Question:
I am a NY teacher with a certification in Social Studies. I have taught
a year in a private school in Philadelphia, but the pay was too low. I
was able to get a job as a computer teacher in an public elementary
school in New York City. The job is nice (pretty easy), but I miss
teaching upper grades and history. Also, each year I stay at my current
job, the NY state board requires me to take at least 6 credits a year in
my el. ed. deficiencies ( there are about 17 left). This costs me
around a thousand a year, plus what I am paying to complete my masters
in social studies.
Now that you know my life story, my request is this: Can anyone
take a
look at my resume? A few people who have seen it say it needs to be
reworked. I need to somehow integrate my computer skills and my social
studies expertise to present myself as some sort of dynamic teacher. As
most of you know, there are is a glut of soc. studies teachers, but I
could use my computer exp. as a way to get noticed. I can send it to you
in a wordperfect or word format.
Answer:
-The average lifespan of a resume is about eight seconds. If the personnel
person doesn't see what he/she's looking for in that length of time, it goes
into the round file next to his/her desk. You may get a letter of rejection
saying that your resume is being kept on file. But usually it's the round
file.
These days, a resume needs to be well formatted. A resume maker is
usually available for about $10-15. One done with a word processor doesn't
usually have as much credibility as one done with wise use of fonts, white
space, etc. Color helps.
Brevity is important. One page is better than two. A half page is even
better.
Of course, you want to start with your most recent work experience and
education and work back. And make sure that the headings stand out.
-I am an administrator with a private school (20 yrs), now out on my own in
private practice (Speech & Language Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Performance
Coaching...). If you wish to send me the resume, I will be happy to look it
over and give any recommendations I can.
