that would deter recruiters from wanting to hire you.
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If used properly, social media can help you connect with potential employers—just make sure your online data is working for you, not against you.
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Mention how you will use that knowledge and those skills on the job.
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Use the cover letter to showcase your personality, qualifications, and desire for the job.
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A huge “turn off” for a potential employer is a cover letter with another school district’s name on it. Be sure to proofread your letter thoroughly.
You'll be asked to provide a list of professional references on the application. Be prepared with their names, addresses and phone numbers.
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References should not be relatives.
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Select references who will be positive about your attributes and accomplishments.
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Ask your references for permission before listing them on your application.
3. Identify key words to tailor your resume ü
Create your resume to include key words from the job description, then indicate how your accomplishments address those requirements.
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Customize your resume for each specific job.
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When applying for a new position, update your resume as well as your online application file.
4. Make sure your responses are on target and error free ü
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Triple-check your writing for spelling, content, and grammar. With digital applications, error-laden content lives on, potentially harming your chances for employment in the future. Be sure that all your information is completely spelled out— avoid abbreviations. Abbreviations understood readily by hiring managers are not always familiar to first-line recruiters.
5. Maintain one candidate profile per district ü
Multiple profiles in one district’s system can cause confusion. One profile per school district eliminates the odds of the wrong profile being disqualified by a first-line recruiter.
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The exception is when applying for both a teaching position and an administrative position; the online platform requires a different application type for each.
Resumes, Cover Letters, References, and Applications
The Job Application: One Aspect of the Employment Process
10. List appropriate references
11. Be honest and positive ü
Being caught in a lie will almost guarantee not being hired.
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Even if you were terminated from a job, find wording that is honest, yet not negative. Something as simple as "work ended" can suffice.
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Be prepared to have an honest, positively-worded explanation if details are requested.
12. Review all the information you imported before submitting ü
Before hitting the submit button, take a final glance at your content.
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Know that once you hit that button, your information is sent directly to the recruiter.
13. Communication Etiquette ü
Use a principal/hiring manager’s title, not a first name, in person or in writing.
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Don’t ruin your chances with unprofessional communication when you are contacted for an interview. American Association for Employment in Education
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