Job Search Website Review: Indeed.com

Part 1 in a Series

When I was looking for my first teaching job, I ran out every Sunday morning to buy The New York Times, and then spent the better part of the day sitting at my computer, writing cover letters and printing résumés. Every Sunday the Times included multiple pages of ads from school districts in the NY metropolitan area, and it was the easiest way to learn about openings. Because I wanted to give the best possible impression, I purchased large envelopes so I wouldn’t have to fold my documents, and I printed labels from my computer. The process required lots of time, energy, and patience.

Fortunately, the Internet has significantly simplified every aspect of job hunting, from finding positions to streamlining the application process. And if you’re reading this post you’re likely a teacher who has a job and wants an entirely new career, so spending an entire day sitting in front of your computer is not an option.

I forgot how I first found Indeed.com, but it’s become my go-to site. Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com were really the trailblazers in job search web sites, at least in my memory, but I prefer the cleaner look of Indeed.  

 

Indeed.com's easy-to-read design

Even though I like freelancing I’m always on the lookout for part-time local work to bring in some steady income. And I like that I don’t have to create an account to search for jobs. The site will also save your recent searches, so if you return to the site after a week you’ll see a list of the types of jobs you searched for, even if you don’t create an account.

You can also post your résumé, which will allow recruiters and employers to find you. I would caution you, however, if your principal or supervisor doesn’t know of your plans to leave. Your résumé will be visible to anyone. Hopefully your principal and colleagues aren’t creepy enough to sit around Googling you on a Friday night. Or maybe they are, and that’s one of the reasons you’re quitting.

Looking for positions on multiple sites is a good strategy, even though you’ll see some repetition. I would suggest Indeed.com as a good starting point. It’s user-friendly, free, and seems to have a pretty thorough listing of openings.

Disclosure: I have no financial relationship with any sites I write about and I have not been asked to promote them. They are simply good-quality sites I like and want to share. If and when I receive compensation of any sort to write about a site I will update accordingly. All product links to Amazon are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you purchase the item.

Share Your Story or Ask a Question

I'm looking to launch two new blog features, and I need your help:

1) Success Stories: If you've left teaching, or are very close to leaving and have had success in your job search, I'd love to hear from you. Any advice or tips that I could pass on to my readers would be really helpful. I want to offer as much information as possible, but since I went from teaching to freelancing most of what I know is from reading and talking to people, and not real experience.

How much information you share is up to you. Pseudonyms are fine; I'm mainly interested in what you learned and how you found your new job.

2) Ask a Former Teacher: If you have a question about pursuing a new career outside of teaching, please ask me! I have learned quite a lot, and if I don't have an answer I will talk to people and do some research. Again, I don't need your real name, but background information about what you teach, your education and interests, and your ideas about what you'd like to do will help. I can also answer more general questions about résumés and job hunting.

I look forward to hearing from you! Please send any stories and/or questions to formerteachers@gmail.com.

Getting Your Résumé Ready

One aspect of my writing work involves résumé writing, mostly for teachers looking for teaching jobs. But I’ve also done several résumés for job seekers looking to change careers.

If you’re looking for a new field, you may be tempted to re-write your résumé in a functional format, to highlight the skills you developed as a teacher. However, I don’t recommend the functional format. A solid work history is a tremendous asset, but it could easily get lost in a functional résumé. I have read that recruiters also view functional résumés with suspicion, because they can be used to mask a spotty employment history.

So, what to do? I have used a highlight or summary section at the very top of the résumé for all the job seekers I’ve worked with. I think this feature would be especially useful for career changers who have a strong work history. This section allows you to give special attention to the skills you have which can be transferred to a new field. For example, the ability to manage others, knowledge of computer hardware and software, and organizational skills are often sought by recruiters and hiring managers.

