Hey, graduated. Now you can get started as a teacher, but how do you get an interesting job? And should you be satisfied with the salary offered or do you also have something to crumble in the milk? “It is the art of standing out. Otherwise you end up at the bottom of the pile.” And even more tips.
It all starts with a search within yourself, says Alma Meijer, beginner consultant and teacher at a primary school: “What do you have to offer a school? What is your added value? This could be related to voluntary work that you have done or the subject of your thesis. ”
Applying for a job starts before you graduate, says Erik Adema, former principal of a primary school and currently an advisor at the KPC Group consultancy. “From the start of the program you follow all kinds of internships. Take a good look around the internship schools. Which school suits you in terms of ideas and vision on education? Many novice teachers stick around at the school where they did their traineeship. So apply consciously for that. A reference to a good lio makes more of an impression than woolly stories in a job application letter.”
Applying is profiling yourself. Say everywhere that you are looking for a job in education and promote yourself as much as possible. Report it to friends and family, but also via a business network site such as LinkedIn. Search actively for vacancies on the Internet, for example via www.meesterbaan.nl or www.vacaturebank.nl.
Make a clear, concise letter, no more than one or one and a half A4 pages, without spelling mistakes, says Alma Meijer. "Letters with spelling mistakes are immediately put aside." Rise to the level of the 'empty slogans'. The fact that the child must be central is a clincher if you do not make it concrete, says Erik Adema. Rather say that you think it is important to talk to children, for example. And give examples of how you do that.
“The trick is to stand out with your letter. Otherwise you end up at the bottom of the pile ”, Erik Adema continues. "Some try that with a passport photo on the front." This does not appeal to him personally. The former director is charmed by a CV that is not chronological, but is based on acquired competences. "That stands out and indicates that you are consciously trying to put yourself on the map." Alma Meijer: "It is important that people remember you."
If you are invited, you are already halfway there. Prepare yourself well. Know what is going on in a school. Read the school guide, study the school plan, check the website. Erik Adema: “I think it is important that applicants personally contact them in advance. Not calling to call, but with a few good questions. This is how you profile yourself. When I read the letter, I know: aha, he has already called. ” Come to the interview on time. Or go way too early, he suggests. “Walk around the block. What does the school building look like? What kind of neighborhood is it? ” The conversation is a first introduction. Adopt an active attitude. Feel free to try to joke.
Whether you have to settle for the first line of the lowest LA scale in primary education? "Sounds like it", says Erik Adema. "It is not bad. Only when you are going to perform extra tasks or have gained relevant experience will there be room for negotiation. " Asking about your options is not wrong. This indicates that you want to continue to learn, continue to grow and that you are motivated. Jack van Minden, psychologist at Psycom and author of the books 'Everything about salary negotiations' and 'On to a higher salary': “You can submit the proposal for a different job description. This requires a different scale and / or periodic and therefore a higher salary. "
It matters a lot whether you apply in a saturated labor market, says Jack van Minden. “Call after how many responses have come. With a lot of competition, you have less to crumble in the milk. More is possible at an unpopular school. There are even schools that receive subsidies to recruit staff. ”
Determine in advance what salary you want, but stay reasonable, advises Jack van Minden. “Demanding a car from the school is not reasonable.” Maybe you can stipulate that you get a coach or a smaller number of classes. You can always try to negotiate. But it is useful if you know what you are doing. Don't slam the door if you don't get your way. You can come back to the topic of salary after six months, for example. Especially if you function excellently.”