Find the early childhood education job you want

Saturday, May 22, 2021

The early childhood education sector is booming, with excellent employment prospects for those choosing to get qualified as educators. Quality education and care in early childhood play a key role in building a strong foundation for a child’s future, and committed educators are essential.

A career in early childhood education is one that provides a great sense of purpose as you undertake the meaningful work of enhancing children’s lives. While getting the right training is important, the next step is to secure a job you will love.

We’ve put together this helpful guide to support you to find the job you want in early childhood education.

How to get a job in early childhood education

It’s one thing to feel qualified and know in yourself that you have what it takes to thrive as an educator. You also need to be able to explain and demonstrate this to potential employers!

Writing a resume

Knowing how to write a resume that showcases your skills perfectly can make a big difference during the job application phase. In fact, a well-crafted resume is what will ensure you get the chance to meet.

When you sit down to write your resume, keep the following top tips in mind:

1. Cover how amazing you are

Many people find it difficult to showcase themselves, but for a resume it’s essential. Outline your qualifications and experience to demonstrate that you’re equipped for the role you’re applying for.

2. Make it easy to read

Clear layout and language mean that nothing will get lost in translation.

3. Be professional

Ensure your email address is appropriate for work purposes, don’t be too casual and check your social media for anything that could impact your reputation.

4. Check the requirements when submitting

Does the employer want your resume as a word document or a pdf? Where should you send it? Ensure you tick all the boxes for the application process.

5. Include quality references

References can be trainers, former employers or your placement mentor who will share a bit more about you. Make sure you first check with your references that they are happy to be on your resume and so that they know they may receive a call.

Writing a cover letter

While your resume will likely be used across multiple job applications, it’s also common practice to submit a cover letter with your resume when applying for work.

A cover letter is a one-page document that should introduce you, the applicant, to the prospective employer. Keep it concise and aim for somewhere between 250 to 400 words. Rather than simply repeat what is in your resume, make it more of a greeting and introduction.

An easy cover letter structure to follow goes like this:

• Header: Your contact information
• Greeting: Dear [name] or Dear Hiring Manager
• Paragraph 1: The ‘grab’. Highlight your key competencies.
• Paragraph 2: Why you are applying and suited to the role.
• Paragraph 3: Show that you have researched the company and why you are suited to work for them.
• Closing: Thank them for their time and invite them to contact for you anything further. Sign off with Kind regards or similar — “cheers” is a bit too casual.

How to stand out in your job interview

Once you have submitted a cover letter and your impressive resume, you are sure to get a phone call or email inviting you in for a job interview.

If you are new to the sector, remember to leverage everything you have learned through your practical placement, drawing inspiration from your practical placement journal.

A little preparation can help the job interview process to go smoothly and contribute to the way you are perceived. Heading in with no preparation can heighten nerves, so take a moment to get sorted before the day. These tips will have you going into your interview feeling confident:

1. Know the role and company

Do your research and have a firm idea of what the company’s mission and values are, as well as what the advertised role involves.

2. Plan the day in advance

Know where you are going and how you are going to get there. Leave enough time for any potential delays in traffic or transport.

3. Present yourself appropriately

Being well-presented shows that you take pride in yourself. Dress neatly, ensure you look clean and fresh and try to make eye contact and smile to put your best foot forward.

4. Practice answering questions

Try to get comfortable answering questions such as

• Tell us about yourself
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• How have you or how would you resolve a conflict in the workplace?
• What do you like about working in child care?
• What do you think is needed for effective pedagogy?
• Why are you the best person for this job?

5. Ask questions

Chances are your interviewer will ask if you have any questions. It’s easy to just say that you don’t, but you could show initiative and learn more by asking something like:

• Which room would the role be working in?
• Is there a uniform?
• Does the roster change across the week/month/term?

Support for job application success

The support that the Practical Outcomes team provides to our learners extends to helping you flourish as an educator in the sector.

Our learner success team is dedicated to your success in early childhood and can provide invaluable advice throughout the job application process. They can even help you with writing your resume and cover letters, so you can be sure you get it just right.

Reach out to your trainer to gain contacts within the early childhood education sector and different opportunities for you to explore with your qualifications.  The learner success advisors will also guide you with the best ways to leverage your performance during practical placement to gain employment.

Creating job-ready graduates who have the knowledge and skills to shine in early childhood is what we are all about.