Here’s the summary section from my own résumé. Most of the work I’ve looked for has been in educational publishing so I still emphasize my teaching background while addressing important non-teaching skills.  I also spent my entire teaching career in the same school system, and since that is an asset I wanted to make sure it got the attention it deserved. 

When you apply for jobs, it’s worth the time to tailor your résumé to the specific position you seek. However, that can be done easily in your summary section. On my résumé, the line Professional educator seeks position integrating research, writing skills and teaching expertise has been modified often- I’ve applied for curriculum writing jobs, fact checking jobs and freelance educational publishing work.  

I own this book, Expert Résumés for Career Changers, and refer to it often, when updating my own résumé and when writing résumés for clients. It has a lot of great samples of résumés, representing people from a wide variety of fields, with a lot of great tips too. If you’re hoping to be in a new career by the start of the next school year, now is a great time to begin evaluating and revamping your résumé. 

Revamping Your Retirement Plans

Thinking about retirement is crucial for teachers planning to leave the field. You may have been teaching in a district that offered a good retirement plan; if you've put money into a pension or 403(b) or similar, it’s vital to find out what will happen to that money. One of the items on my checklist was a pension consultation, which was done through my union. There are so many factors and variables that it’s important to find out how your district works, especially if you have been teaching for several years. If you move on to another public sector job, you may be able to roll your

Thinking about retirement is crucial for teachers planning to leave the field. However, there are so many different districts and municipalities it’s hard to address specific steps you should take. If you've been teaching for only a couple of years you may not be vested yet; if you've been teaching for 25 years you may be able to move on to a new career and get your full pension from teaching. Everyone will have a different situation. I fell short of the magic number, which was 20, so I will get a significantly smaller pension than I would have gotten if I’d stayed four more years. But my willingness to not invest those years provided me with a strong sign that I was doing the right thing for myself. Four more years would have been a large chunk of my child’s life that I was unwilling to miss. Saving for the future is important, but enjoying your work and life in the present matters too.

Learning about options for retirement savings has been one of the things I’ve put on the back burner, but need to focus on. Your new employer may offer a 401(k) or another kind of account, but you may find that you want to create an additional account on your own as a supplement. Here are some articles I’ve found helpful.

·         I’ve heard of 401(k) accounts, but didn’t know much about specifics. This Wall Street Journal article has a brief but detailed explanation.

·         There are multiple types of Individual Retirement Accounts, also called IRAs. Unlike 401(k) accounts, they are set up by individuals for themselves. If you are planning to leave teaching to pursue a freelance career or other self-employment, it would be worth the time to learn more about IRAs.  This guide from CNN provides basic information while linking to additional information about the different types of IRAs and who is eligible for them.

I’m not a financial professional, and I think there are plenty of great free and almost-free resources out there to help you make the leap from teaching to a new career. But I would recommend making an investment in a financial planner. Your bank may offer a service. This article can also help you.

Financial Planning for Career Changers

As you look for a new career, the role money plays in your life is probably your biggest concern. The longer you teach, the more money you’re making, which means that you may need a new career that will pay you close to what you’re already making.  Some teachers are able to transition to new careers and earn close to what they made teaching, but pay cuts are more likely, especially in our still-recovering economy.

When I sit down and think of topics for this blog, I find myself thinking more about what I should have done than what I actually did. If I could do it over, I would have been a lot more prudent about finances. I think I didn't really believe that I’d be able to quit, and as a result I let myself continue to live the way I had been and didn't tighten my belt as much as I should have.

You may already have a good financial strategy in place, but if not, here are some tips, free resources and book suggestions.

Books:

·         Lots of people I know rave about Dave Ramsey. His book The Total Money Makeover was updated last year. There is also a workbook, available for Kindle and in paperback. I am partial to workbooks, especially since budgets and financial planning involve lots of writing.

·         The first money book I ever purchased was Suze Orman’s The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom.  Admittedly I could use a refresher but I really enjoyed Orman’s style of writing and her approach.

