Posts Tagged ‘journalism’
Does being in some minority pressure people out their profession? In an office of whites, would lone Hispanic gentlemen feel out of place? Popular opinion would affirm that he would. Given my work environment, however, I feel as if I should have the similar reaction, even though I don’t.
Nearly every other active photographer in our office is a little different than I, although to say that is a little backwards — I’m the newcomer, here. To be sure, I’m a little different than most of the active photographers in our office.
Simply put, I’m a dude. Most everyone else isn’t.
Though my company is an equal opportunity employer, and ignoring for a moment that the office staff is pretty evenly split, the bulk of our field photogs are female. Of about 25 photographers, there were six guys when I started. Four of us were hired just this year, and one of us had the initiative to get himself fired before training ended.
Although there was nothing improper about his firing — he didn’t think twice about calling in sick whenever he didn’t feel like showing up, and this during training — I liked him well enough, chronic absence and all. Had he showed up, he might have been an ideal employee. Probably not, though.
Among the photographers, now, there are five guys. On one of our so-far rare reprieves, I asked why there were so many more gals driving to schools every day. Basically, she said:
Guys just don’t tend to last that long. Maybe they just say, “I have enough girl problems, already.”
After a pause and a bit of a chuckle, she noted:
Those guys who do stick usually don’t have girl problems.
Even as an adult heterosexual white male, I’m perfectly comfortable with the mostly female staff I see every day — my year or two in a sorority steels my nerves in that regard — and I can’t help but be amused.
In America, adult heterosexual white males are supposed to crowd out everyone else in from the adult heterosexual while male professions in construction, politics, journalism, high finance and the military. After a year in education and the beginning of what may be many years in school photography, I’ve managed to choose two fields where adult heterosexual white males are in the minority.
I’m either open minded or I really want to seem that way.
What do employers want from a letter of reference?
My master teachers submitted two very different letters, perhaps owing to their two very different perspectives on teaching. One master teacher wrote mostly about my abilities and techniques in the classroom. He even threw in a specific example, bless his heart.
My other master teacher wrote on some of that, too, but also stuck in these grafs.
Benjamin has a journalism degree and experience including currently serving as a copy editor for his college paper. This has enriched his teaching perspective and the students have benefited greatly. He is also working with our journalism teacher to present some instruction and work with her students as he is able. He also has 10 years of band experience and particularly enjoys marching bands. …
Benjamin has the 9th grade English clearance and is completing his English credential in addition to Social Studies. Because of his own background in AP classes he hopes to eventually teach AP US History. He would do well in Academic Decathalon or Mock UN.
Isn’t this background stuff I should touch on during the interview? Or does she include these details in case I forget them during the interview?
Given that this is in the recommendation letter, what should I put in the cover letter that some districts insist on? What is interview etiquette on this measure?
Moreover, will the inclusion of AP U.S. History brand me as one of those elitists? If that’s the case, I’ll never be able to run for president.
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There are plenty of other resources giving advice on making your resume. I won’t repeat the mundane stuff.
Even if you attach a sheet of references to the back of your resume, make sure the word, “references” still appears at the bottom of your resume. Our adviser put it this way:
The word, “references” puts a period on your resume. This way I know you don’t go on to a second page of resume.
As long as you append “see attached,” don’t be afraid to staple a sheet of references to your resume.
Our job fair required our statement of philosophy and a full transcript in addition. We could also throw in a few other things if we felt like it. I took that liberty and attached both my thematic approach to U.S. history and a clipping or two from the school paper.
Your resume will be your centerpiece, despite whatever else you put in that packet. Even with this, it’s a matter of style. Consider this mock-up:
Make your name big. Make it really big. You want your name to stand out. I made mine as big as it could fit on one line.
Use a decorative font for your name, and use the same font for headings. Don’t overdo it. Use Times New Roman or some other readable, serifed standby for the rest of your text.
Don’t bother with fancy or garish stationery. Plain white or off-white will do it, and use a staple — don’t bother with plastic resume covers.
In general, your new mantra: Minimum of clutter; maximum of appeal.
