Note: This entry was originally posted via my old Thingamablog web site and via my ShareMore! Wiki but it continues to receive visitors, so I’m sharing it here as an OldybutGoody entry. I’ve included some of the comments to the original entry at the bottom, as well as the wiki stuff so that it’s one massive collection of great stuff (smile).

Update: If you enjoyed this entry, you might also like this one – Writing Letters of Recommendation.

I’m going to be very transparent and share something I’ve never shared with anyone before. Anyone that is, except future employers. Doug Belshaw has shared some of his advice, and I appreciate his transparency. I hope you’ll join me on this meme and share YOUR letter of interest for whatever position you’re going to be applying for, or perhaps, recently applied for.

Some of the best advice I ever received about writing an application letter, also known as a letter of interest, for a job was to focus on you. That’s right, focus on the person doing the reading and less about me. The challenge is, How do you do that and still keep yourself in the spotlight? One of my favorite techniques in helping other people get jobs was to revise their letter to focus on the employer’s needs and align the applicant’s strengths to those needs.

Since I periodically revisit my resume and curriculum vitae–no use waiting until the last minute and then trying to remember everything long after it happens rather than as it happens–I’ve come to depend on a letter of interest approach that works. . .for me. It’s not perfect, could be better, but the goal of the letter is to make it to an interview. I never get any feedback on this letter aside from a phone call to come for an interview, so I can’t tell you what the clincher is…so, I’ve decided to share my letter with you folks and see what you would improve, as well as what grabs you, if anything. I’ve used version of this letter a variety of times.

I read Doug’s How to write an application letter for a teaching-related job with interest, and let’s see how the sample he offers measures up to my standard. In this entry, I will also provide two sample letters that do what I think should be done.

Doug’s example starts out like this:

I am creative and enthusiastic teacher with excellent ICT skills writing in application for the post of X at Y school.

Immediately, what I don’t like about this is that it starts with “I” when the author should be talking about YOU or the employer or appealing to some grand vision of the world. Over time, I’ve switched over to the start with a quote approach.
After that sentence, he then suggests that, you Talk about how your studies inform your teaching, using phrases like ‘putting theory into practice’. My lead paragraph looks a bit different — example (#1):

Machiavelli wrote that, “There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain of its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.” As I am drawn to challenges, I am compelled to submit to you this letter of interest for the position of Director of Instructional Technology.

That example is one I have used successfully several times. In truth, as director of IT, I can’t imagine a more difficult exercise than to try and get a district moving in the “right” direction. However, I have often wondered if some people might not think this overly manipulative and, well, Machiavellian. So, I sometimes use a simpler lead paragraph example (#2):

Thank you for considering this letter of interest and my application for the position of WHATEVER. Attached to this letter, please find a copy of my resume. Please let me know what other materials not included in the packet I might provide.

Again, I’m hoping to emphasize that my focus is on the employer and the organization’s needs. Doug suggests that one should follow up talking about one’s educational philosophy and how your studies inform your teaching. His example (which I’ve combined into one paragraph) reads as follows:

I believe that to be an effective teacher one must also be an effective learner, which is why I continue to develop and challenge myself. As X at Y school, I would focus on raising examination achievement whilst preparing students for the world outside the school gates. One of the most motivating ways to engage 21st century learners is through the pedagogically-sound use of ICT. Over a period of time I would aim to raise the ICT capabilities of staff in the Z department at Y to make the use of educational technology part of their everyday toolkit.

My example paragraphs–the core of my letter–read as follows:

Over the last few years, Texas school districts have undergone tremendous changes; many more changes are in store, especially as K-12 educators grapple with successfully integrating technology into daily practice. My experiences at a variety of levels—classroom teacher, regional educational specialist, district instructional technologist, curriculum developer, published author, TCEA Area 20 Director and Technology Education Coordinator Special Interest Group President, and as a Director of Instructional Technology Services—have well prepared me for these tasks.

As the staff development coordinator for the Pathways to Advance Virtual Education (PAVE) multi-district, TIE grant, managing a $2.7 million dollar budget and staff, I know that I have the skills to get jobs done. These hard-won skills have already been put into practice and their efficacy acknowledged as official success stories published in the Department of Education’s National Education Technology Plan web site at http://www.nationaledtechplan.org

Professionally active internationally as an edu-blogger, my work at the Around the Corner blog (http://www.mguhlin.net ) received attention and I have been interviewed about the use of emerging technologies at http://www.visualthesaurus.com/educators/teachersatwork.jsp I encourage you to visit the site to get further insights into my work in elevating the level of conversation in Texas and abroad. I have also spoken to educators on different continents on the power of emerging technologies—such as blogging, podcasting, wikis—to transform teaching, learning and leadership.