·         Searching for “budgeting” on Amazon will bring you a ton of results. You may even come across one or two that’s being promoted for free or .99. If you are looking for something comprehensive to help you manage your money as you look for a new career, you may find something on Amazon that works for your unique situation.

Web Resources:

·         Mint.com: I read about Mint.com back when it was new, and was going to sign up. But I balked because they wanted bank account numbers, and didn’t bother. Since then I’ve heard several people rave about it, and I figure if it wasn’t safe they’d have been exposed by now, so I just signed up again. Managing money when I had a regular check; now that I freelance and get paid irregularly, it’s even harder and I am hoping the tools on Mint.com are helpful.

·         I wish I’d found FeedThePig.org sooner. The site, which is sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs and The Advertising Council, has a menu of financial goals. Changing careers is one of their choices, and you can add up to two additional goals, including ‘Plan for Retirement,’ ‘Start a Family,’ and ‘Pay Off Debt.’ I am also going to look into this site, since I will not a get a full pension and I’ve done little to add to my retirement savings since making the leap into freelancing.

My next post will talk more about finances, planning, and saving tips.

Three Free Career Aptitude Tests

Being a teacher means meeting lots of other teachers, and hearing their stories about how they became teachers. I recall it was a popular ice-breaker activity for professional development meetings, to talk about why you became a teacher. And I don’t think anyone ever said, “Well, I took a personality test and it said I should become a teacher.” Teaching seems to be one of those fields people are drawn to.

But if you’re planning to leave teaching, don’t overlook the value of free career aptitude tests, especially if you’re unsure of your next step. As with most things, you get what you pay for. But I do feel there are some good-quality free career aptitude tests online, and it’s possible that a free test might give you enough information to begin making some decisions. Here are a couple I found and tried.

• HumanMetrics Jung Typology Test: This test combines Carl Jung’s criteria for categorizing people and Isabel Myers-Briggs’ additional criterion. The test features 70 yes/no questions, and at the end, you’re given your four letter formula. My results were pretty accurate, I thought. I have done another version of this type of test in the book Do What You Are and got the same result. Here’s what my summarized report looked like, with offers of free resources and free trials. (FYI- this is not an official Myers-Briggs test. If you want to invest some money, you may want to check out an official version, which you can find here.

My results

• Truity.com offers a free career interest inventory based on Holland Codes, another system of coordinating personal interests and potential occupations. You’re presented with a list of activities, which you rank based on interest. When you’re done, you submit your test and get your results. It’s obviously scored by a computer, but if it was scored by a person, I picture that person looking at my test and saying, “Wow, this woman REALLY does not like math!” Unfortunately, my computer was glitch and I wasn’t able to get my results, but when I have time I plan to go take it again. Years ago I did a paper-and-pencil Holland Code test, and it was pretty accurate. This site also has tests for sale for reasonable prices. If you’re really at a loss after taking some free tests, but know you want to leave teaching, a $20 or $30 investment might be worth it.
• iSeekCareers has a test similar to Truity’s. You check off activities you know or think you’ll enjoy. Then you’re presented with a list of personality traits to select from. The last list features academic subjects, and you check off the ones you like. At the end, you get a list of career clusters, or groups of similar jobs. Again, mine was pretty accurate. Though not specific to career changers, this site is full of great free resources for job hunters.
  

If you need some guidance, these tests can be useful. Having a career field or two in mind can bring you a sense of confidence as you begin your transition. And even though I enjoy my work now, it’s still fun to get other ideas and learn about additional possibilities. 

Five Alternative Careers for Elementary School Teachers

My teaching career was almost exclusively at the middle school level, with one summer-long stint teaching fifth grade and a couple years teaching in a GED program. I know from experience how tough middle school can be. Since I left teaching, my flexible schedule allows me to volunteer in my daughter’s elementary school.  I have one observation to share about elementary teachers.

You people rock.

