First Teaching Job Tips: 10 Ways to Prepare with Confidence

Hey Edumagicians,

It’s your senior year of college. You’ve just started student teaching, and your to-do list is overflowing with lesson plans, materials, and forms. While you're focused on the present, there’s a flicker of a reminder that next year, you’ll need to land your first real teaching job. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.

Here are my top 10 first teaching job tips to help you prepare, stay confident, and find the right fit.

Top 10 First Teaching Job Tips for Preservice Teachers

1. Your digital presence matters. Employers will meet you online before they meet you in person. Keep your personal content private and your professional content polished. A strong teacher's Twitter or Instagram presence can open doors. It did for me!

2. Research before you apply. Every school has its own culture. Learn about it before you apply or interview. Mention what makes that school unique and how you’d contribute to its community.

3. Bring both digital and physical portfolios. Even if your digital portfolio shines, bring a physical one to interviews. Include your transcript, letters of recommendation, photos of you teaching, and a sample lesson plan.

4. Dress professionally. Wear a suit. It shows respect and helps you stand out.

5. Be humbly confident. Smile, offer a firm handshake, and be yourself. Confidence paired with humility goes a long way.

6. Share what you’ve done, not just what you would do. Own your teaching experiences. Prepare 3–4 stories that show how you’ve overcome challenges in the classroom.

7. Ask thoughtful questions. Your questions should reflect your research and help you understand your potential role in the school and district.

8. Keep perspective. Sometimes, the decision is made before you walk in. Sometimes, you’re not the right fit. That’s okay. Every interview is a valuable experience. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.

9. Send a thank-you note. Always follow up with a personalized thank-you message after an interview.

10. It’s okay to say no. I turned down my first job offer. It was a great school, but it didn’t feel right. I said no to several offers before finding the perfect fit. Remember, the job search is a two-way street. You deserve a position that fits you just as much as you fit it.

The perfect job might not come when you expect it. So take time to enjoy the moment you’re in. Celebrate your growth, and prepare for the adventure ahead. You’re not just finding a job, you’re launching a career.

Karli with her students

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