Okay, so today I’m spilling the beans on my job hunt in school psychology. It’s been a JOURNEY, let me tell you.
Phase 1: The Panic (aka Grad School Nears End)
So, picture this: I’m knee-deep in my dissertation, stressed about internships, and then it hits me – I actually have to, like, get a real job soon. Total freak-out mode. I started by just Googling “school psychology jobs” every other day. I know, super sophisticated. I also bugged every professor I knew for advice, which they were actually pretty cool about. Got some leads on districts to check out.
Phase 2: The Spreadsheet of Doom (but Necessary)
Alright, time to get organized. I made a HUGE spreadsheet. Columns for district name, location, salary range (found on district websites mostly), benefits (also on websites, usually buried somewhere), contact person, application deadline, and notes from, like, my gut feeling about the place. This was a BEAST to maintain, but it kept me sane(ish).
- Tip 1: Don’t be afraid to cast a wide net. I applied to jobs I wasn’t 100% sure about, just to get the practice.
- Tip 2: Tailor your resume and cover letter. Use keywords from the job description. Recruiters can spot a generic application a mile away.
Phase 3: The Application Abyss (and the Waiting Game)
Oh man, the applications. Every district has a different online system, and they all want slightly different info. It’s tedious. I spent hours filling out forms, uploading transcripts, writing cover letters, and hitting “submit.” And then…silence. It’s the WORST part. I tried to distract myself with Netflix, but I was constantly checking my email. Seriously, CONSTANTLY.
Phase 4: The Interview Gauntlet (aka Show Time)
FINALLY, I started getting interview requests! Woohoo! But now the pressure was on. I prepped like crazy. I researched the districts, studied up on common interview questions, and even practiced my answers in the mirror (don’t judge). I tried to have some good questions to ask. Interview time and come with a prepared question is always a plus!
- Tip 3: Dress professionally, even if it’s a Zoom interview. First impressions matter.
- Tip 4: Be yourself! They want to see if you’re a good fit for their team.
Phase 5: The Negotiation Dance (aka Know Your Worth)
Okay, I got an offer! Yessss! But the salary was a little lower than I was hoping for. So, I did some research on the average salary for school psychologists in the area, and I politely negotiated. It was nerve-wracking, but I ended up getting a slightly higher salary and better benefits. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve!
Phase 6: The Celebration (and the Paperwork)
I accepted the offer! So relieved. Then came the paperwork, which was, honestly, almost as bad as the application process. Background checks, TB tests, fingerprinting…the whole shebang. But it was all worth it. I finally landed a job as a school psychologist!
Final Thoughts
The job search is tough, no doubt. But don’t give up! Be persistent, be organized, and be yourself. You’ll find the right fit eventually. And remember to celebrate those small wins along the way. You got this!
