Finding a New Job is Hard Work!
Our goal at RabbiCareers.com is try to try to make this process a little easier for you and your potential employer.
You might feel a bit overwhelmed as you begin this process especially if you have not looked for a new job in quite some time. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Update your resume. Sounds simple right? Not necessarily. When looking at your resume watch out for the following things:
- How much Hebrew do you use? It is great that you were a Rosh Edah at Camp Ramah or led a Rosh Chodesh Group at your last synagogue. But do not assume that the lay people reading your resume know what these words mean. Translate them or just use the English words.
- Add interesting details. If you are a teacher, share the topics you have taught on. Share how many students you had in your classes. If you were a pulpit rabbi, share your favorite sermon topics. If there is a link to them on line, provide that. Remember you want to stand out in the crowd. Sharing interesting details helps you to do so.
- Don’t just list your responsibilities, highlight your accomplishments. Did you grow your Hebrew school? Say so, and provide numbers. Did you secure new grants or funding in your last position? Say so. Did you launch new initiatives? Say so, and briefly describe what made them special. Ask yourself what your main achievements were in your past positions and make sure they are clear on your resume.
- Review your on line presence. Your future employer will Google you. Be prepared. Google yourself and see what comes up. What will they learn from you Facebook page or Twitter account? What have you posted to LinkedIn? What articles or blog posts will they read? Hopefully you will be happy with how you are representing yourself on line. If not, delete or edit what you can. (Be forewarned some things don’t disappear even if you delete them.) In addition, be prepared to answer questions an employer may have about something they read about you on line.
- Do your homework. Research your potential employer. Google them. Read their websites. Read about the community. Find someone you know who is familiar with the community or organization where you want to work and ask them questions. The more prepared you are, the better you will interview, and the better you will be able to discern if this is the job for you.
Most of all, keep breathing! You have great things to offer. Feel confident about your abilities and you will find the right position for you!
More tips for rabbis and employers coming soon…..