Whenever I mentioned my work in middle school, peoples’ eyes would often get very large, and they’d say something like, “Wow, you’re brave. I could never teach middle school.” But here’s the truth: I could never have taught in an elementary classroom. My daughter’s teachers are among the most organized and patient people I have ever met. Her classroom hums along, with different groups working on different things, and it amazes me. It looks so easy, but I know it’s not. So if you’re an elementary school teacher, you’re probably super-organized, patient with kids and adults, and a fast learner. If you’re ready to look at new career fields, here are some ideas:

·         Sales: Before you say, “I’m not a salesperson,” think about some of the tasks and responsibilities you have as a teacher. Chances are, you’re very persuasive. And other skills you likely have, including speaking and writing well, coping with pressure, and managing deadlines, may also help you ease your way into a new career. Educational technology or textbook companies could be a great fit, as your classroom knowledge and insights will make you very valuable. This article from Forbes has some helpful tips, and might help you decide if the field is a good fit for you.

·         Educational Publishing: If you want to remain connected to education, but want to apply your knowledge elsewhere, educational publishing might work. Your skills and knowledge will help you transition, especially if you possess strong writing skills. The changes brought on by the Common Core mean that publishers are creating new materials to align with the standards. Don’t rule this possibility out if you don’t live near a publisher, especially if you decide to seek part-time or freelance work. Many publishers are happy to hire remote workers. Glencoe, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Prentice Hall are the largest and most well-known companies.

·         Corporate Training: A couple years as a staff developer showed me that adults can be as difficult to work with as kids, but I still think corporate training is an option with potential.  Your ability to speak well and present complex information with clarity will serve you well. This article provides some useful information to help you research the field.

·         Administrative Assistant: It may feel like a step down, but transitioning to a career as an administrative assistant will allow you to get in at a company and work your way up as you learn more. Since you probably have strong computer skills, great people and organizational skills, and are good at multi-tasking, administrative work could be a great option for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be average growth in the field. The link will also provide additional information about getting into the field.

·          Self-Employment: If your finances and personal circumstances allow you to explore entrepreneurship, you should. The pluses: you won’t be at the mercy of a hiring manager and you’ll have flexibility you may not have had as a teacher. The minuses: unsteady income and the challenges of being your own boss. If you’re not daunted by the challenges, you may find that setting up a tutoring business or a freelance writing business is the perfect fit for you. Or you may have another passion you can monetize. The Internet has opened up so many possibilities. If this sounds interesting to you, a lot of research will be in order. But to begin, this Wall Journal Street article will give you some good background information and help you determine if entrepreneurship is right for you.

It’s important to point out that no transition is going to be easy. This post is simply intended to point you in the direction of some ideas you may not have thought of.  And chances are, you’ll probably have to take a pay cut, at least at first. But if you’re unhappy enough to be looking for a new career, chances are you’ll be able to figure out the financial end. Look for a series of posts beginning next week on how to organize your finances before changing careers.

Weekend Reading: Reset by Dwain Schenk

I was watching Morning Joe on MSNBC this morning, which isn’t part of my normal routine. A two-hour school delay threw off my morning a little. But it felt serendipitous, because within a few minutes Joe and Mika were interviewing Dwain Schenk, a friend of theirs who recently published Reset: How to Beat the Job Loss Blues and Get Ready for Your Next Act. An excerpt from the book can be read here.

Hopefully no one reading this has been fired. But if you’re a teacher who’s looking for a new career, this book may be of use to you. Normally I don’t recommend books unless I have read them, but it seemed timely and Mr. Schenk came across as knowledgeable about the subject of job loss but also successfully dealing with change. The book also seems a bit memoir-ish, as he wrote about his own experience of how he dealt with his own job loss and his subsequent re-invention. Even if you still have a job, transitioning to a new field is challenging, especially if you’ve been teaching for fifteen or twenty years.

I’m going to purchase the Kindle edition of this book and will post a follow-up when I’m finished. 