As I read these paragraphs, I realize that I’ve drifted from my primary goal of meeting the organization’s needs, or at least, trying to draw a connection to them. Also, as I have gained more experience, listing it all isn’t as desirable…I also worry that I might sound like I’m bragging. So, here’s a revised version (certainly not final) that I may use depending on the organization:

Allow me to put my experience to work for your DISTRICT NAME. As an experienced teacher, curriculum-technology specialist, able communicator, as well as a leader in educational technology initiatives at the local and state level, I have been well-prepared to address SCHOOL DISTRICT NAME’s needs in this area. Specifically, I can team with district staff to get the job done.

One specific example is the job I did as the staff development coordinator for the Pathways to Advance Virtual Education (PAVE) multi-district, TIE grant, managing a $2.7 million dollar budget and staff. The skills that I developed in other districts can be put to use in your district. Their efficacy has been acknowledged as official success stories published in the Department of Education’s National Education Technology Plan web site at http://www.nationaledtechplan.org

If I’m feeling really gung-ho, I’ll put 3 examples in the 2nd paragraph of the letter, then elaborate on each through the letter to meet traditional needs districts have. This requires a lot more information about what the job is about…the best way to do this alignment is to take the job announcement and fill it in with your experience.
Doug suggests that that the final paragraph might read as follows:

In conclusion, Mr X, I would hope to add to the pool of expertise and excellent reputation of Y school through my leadership skills, innovative teaching, and infectious enthusiasm. I would look forward to teaching in, according to the recent governors’ report, a school in which pupil behaviour is ‘very good’, achievement is recognised, and I can make a real difference.

I like to follow the advice of not introducing anything new in the concluding paragraph…essentially, remind them why they have the letter and what you want the employer to do next.

As you consider my attached curriculum vitae, remember that since I began my educational career, I have integrated technology into the curriculum, led other teachers and administrators to interweave technology into every aspect of their work. When can I look forward to meeting with you to discuss DISTRICT NAME’s future plans?

A colleague of mine shared that she doesn’t like to end with a question, although I do, obviously. However, I like to experiment, so here’s another option:

As you consider my application for this position, please consider that since I began my educational career, I have integrated technology into the curriculum, led other teachers and administrators to interweave technology into every aspect of their work. Again, thank you for considering this letter of interest.

Again, the focus of the letter of interest is to gain an interview. If it accomplishes that, then the time spent on it is immaterial, whether 2 hours or hundreds of hours…of course, I don’t know if any of this advice really works. For all I know, it could be my resume or curriculum vitae that gets me the interview, my references, or something intangible.
When I first started teaching, I would print everything on parchment grey paper, and send that out. I wish I still had my first letter. Not surprisingly, it was the hardest of all the letters to write (no experience, so little to write about). Over time, it’s gotten easier as I modify the components shared above.
Lisa Durff’s letter:

I am currently working at Broadfording Christian Academy as a teacher and librarian. I am also forming school clubs for a student-run newspaper, high school poetry readings, and primary students sharing books. I hope soon to create a webcast with our Spanish students. I have been using blogs and wikis this school year. We have collaborated with a school in Connecticut and a school in Georgia. I teach Study Skills, Basic English Skills, Algebra ½, Core Math, and Middle School Math. In addition, I personally teach 3 library classes and oversee an assistant who teaches the remainder of the elementary classes.

I have begun podcasting with school students. Please listen to the very first primary podcast called BookTalk2 at http://bca.podomatic.com/entry/2…T10_42_41- 08_00 The second episode suffered technical difficulties, but we continue each Friday afternoon. My hope is to increase literacy among the primary students. So far these students and their parents are very excited. I have only scratched the surface with possible applications for this web 2.0 tool.

My 7th grade students blog at David Warlick’s Blogmeister is at http://classblogmeister.com/ blog…logger_id=56473 My 7th grade students are very excited about blogging. Some are starting a blog for The Westing Game, which they are reading in another class. This fulfills my objective, that once we learn the technology, we must apply the technology to help us achieve academically. Some students were blogging over Christmas break and some want to know if they can blog over our summer break. This web 2.0 tool is increasing motivation among these students to achieve academically and communicate ideas effectively.

Professionally, I have a blog at http://durffsblog.blogspot.com/ and a wiki at http://durffs-thoughts.wikispaces.com/ Please feel free to peruse both of these. I am currently a webcast academy intern at http://webcastacademy.net/ in the class of 2.0. We have only done a few weeks and I have only completed two assignments, both involving recording and posting my recording on their website. I look forward to attending The Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference in Hershey, PA. I hope to produce a podcast from the conference for my students and post it on our blog.

