Proving you’re the right fit for a position when looking for a teaching job can seem overwhelming. With so many people applying for the same roles, what can you do to stand out in a teaching job search?

Of course, the fundamentals are crucial. You should strive to perform well academically when earning your degree, network during student teaching, seek professional development opportunities, and perfect your application materials before submitting them.

That said, there are additional steps you may take to impress potential employers when vying for a teaching job others might be competing for. They include:

Customize Your Resume and Letter of Intent

Submitting a strong resume and letter of intent is critical when applying for any teaching job. However, it’s important to consider that what constitutes a strong resume or letter when applying for one position might not be as effective when applying for a position at a different school or district. 

Customizing your application materials is wise during a teaching job search. Although making adjustments to these materials for every new application can seem time-consuming, those responsible for making hiring decisions may be more likely to consider you if your resume and letter of intent indicate a genuine interest in this specific position with this specific school.

Factors to consider when deciding exactly how to customize these materials for a given application include:

• The school’s overall branding and language, which you can familiarize yourself with via a district’s website and other such resources

• Any unique challenges that students in this district might face

• The type of school you may be working at (i.e. public school, charter school, private school, etc.)

• Whether you have any unique qualifications that are relevant to this particular job

Be aware it might not be necessary to substantially customize every single application you submit. That said, before applying to any teaching job, you should at least take a moment to consider how making certain adjustments to your standard resume and letter of intent can demonstrate to a hiring manager that you’re actually passionate about filling this role.

Determine Your Own Teaching Philosophy, and Describe It

One of the best ways to stand out in a teaching job search is to make it abundantly clear that you care about teaching and don’t necessarily see the role as just a job. Be aware, those who will be reviewing your application materials (and, theoretically, interviewing you) know that teaching can be both a rewarding and demanding profession. You’ll make a better impression on them if you can illustrate, in personal terms, exactly why you want to be a teacher.

Take some time to develop your own personal teaching philosophy. Including a description of it in your letter of intent is a simple but effective way to communicate your passion for the work you’ll be doing. Topics you might address when describing your teaching philosophy include:

• The role you believe an educator can play in the lives of students

• Any personal reasons you may have for wanting to become a teacher

• How your personal philosophy aligns with the district’s mission statement

Most importantly, be honest. An authentic description of your love for teaching will help your application stand out when looking for teaching jobs.

Consider Including Additional Application Materials

Review the application guidelines for all jobs you apply to when seeking teaching positions. Often, districts will require you to submit common materials, like a resume, letter of intent, college transcript, etc.

However, other districts may give you the option of submitting additional materials to strengthen or supplement your application. Examples may include:

• Sample lesson plans

• Videos of you delivering lessons

• College assignments or projects that speak to your qualifications or passion for teaching

Determine if submitting additional materials with your application is an option. If so, consider whether any such additional materials could help you land a teaching job more easily.

Consider Your Online Presence

In the age of social media, you need to keep in mind that your online presence can play a significant role in determining whether you secure a teaching job to which you’ve applied. Many find it’s best to stay off social media entirely in this line of work. However, if you’re not comfortable deleting all your social media accounts, you should at least restrict access to them and avoid posting anything that might give an employer second thoughts about hiring you.

On the other hand, you can optimize your online presence to stand out in a teaching job search. Consider the following examples:

• Create a website to host your portfolio of lesson plans, exams, and any other relevant materials that can illustrate your skills as a teacher.

• Prioritize using social media platforms (like LinkedIn) as means of networking with other professionals. Using social media in this capacity is actually a smart way to leverage these tools to your benefit.

• If you have the time, consider generating regular content that allows you to comment on the teaching profession and share your expertise. For example, you may create a blog, vlog, or podcast dedicated to discussing teaching-related topics. However, if you go this route, make sure you always come across professionally. Your goal is to demonstrate your expertise, not vent about teaching.

Your online presence may not officially be a component of your application materials when seeking teaching jobs. Nevertheless, optimizing it can help you strengthen a teaching application.

Show Off Your Unique Skills

Have you earned any special certifications or cultivated any unique qualifications that make you stand out among the pool of applicants hoping to fill a particular teaching job? For example, maybe you specialize in a certain area of teaching, like ESL, STEM, or SPED? Or, maybe you participated in a professional development program that equipped you with skills other applicants may not have.

Don’t assume hiring managers will notice if you casually mention these details in a resume or letter of intent. Make sure they stand out so your special qualifications are on full display. For instance, you might bold any mentions of these qualifications in your application materials. Or, you might prepare to speak about these strengths during your interview.

Get Relevant Experience in the Meantime

You may need to work other jobs while waiting to land a long-term teaching role. When seeking jobs to make ends meet, consider how the type of work you do now could improve your prospects in a teaching job search.

Getting into substitute teaching gives you the chance to work in a school environment while earning extra money. Depending on the circumstances, it might also be a good networking opportunity. Similarly, tutoring gives you the chance to keep your teaching skills sharp by working one-on-one with students.

Finally: Apply to the Right Positions

Not every teaching vacancy is right for you. You’ll stand out in a teaching job search if the jobs you apply to are those for which you’re genuinely qualified. 

Luckily, by using the right tools, finding quality teaching positions can be easier than you think. At Zen Educate, we apply tech solutions to help educators like you find work that’s rewarding. By matching your profile with open listings, we make your teaching job search easier than it’s ever been.