Lessons from a Bungled Job Interview, Part 2

My previous post provided a short list of ideas to help you maximize your performance in a phone interview. Today, here are a few things you need to avoid.

You shouldn’t…

·         Downplay the opportunity by saying, “It’s only a phone interview.” Even though you’re not there physically, you’re still getting an opportunity to shine a light on your qualifications for one or more of your potential employer’s key people.

·         Smoke, chew gum, or eat. I know you’re thinking Thank you, Captain Obvious. But I’ve read enough about phone interviews to know that it’s happened. And it will probably continue to happen, because some people are clueless about such matters. Keeping a small bottle of water on hand for an emergency might help you feel less worried about a coughing fit, but that would be the extent of it.

·         Do anything else except participate fully in your interview. We’ve embraced modern technology to the point of distraction, because it’s possible to simultaneously talk on a landline, surf the Web, send a text and take a video of your cat. As I used to tell my students, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. It may be tempting to open your browser while you’re on the phone. I used to find myself wandering over to Facebook too often, without even realizing what I was doing, so I realize how automatic some behaviors are. Be mindful, and be present. A savvy interviewer will be able to tell if you’re not 100% there.

·         Get discouraged if you don’t get the job. If you never had a phone interview before, chalk it up to a learning experience, maybe jot down some reminders to yourself for next time, and move on.

As a teacher, preparation is part of your daily life. You’re always preparing something, whether it’s a lesson plan or an exam or conference notes. So chances are, you’re very good at preparation. Remember that as you prepare for the next stage of your career. Your ability to prepare yourself will be a great asset as you look for your next career.

Lessons from a Bungled Phone Interview, Part 1

       When I left teaching in June 2012, my primary career goal was a position I could do from home. My teaching job required me to travel fifty miles one way, which I did via a commuter train I sleepily boarded each morning at 5:55. My only child was starting kindergarten and I hoped to be able to get her ready for school and meet her when she got off the bus. Sleeping past 4:30 am was an added bonus.

       I applied on-line for a remote position as a writer with an educational software company. After moving through the first few e-mail-based stages of the hiring process, I was asked to participate in a phone interview. The company was located on the opposite coast and obviously flying in all the candidates was impractical and expensive.

     I didn’t get the position, thanks in part to a less-than-stellar second phone interview, but I learned from the experience. Phone interviews probably aren’t part of a typical teacher interview process, but if you choose to pursue a career in a new field, you may find yourself participating in one. They allow hiring managers to screen through candidates more efficiently. Here are tips to help you prepare:

You should…

·         Be ready for all possibilities. Phone interviews can be a 15-minute getting-to-know-you chat or a lengthy conversation with multiple people. My first interview lasted an hour, and though the questions were in-depth, the interviewer was friendly and the general tone was light. It ended on a promising note: I was asked to move to the next step, a second phone interview. Though I prepared thoroughly for the second interview, I wasn’t expecting to be interviewed by three different people; I suspect two of them had studied intimidation tactics because they were both very intense and asked lengthy, difficult questions. The tone was completely different from the first and I think that was their plan; it allowed them to weed out people who they felt might not perform well under pressure.
·         Determine which is more reliable: your landline if you still have one, or your cell phone. Cell service in my house can be spotty so I supplied my landline number. While a dropped call may not necessarily be held against you, it may unnerve you and prevent you from performing as well as you could.
·         Keep your notes and résumé on hand. I prepared beforehand by anticipating possible questions, including the dreaded “tell me about yourself.” I wrote the questions on index cards, and used bulleted phrases and key words under each question to prompt me. This helped me avoid sounding like I was reading from a cue card, but I had enough information nearby to help if I felt suddenly unsure. I also used a highlighter on key parts of my résumé.
·         Listen very carefully. You won’t be able to rely on body language to help you fill in gaps.  

       Come back Thursday when I'll share what you shouldn't do...you may be surprised.