Name: Emma Soules
Year you graduated: 2015
Were you involved in clubs/orgs while at Endicott? Please list.
KDP, pep band, sailing, international student mentor
What was your favorite/best internship?
Student teaching at Joshua Eaton ES
Where do you work now?
I am a 5th grade teacher at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin, TX.
How did you find your current job?
Referral through Carney Sandoe & Associates (teacher recruiting firm)
What was the process you went through to land your job?
I submitted a personal profile to a 3rd party teacher recruiting firm with my skills and work experience, plus a personal statement and professional references. I was referred to St. Andrew’s through CSA at which point St. Andrew’s requested a formal cover letter and resume. I was contacted for an initial phone interview, and was later called back for a panel interview with a team of teachers, admin and specialists. Finally, I met with the Head of School and the administrative support team, and toured the school before I was offered the position.
What is one tip you would give to college students going into their first interview?
Know why you want to work for the employer and practice saying it out loud! Think about why it really matters to you to work there specifically and not doing the same job with another company. And bring thoughtful questions, plus backup questions because it is inevitable that a lot of what you were planning to ask will be answered in the interview itself.
If you could tell your college self one thing, what would it be?
Document everything! Keep an organized portfolio of accomplishments, professional development, references, resources, and ways you improved or changed yourself or your community. It boosts your confidence, and gives you a strong foundation to stand on when describing why you are the best candidate in an interview several years later, when a lot of those college experiences have faded from memory. Also, consider early who could be a good professional reference for you, and build your relationship with those people. The more they know about you, your involvement and your skills, the more they are able to recommend you to potential employers using specific qualities to match the job.