Question for Teachers/School Employees RE: Job Hunt

[jobhunter]

Let's say I'm applying for a job with a school system (paraeducator). I see a position posted I am REALLY a good fit for, and I apply through it via the state system. Done. However, this particular school also lists the contact person and the phone number (principal, in this case) with the job description.

My question, is it ok to send directly to this person, a cover letter tailored to this position, as well as my resume?

Or is this a Education field job-hunting faux pas?

In my current field, you would absolutely do this. But I know little about the etiquette/protocol about job hunting in this field and would appreciate the advice of those who have been there. I certainly don't want to annoy this person. I want a chance at this job VERY much.

Please help!

THANKS!!!

 

[vettechick99]

JH, if they put the name and number, I would absolutely call too. Right now it's very difficult to get a job in education, and anything that puts you ahead of the pack is ideal.

GL!!!!!

 

[NotUrsula]

I woudn't call, but I'd send a full application package to the Principal as well as the required package to the state. If he/she likes you, he/she will then have to verify that all your state application credentials are in order so that you can be shortlisted for consideration.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I work (and hire people as part of my job) for a charter school, which is, of course, different. However, if I put my phone number down for an application, I would do so because I expected people to use it. I think that reaching out the principal in some way is the appropriate thing to do.

 

[DisTeacher07]

YES YES YES send it to the principal! I've personally seen that the paras that are substituting in our school are the ones that get hired for permanant positions because the principal is comfortable with them and knows what they can do and ultimately has the final say when it comes to a child in HER school. Reach out to the principal and show your interest. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

 

[DisneyFan06]

I was in the same situation two years ago. I sent it and it worked!

 

[Pembo]

I wouldn't mail it, I'd take my resume in person.

 

[Ceila]

Lots of good advice already, but I would be sure to mention in the letter to the principal that you also submitted through the state. While there is nothing at all wrong with using both application methods, it looks odd to someone doing the hiring to get a candidate's resume from two different sources without an explanation. Just let the principal know that he/she will be receiving your application via the other method as well, and all should be good!

Best of luck to you!!

 

[jobhunter]

Thank you all SOOO much! I will do it and I'll let you know what happens. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

 

[yoopermom]

My former school district hired a coach to help all of us going into layoff with our cover letters/resumes/etc. I thought mine was good, but WOW did she whip it into shape! One thing that stuck with me was that my cover letter was WAY too long and repeated too much stuff out of my resume. She would tell you to mention the duplication of submission, and then spend a few quick sentences selling why you are the perfect match for the position. Every app this principal gets is going to say "team player" "hard worker" "loves children" etc, so you need specific examples of how you've done things and why that will make you an asset to his school. This might sound a little OCD, but I actually research the town and school, and try and personalize the last sentence or two in some way. Remember in many districts it's one of the busiest times of the year, with the end approaching, and this principal has a lot going on!

Good luck to you!

Terri

 

[golfgal]

It would also be helpful if you know someone in that school and asked them to put in a good word for you with the principal.