A few job-hunting qts.

[grace10]

I have your e-book Adam. Love it. Has opened my eyes to so much and I am re-writing resume, cover letter and in a day or so....PERSONALLY dropping them off.( Even bought Jimmy S. -resume builder....)

I did not put together a portfolio. Actually mine is online, I went to Univ. Phoenix online and they use Task stream. Should I give prospect employers the link?

What should I take with me?

I have been on 2 interviews, and never made it to round 2. They didn't even ask qts about lesson plans or to see them. Very frustrating.

Thanks,

[oboe440]

From what I can tell, having something on paper (rather than an online portfolio) still carries more weight. For one thing, most people still prefer the real thing rather than being in front of a screen (although having it online scores points with those interviewers in districts with high technology programs). The other reason, I think, is that if you just bring a link, you're sort of saying, "If you want the information, you have to go look for it yourself."

I do a full portfolio with the following:

1) Front Cover with a table of contents and contact information
2) A section called "Credentials" which has a job-specific cover letter (usually addressed to the interviewers by name), my resume, a list of teaching references, and a copy of my certificate
3) A section called "Supporting Documents" which has an article that was done about me by local magazine, my letters of recommendation (from principals and teachers), and feedback from parents
4) A section called "Works in Progress" which has my 30-60-90 Day Action Plan, an outline of my teaching methods, an outline of my assessment strategies, and a list of my professional goals

I almost always get a good response when I present it (one copy to each member of the panel). It's one way to be sure that, after you've left, you will not only be remembered but that you will also be remembered as closely as possible to the way you WANT to be remembered (since you control what you put in the portfolio).

I used to put in samples of things I've already done, but lately I've been putting in things that I would ostensibly be bringing to the district.

[Adam Waxler]

I did not put together a portfolio. Actually mine is online, I went to Univ. Phoenix online and they use Task stream. Should I give prospect employers the link?

Yes...give them the link...

What should I take with me?

Everything...portfolio (if you have a hard copy), extra resumes, cover letters, letters of recommendation, sample lesson plans, samples of student work, and "about me" brochure...basically you can't bring too much...

They didn't even ask qts about lesson plans or to see them.

That is crazy...you are applying for job that requires you to create and implement at least 180 lesson plans...If they don't ask for them then make sure YOU bring it up...make sure YOU present them with sample lessons/student work...also remember, as I state in my book, make sure to answer each question with examples from specific lesson plans.