The ABC’s of Completing an Application

BY CAROL WATSON DILLON and DR. JUDY S. SCLAIR

More than likely, if you are reading this article now, you are just about to begin your job search for a teaching position and you’re not sure where to begin. You are possibly student teaching and you may be feeling the crunch. Completing multiple applications is probably the last thing you want to do. In addition to the application, most education employers will also want letters of reference, copies of your transcripts, and a copy of your teaching certificate (or letter of eligibility for certification). Also, you should always submit your resume and a letter of interest, personalized to the specific school or district to which you are applying. You worked hard to get to this point, so do not cut corners now. As you read through this article, you will find helpful tips for completing applications that can set you apart from the other applicants. Read the following ABC’s to find out what prospective employers look for when reviewing a candidate’s application.

A- Applications are as important to your job search as your resume, letter of interest, and other documents in your application packet. You are encouraged not to rush through completing your applications. Regional applications may be required instead of or in addition to the employer’s individual application.

B- Be consistent with the information you provide on the application and on your resume. Make sure there are no contradictions of dates and places of employment and education.

C- Certifications should include the type, grade level, and subject. If you have multiple certifications, list them in the order of your preference.

D- Do not make up an answer. Be honest. If you embellish, it will eventually catch up with  you and you will leave a negative impression on the employer.

E- Extra-curricular activities which you may be willing to sponsor or coach may be listed on most applications. Your willingness to sponsor activities can sometimes enhance your consideration for positions.

F- Follow the application directions exactly. The directions may be different for each application you complete, so read all directions carefully. Enter the correct information in the correct fields.

G- Grammatical rules should be followed at all times. Teachers are held to high standards. Errors in spelling, grammar, and sentence structure are unacceptable.

H- Humor in your responses on an application can come across as sarcastic or flippant. Remember, an application may be a prospective employer’s first introduction to you; make it a professional one.

I- Incomplete applications give the appearance of poor attention to detail. It is always best to respond to each question posed on an application whenever possible. An employer would not ask it if they did not want an answer. In the rare case that a question is not applicable, then enter “not applicable.” This removes any doubt that you may have overlooked a question. Never answer a question with “See resume.”

J- Judge the space allotment given for each answer. Do not squeeze your answers in or write outside of the margins.

K- Know the employer and their application process. Do not assume all processes are alike. Read all the directions thoroughly and if in doubt, contact the employer’s human resource department and ask for clarification.

L- List teaching and child-centered experiences in reverse chronological order, with most recent experiences listed first. Some applications will have short answer questions for you to complete or you may be asked to write a philosophy statement. Some areas which may be covered are: why do you want to be a teacher?; what do you want to know about your students?; what are the key components of a lesson plan?; and what are your core teaching strategies? A focus on student learning and your own life-long learning is critical!

M- Make your responses clear and concise, but don’t shortchange your answers. Remember that you are applying for a teaching position to educate and influence young people; make sure that your responses are student centered. Convey in your responses that you have a vision and a passion for educating children.

N- Noteworthy accomplishments are also good to include on your application. These might include such things as special honors and awards you have received (including scholarships), grade honors (such as Dean’s list, Magna, Summa or Cum Laude), leadership roles in student organizations, publications you may have authored, etc.

O- Overwhelmed with the process? It can take two to three hours to complete each application. Allow yourself plenty of uninterrupted time. Completing a job application in a quality manner should be given the same kind of attention you would give to writing a paper for a college class in which you hope to earn an “A.” Begin one semester prior to graduation. Do not wait until your student teaching has been completed to first begin the application process.

P- Print the application first, when possible, and write your answers before completing the final online application. By printing the application you can thoughtfully complete your answers in a very professional way.

Q- Quality counts. Complete all applications in a thorough manner. This includes using a professional e-mail address. Remember that this is your opportunity to make a good first impression on a prospective employer.

R- References should always be included on your application. Select individuals who can evaluate your teaching performance/potential. Include supervising and cooperating teachers, principals, faculty members from your university, and supervisors from related work or volunteer settings. You  should only list people who have agreed to be contacted as references. Also, make sure you have their contact information and an alternate phone number (in case a potential employer needs to contact your reference during a school break). It is critical that you include accurate contact information, so a prospective employer can easily reach your references by phone.

S- Send all required application materials in one packet if possible, and do not fold your documents. Copies of documents are acceptable; originals will be requested later in the interviewing process.

T- Teachers who are highly qualified for their positions are in high demand. Make sure to highlight in your application the things that you have done to interact with and work with children/students. In addition to student teaching, experiences such as being a camp counselor, a chorus or play director, working in a child-care center, babysitting, and/or coaching may enhance your candidacy to be a teacher.

U- Update your application if your experiences or information changes. You should resubmit your application in a timely manner. An unreported change in any of your contact information may result in a missed communication from the school district.

V- Verify that your dates are accurate. Do not guess. Incorrect information can cost you the job.

W- Wordiness should be avoided in your essay questions. Thorough and concise answers are appreciated. Make sure that your written answers are legible. Poor penmanship reflects badly on you.

X- “Xamine” your finished application for any misspelled words or typos. Do not use instant or text messaging language, slang, or acronyms. Do not rely on the spell/grammar check feature of your word-processing program. It is always a good idea to have a trusted friend or colleague proofread your application materials before you send them.