Navigate Up
​Click on the topic to "jump" to the applicable resources.
​Resume/Cover Letter Information -- Portfolio Information -- Interviewing
Michigan, Out-of-State and International Job Search Resources
Using Social Media in the Job Search -- Other Job Search Tips

Career Central (formerly eRecruiting​)
This is the first step when starting your job search; all vacancies that come into the office are posted on this site.  Once you complete the required information for your profile, you should upload a current copy of your resume.  Each time you update your resume, an updated copy needs to be uploaded to the system as school districts and principals contact us, especially in the summer, looking for candidates to fill specific needs.  If you aren't in the database, we can't refer your information if you meet their needs!  
​Local Substitute Teaching Resources
Resume and Cover Letter Information
Whenever possible, your job search documents should be customized to each position you are applying to.  This would include incorporating elements of the job description and items discovered during your research of individual school and school district where the vacancy is located.  Resumes and cover letters are personal documents and they don't have to look exactly like the samples provided; they are only meant to give you some formatting and content ideas to develop YOUR documents!
  • CMU Career Services' Career Guide (eBook version; Word version).  
    • ​Sample resumes and cover letter information; in addition to action words to help when you write your descriptors.
  • ​If you are seeking additional formatting ideas, search for "teacher resumes" online and you will find hundreds of pages from colleges and universities to give you more samples.
Portfolio Information​
Just like your resume and cover letter, your portfolio is your personal document and you are responsible for the information contained in it.  There isn't a "right" or "wrong" format, but there are some general guidelines that you can use for building and developing content in an organized manner.  Most job seekers will have a paper and electronic (Mahara) portfolio for use during the job search process.
Interviewing​
A resume and cover letter get you an interview; an interview gets you employed!  Your documents can be perfect and your academics untouchable, but if you can't communicate effectively and convey your experiences in an interview situation you won't get an offer.
  • Use Career Central to sign up for a Mock Interview in Career Services
  • Tips for interviewing at a teacher fair
    • Additional career fair tips and suggestions can be found by searching for "teacher fair tips" online
  • Sample teacher interview questions
    • Additional sample questions and interview information can be found by searching for "teacher interview sample questions" online
  • ​"Practice" interviewing with host teachers, administrators, and your Student Teaching Coordinator
Out-of-State Job Search and Certification Resources
A valid Michigan teacher certificate is "good" in any other state!  However, each state will have specific requirements​ for "out-of-state" certification, there are no "across the board rules" for every state.  Use the Word document below to research​ the requirements for the states you are targeting in your job search.  
International Job Search Resources​
The information and links below represent starting points for an international job search.  This doesn't refer to "teaching English in another country" jobs, these resources are to become a certified teacher in another country or teach at schools which recognize a valid teaching certificate obtained in the United States.  
Using Social Media for Job Search/Professional Development
LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are increasingly being used to connect employers with candidates, and to network with professionals during job search activities.  A professional profile is required for Linked​In and you can even create an online resume as part of your profile.  You never have to send a Tweet to use Twitter to follow professionals or employers!   Facebook is a good way to network with alums of CMU who may be teaching in districts, schools or parts of the state/country you are targeting.  In addition to networking with people, social media platforms have groups to join.  For example, if you are a Mathematics major you could join the "Science/Math Primary/Secondary Education" group to network with professionals and, possibly, find teaching vacancies.  
Other Job Search Tips​
  • Keep in contact with faculty from your content area(s) and your University Student Teaching Coordinator throughout your job search
    • ​Often, they are contacted directly by employers seeking a direct line to and recommendations for candidates
  • Network with others in your building/district during all teaching experiences.  
    • ​Teachers, administrators, parents and students talk to their peers and colleagues!​