I would enjoy the challenge of teaching at **** this summer. Please consider me for a teaching position or assistant teaching position on the East Coast at a residential site.

Andy Carvin:

In the past I’ve gone back and forth between bullet point letters and prose-like ones, and have had success with both. Here’s an example of each, both of which got me in the door.

Example #1:

To whom it may concern,

For the last dozen years, I have dedicated my career to promoting the positive role that digital media can play in empowering civil society. I’ve immersed myself in understanding the impact of the Internet on community life, education, civic participation and culture, working closely with policymakers and practitioners around the world to promote equitable access to technology.

Among my achievements:

– Published one of the first websites exploring the impact of telecom policy reform on education (1994)
– Developed some of public broadcasting’s first grant programs dedicated to the Internet and community development (1995-1999)
– Organized and managed the Internet’s largest online alliance for bridging the digital divide (1999-present)
– Chaired an international taskforce on community technology centers for the UN’s World Summit on the Information Society (2003-2005)
– Launched one of the Internet’s first podcasts and video blogs (2004)
– Galvanized an international team of bloggers to assist in online relief efforts during the Boxing Day Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina (2004-2005)
– Honored by Technology Review Magazine as one of the nation’s 35 leading high-tech innovators under age 35 (2005)

I a passionate believer in the power of digital media to transform communities and empower the individual. I know I would be a strong candidate. Please do not hesitate to contact me; I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Andy Carvin

Example #2:

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Andy Carvin, and I would like to express my interest in applying for XYZ.

For the last 12 years, I have dedicated my career to exploring the role of online communities in fostering positive social change. My earliest work in this area was as a grantmaker, serving as New Media Program Officer at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from 1994 to 1999. I developed grant programs to encouraged public broadcasters and school districts to use online environments for educational and civic purposes. During this time I also developed WWWEDU, one of the first online communities dedicated to the role of the Web in education, and the website EdWeb: Exploring Technology & School Reform (www.edwebproject.org), which was named by NetGuide Magazine as one of the top 50 places to go online.

In 1999, I joined the Benton Foundation to develop an online initiative known as the Digital Divide Network, or DDN (www.digitaldivide.net). Launched by President Clinton at the December 1999 National Digital Divide Summit, DDN is an online community of 10,000 community technology activists from over 140 countries. The website employs a variety of social networking tools, including blogging, bulletin boards and RSS, to serve as a….

Dr. Scott McLeod:

Okay, since you asked…

http://tinyurl.com/3bneqf

Academic cover letters are a little different, I believe. They’re typically longer and it’s more than okay to use “I” quite a bit (we professors usually have healthy egos!).

BTW, I got this job! =)

Peter Stinson:

Miguel,

Great stuff; thanks for sharing.

I’ve taken this notion of transparency one step further (although, I’m not sur it has done much for me). You can follow my entire job search — for a faculty position at a small boarding school — here at http://chronicle-of-a- search.blo…ch.blogspot.com. You’ll find links to everything including my broadcast letter & resume.

Feedback is most welcome, please.

Finally, I’ve also included some advice and sample interview questions…

Step #1 – Preparing the Application Packet

About Me

• Curriculum Vitae – When you have sufficient number of publications, use a vitae to share info about yourself. My CV has gotten a bit long, so I now just send my resume, which is shorter. However, the CV allowed me to showcase my work…and I have never found my CV—even when it exceeded the requirement for one or two page resume—to work against me.
• Resume
• Around the Corner-MGuhlin.net Blog

Sample Letters of Application

• Writing an Application Letter – This is my blog entry on the subject.
• Letters from Other Folks
  • Mrs. Durff’s Sample Letter – Presenter at the K-12 Online Conference, known internationally for her work among edubloggers.
  • Sarah Chauncey
  • Dr. Scott McLeod’s Letter – Author of Dangerously Irrelevant blog, LeaderTalk.org, and winner of multiple awards in 2007.
  • Andy Carvin – Works at NPR, nationally known for his work on the Digital Divide, and blogger for PBS.
    • Andy Carvin’s 1st Sample Letter
    • Andy’s 2nd letter

Letters of Recommendation

Appraisal/Evaluations

Step 2 – Sharing Your Vision

San Antonio ISD Application

• Matching Skills to Job Requirements
• Vision for the Future

Clear Creek ISD Application

• Power of One – I was asked to prepare a 10-minute presentation on my vision for the job, what was required, and how I could fit in. I prepared this 60-slide presentation. Rather than see this as just a vision of what I could do, I sought to share a message in as powerful a way as I knew how—using the language of images, sound and text. The lesson here is that you shouldn’t be afraid to share your passion for the position, what you hope to accomplish, and reflect your technical expertise as you do it without being “in your face.”

