Keep a positive attitude during a job search difficult

The labor market for teacher 2011-12 school year is the hardest I've seen in my 32 years in education. Even schools that need teachers can not have the funds to hire them. I still hope that state governments will eventually provide funds for school districts to hire teachers needed to educate students from kindergarten to 12 degrees. But this funding can not come this year or even next year.

If your passion is to teach, keep this long-term goal in mind as you navigate a labor market in the short term with few opportunities for the coming year. As difficult as it may seem, keep a positive attitude is extremely important in any job search, but it is especially true in a market where vacancies in the public school districts are rare.

A friend of mine who works in a position of front office executives in the NFL (an organization with its own share of challenges right now) shared with me the first quality he seeks in new hires, including new recruits are experienced veterans. It is not knowledge, professional relationships, years of achievement, or advanced technical skills. It is simply "a positive attitude." Of course, professional competence is important - it will not hire someone who has a positive attitude, but lacks the skills to do the job. But the attitude of the person is the first quality he is looking for when considering candidates in the competitive arena of professional sports.

Similarly, school administrators, teachers seek a real positive attitude combined with outstanding teaching skills. Nothing you do not already know, right? However, if the brutal nature of the job market this teacher is getting you down, can show your frustration when you get the chance to interview. If you are frustrated with the current job market, free rein to a few, well-trusted friends. You have every right to recognize the tough job market you enter. But if you are constantly complaining to anyone who asks about your job search, there is a good chance that word will spread eventually to school administrators look at your education is not suitable for hiring .

Pay attention to your attitude in what could be a long job search, and do whatever you need to maintain a positive, professional attitude.

John F. Snyder
Office of Career Services
Slippery Rock University of PA