Week 2 Applying for Graduate Teaching jobs

During the week 2 workshop Greg spoke about different aspects of applying for graduate teaching positions.
Firslty he focussed on writing a good application. He suggested that before you apply you should do your homework about the school. Ask to have a tour, get copies of relevant material that may be useful and try to do volunteer work with the school to help get your foot in the door.
When writing your actual application he mentioned that it is very important to address any specific school based selection criteria and that it would be better to do 2 or 3 applications really well rather than 10 with only the school name changed.
Greg spoke about how you might make your application interesting to stand out from others. Ensuring there is plenty of white space and using a clear font is a good way, also to try to motivate the reader within reading the first page is important.
Applicants should submit one hard copy as well as electronic copy when applying.
Including something about yourself is important as it gives the reader a feel of what type of person you are and if you might fit with that school. Explain how you might be an asset to the school, how you are prepared to work and learn and especially that you are willing to work as a part of a team.
Greg mentioned that it is really important to carefully choose your referees, and to choose people that have seen you in a teaching style role and can vouch for your work ethic.
Next Greg talked about the interview process. He stated that it is important to get off to a good start and so therefore you should shake each of the panelists hands. When answering questions talk to everyone not just the one asking the question. Always answer questions honeslty and if you do not know the answer state where you could go to find that information. In the interview is where a portfolio might be useful as you have evidence to back up what you are saying.
This information that Greg spoke about will be very useful when it is time to prepare applications and apply for jobs.

Reference: www.webct.latrobe.edu.au/webct
Technology accross the Curriculum
Week 2
Job application handout