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Contact:

Career Services Coordinator:
Michelle Bollinger
University of Missouri
105 Hill Hall
Columbia, Missouri 65211
Phone:  (573) 882-5069
Fax:  (573) 884-4024
Email: bollingerme@missouri.edu

Searching for a job in the field of education

Conducting a successful job search can be time-consuming. Each paper job application can take up to an hour to complete; an on-line application such as the REAP application can require two hours! Face it, finding a job is a job itself. Unfortunately, all this job-finding activity may occur at a time when you are already extremely busy with student teaching, final coursework, etc. The key to making the entire process work more smoothly is to start early, then spend some time on your job search each month. Below is a suggested time line.

 

August/September

  • Register with the Education Career Services Office. Become familiar with the services available to you as well as upcoming dates and deadlines.
  • Begin to define career goals by determining the types, sizes, and geographic locations of employers in which you have an interest.
  • Participate in a Mock Interview session at the College of Education's Career Services Office or MU's Career Center.

 October

  • Begin to identify references and ask them to prepare letters of recommendation for your self-managed credential file. It takes an average of four weeks for most reference letters to be written, so do not procrastinate. Most employers will request at least three letters of recommendation before your application is considered complete.
  • Finalize your professional resume and make multiple copies. Give a copy of your resume to your reference writers to aide them in writing a strong recommendation.
  • Develop cover letters for each employer in which you have an interest. Each cover letter should be addressed to specific people; do NOT address a cover letter "To Whom It May Concern."
  • Prepare all application materials including both paper applications and on-line applications.
  • Upload your resume onto HireMizzouTigers.com, complete the on-line REAP application, and register with SuccessLink.
  • Once you have received your letter of recommendations, write thank you notes to your references.

 November

  • You will begin applying to school districts. Make sure you have at least three letters of recommendation in your credential file. You will need to have school district applications completed as well as supporting documents that are requested.

December

  • Complete all remaining applications and cover letters over semester break.
  • Contact our office about upcoming on-campus interviews.

January/February

  • You will finish applying to school districts. Make sure you have at least three letters of recommendation. You will need to have school district applications completed as well as supporting documents that are requested.
  • Check with our office about upcoming on-campus interviews; sign up for upcoming interviews through HireMizzouTigers.com.
  • Arrange to attend the MOJOE teacher job fair held in Columbia.
  • Begin monitoring the job vacancy list on-line on a regular basis at HireMizzouTigers.com, REAP, and Successlink.
  • Periodically check on HireMizzouTigers.com for new on-campus interviews and sign up for employers in which you have an interest.

March/April

  • Submit more cover letters, resumes, and applications to the school districts to which you have not previously applied.
  • Follow-up with employers on your applications by phone if needed. Obtain information from employers on interview procedures.
  • Research employers with whom you will be interviewing.
  • Attend MOJOE, the large teacher job fair at the Hearnes Center on the MU campus. Additional information is available at HireMizzouTigers.com.

May

  • Follow up interviews with thank-you letters. Maintain contact with employers who are still interviewing in your field.
  • Update your address and phone number with our office.
  • Continue monitoring the job listings at HireMizzouTigers.com, REAP, and Successlink.

June/July/August

  • Maintain contact with our office and employers regarding your job status.
  • Revise your resume or self managed credential file if you are having difficulty. Consult with the Education Career Services Office for assistance.
  • Accept the best offer. Inform our office and others of your job status. Email your hiring information to CAPS@missouri.edu. Congratulations!