Step 3 – Surviving the Interview

• Interview Question Bank – This includes questions I’ve developed, borrowed from other places, and contributions from gracious technology directors in Texas, as well as visitors in the ed-tech field.

Set 1

1. What strategies do you use to encourage teachers to inform and plan with you?
2. How did using technology make the content more meaningful to students?
3. What computer competency from the NC Standard Course of Study were the students learning?
4. What strategies do you use to encourage students and teachers to use technology to complete school assignments, and for personal information needs?
5. What activities have you organized or facilitated to provide additional technology opportunities for students?
6. How do you keep up-to-date in a rapidly changing profession such as yours?
7. In which areas have our students improved most through technology-enhanced instruction?

Set 2

1. If you were designing professional learning for teachers in San Antonio ISD what would you identify as the most important components of effective professional development for educational technology?
2. What strategies do you use to encourage teachers to inform and plan with you?
3. Think of a particular core-content project you have worked on with students. How did using technology make the content more meaningful to students?
4. Consider one project your students were working on. How did you embed technology competencies from the Technology Applications:TEKS in what students were learning?
5. What strategies do you use to encourage students and teachers to use technology to complete school assignments, and for personal information needs?
6. What activities have you organized or facilitated to provide additional technology opportunities for students?
7. How do you keep up-to-date in a rapidly changing profession such as yours?
8. In which areas have our students improved most through technology-enhanced instruction?

Set 3

1. Please relate how your work experience has prepared you for this position.
2. How would you go about supporting a content-area teacher (e.g. social studies, math, Reading/ELA) at grades 6–8 to integrate technology into the curriculum?
3. How would you help a teacher move a lesson from a Level of Technology Implementation (LOTI) 3 to a 4 or 5?
4. What are some common forms of assessing technology integration at the campus and at the district level? How would you facilitate the use of those state-required measures at the campus level with a site-based decision-making committee?
5. Your job will often involve travel within the district from campus to campus. You will also be required at times to work from 4:30–7:30 pm and/or on Saturdays. Do you have a reliable form of transportation (e.g. car) and do you foresee any difficulty in completing the requirements of the job?
6. Over the last year, we have seen an explosion of free, open source technologies for use in K-12 education. Among them are server-side software products known as content management systems, whether for web site management or blogs. Please share your experiences with these systems, both from a technical standpoint and how to apply them to instructional settings.
7. Please describe your experiences working with online databases, as both a user and creator.
8. Maintaining confidential data integrity is a key responsibility of this position. Do you foresee any obstacles to maintaining information confidential?
9. Scenario: You are training a group of 15 classroom teachers after hours. A couple of teachers make the comment that they are attending your session only to get their choice hours. They also stat that they are too busy covering what is required on the District’s scope and sequence and do not have time to use technology. How would you respond?
10. In a situation where you had more work than you could finish by the set deadline, what did you do?
11. In a situation where you disagreed with the course of action your supervisor had decided upon, what steps did you take to make an alternate course of action known?
12. If chosen for the position, how soon would you be able to start?
13. Do you have any questions for us?

Interview Questions for Technology Integration Coordinator

1. Please introduce yourself to the group, what you see yourself doing in this position, and how your portfolio items match the job announcement. Note to Interviewer: Portfolio should be organized, CD-ROM or web-enabled and demonstrate both technology proficiency and an overall philosophy of how to best approach curriculum-technology integration.
2. Please share your approach to the integration of technology into constructivist approaches such as problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning.
3. Online professional development has become a popular trend for school districts. What are the characteristics of successful online professional development? Use your own experience to illustrate those characteristics.
4. You’re facilitating professional development for classroom teachers. The focus is on developing content-area lessons that employ technology. How would you go about assessing the level of technology implementation (LOTI) for each activity?
5. How would you facilitate the development of curriculum addressing the K-5 TA:TEKS in alignment with the Texas StaR Chart?
6. In a situation where you disagreed with a course of action chosen by your supervisor, how did you handle it?
7. In a situation where you had more work than could be completed in the time allotted, what did you do?
8. How would you prepare administrators to support their campus staff’s efforts at technology integration as aligned to NCLB, Texas Long Range Plan for Technology and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills?

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