Hello, I am Tom Mitchell, Education Job Coach, and former biology
teacher.
Perhaps this is an odd way to refer to the process of looking
for employment, but then again, maybe not. Have you thought of
it?
Most applicants I work with initially describe their job search
efforts similarly. They use the internet (mostly) to access public
or niche-specific job boards to search for vacancies or new postings.
If the online service is new to them, they upload their cover
letter, resume, and other supporting documents, and then click
APPLY NOW. Then, they wait. And wait. And wait. Endlessly it seems. For
nothing, it seems. And how would the applicant know “what” – if anything – is happening
on the other side? Was their application received? Does anyone
really look at them? Where are they in the process? Have they
already begun the interviews? Searching for a job in this fashion is similar to the analogy
the title suggests. Because of the strategies employed, it is
clear however that most applicants see themselves as the Hunters
and Teaching Positions (Districts) are the Hunted. Just like in
nature, once the applicant spots a target, they pursue it immediately!
They use all their resouces at once, and then, unlike in nature,
most of these Hunters do a very odd thing! They crouch down real
low – under cover – and remain very quiet, and still, and wait.
And wait more. And a bit more. I suppose they are waiting for
the prey to come to them! Guess what usually happens? They give
the target a great chance to walk away, and that is just what
happens in most cases. It literally happens every day! I suggest that applicants learn a lesson from nature and FLIP
the process! Turn it upside down! Assume instead that the District
is the Hunter and that the Applicant is the Hunted!
This model puts school administrators in charge of the Hunt, and
indeed, that is more realistic! They are the Hunters, and you
are the hunted! This puts an interesting spin on the game! Think about it. If the district is looking for prey (ideal candidates)
and if they are in pursuit screening applications, don't lie down!
Instead, you need to make noise! How can YOU create application
materials that would help them to FIND YOU? Make your cover letter
and resume JUMP OUT! This is how you want the hunt to end: To
Be Seen! Increase your visibility! How can you do that? We can help! For more details or to plan your strategy, call
the Coach and be sure to purchase your copy of Pathway
to Teaching today!
