Resources for Job Seekers

I always felt overwhelmed when I started a new job search. To demystify the process, I’ve created these resources tied to the six phases of a typical job search. The Josh’s K12 AI Bot and the Resume Template are the two most used tools and this Three Minute Video will help you get started. If you have a question or want my opinion on something, just reach out to josh@k12jobsblast.org.

THE SIX PHASES OF A TYPICAL JOB SEARCH

PHASE ONE: APPLICATION

Are you a match?

Are you a match for the role?

  • ▶️ Use Josh’s K12 AI Bot to practice your phone screen to make sure you are an 80%+ match for the role so you spend your time and energy on the next right roles!

  • ▶️ ASK THE BOT: "Read the job description, read my resume, and then tell me what percent match am I for this role?"

Preparing a Resume

Does your resume clearly and concisely communicate that you are the best candidate?

PHASE TWO: PHONE SCREEN

The Phone Screen

Can you clearly and concisely use the STAR method (situation - task - action - result) to name how YOU took action and got results?

  • ▶️ Use Josh’s K12 AI Bot to practice your phone screen

  • ▶️ ASK: "Read this job description, give me 3-5 behavioral questions to practice, give me 3-5 situational questions to practice, score each of my responses and give me feedback"

PHASE THREE: PROJECT SCREEN

The Project Screen

Can you demonstrate you have the skills to do the job?

  • ▶️ Use Josh’s K12 AI Bot to get feedback on your project

  • ▶️ Put the task into Gemini, Chat GPT, GROK, etc. with the job description. Ask the tool to give you a general rubric

  • ▶️ After you draft your project, ask the tool to give you feedback compared to the rubric

  • ▶️ SET A TIMER: Keep your work between 90-120 minutes. These should be simulations, not free labor for the organization.

PHASE FOUR: INTERVIEWS

Interviews

Is there a mutual match for you and the organization that you are the best person for the role?

  • ▶️ Use Josh’s K12 AI Bot to practice your semi-final or finalist interview

  • ▶️ If you make it to the semi-finalist or finalist round, you are more than likely a strong match for the skills needed in the role.

  • ▶️ Remember to listen, think, and respond in the conversations.

PHASE FIVE: JOB OFFER

The Job Offer & Negotiation

Does the job offer and full compensation package meet your expectations?

  • ▶️ Use Josh’s K12 AI Bot to benchmark your salary and practice negotiating.

  • ▶️ When you receive the offer, ensure the salary, start date, benefits, and onboarding are clear. If not, ask for clarity.

  • ▶️ If the salary is set and they do not negotiate, I strongly advise you do not try to negotiate. If they do negotiate, make sure your negotiations are set in fact. You can always see "similar salaries" on the Jobs Blast.

PHASE SIX: ONBOARDING

The First 90 Days

Are you set up for success starting on day one?

  • ▶️ Use Josh’s K12 AI Bot to ask for a sample onboarding plan when you give the Bot a copy of the job description and your resume.

  • ▶️ Make sure you get an onboarding plan! This should include your performance goals, a clear job description, an organizational chart, expectations, and resources.

  • ▶️ Make sure you either look for the unspoken rules OR (if you are like me - I am Autistic) explicitly ask "What are the unspoken rules I should know about when I work here?"

OTHER RESOURCES

The Jobs Bot, an All-in-One Tool:

Bookmark Josh’s K12 Jobs Bot - Free, anonymous AI tool to

  • Think about what you want your next role to be

  • Find matching jobs on Josh's K12 Jobs Blast

  • Use your resume to see if you're a "match" for the job

  • Tailor your resume to fit the job

  • Generate a cover letter (if needed) for that job

  • Practice 6 behavioral and situational questions for that job and get feedback

Getting Started on your Search:

  • Getting Started YouTube - 3 minute video with advice on how to think about, and launch, your search. Pause, reflect, and set a goal for your search.

  • Free Job Search Tracker - use this in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to keep track of your searches. Make a plan, track your applications, see the trends.

Staying in the Know:

Know What’s Next:

For Organizations:

  • Keep Your Teachers (Free PD) - this is a free 90 minute PD you can use with your school leaders and network staff of how to recruit your current teachers to stay.

  • Add a Job - you can add an unlimited number of non-classroom roles at your non-profit, charter network, EdTech firm, or any K12 organization for free.

  • Let me lead your search - contact me for leading your search. I will provide you a proposal and references.

  • Contact Me - send me a note for anything else you may need!