Confessions of a Teacher Recruiter Book Review and Giveaway by Tracy Brisson (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. 

I read Confessions of a Teacher Recruiter: How to Create an Extraordinary Resume and Hook Your Dream Job by Tracy Brisson, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I received a paperback version of the book

My Review:

The book teaches teachers how to create an ideal resume to obtain employment. You don't have to be a teacher to use the tips Brisson provided. I have taught and tutored before, but I don't have official certifications. I taught older adults how to use a computer, basic e-mail, and Microsoft Office. I also tutored college students in APA, Microsoft Office, and basic computers.

I wanted to review the book because creating resumes scare me. I know my work history, but I'm not sure if I am maximizing/highlighting skills from former jobs. I don't have much job experience. I started working at 19 and haven't worked a traditional job since 2010. My experiences include fast food, manufacturing, administration, machine operation, beer vending, concessions, event services, tutoring, blogging, and material handling. I also have a high school and bachelor's degree in management, but lack experience in management. I am currently obtaining a master's in journalism.

First, Brisson discussed the Applicant Tracking System, which recruiters use to fill job vacancies. She also discussed creating copies of your resume in multiple formats (pdf, doc, docx, txt, and rtf). The reason being is companies do not require the same format. Some may want a .doc, others may require a .txt. Brisson also suggested only editing the copy in Microsoft Word and then saving the file in other formats after.

Another great tip was creating a Dropbox or Google Drive folder for your resumes. Keep your current resume in a separate folder from older versions. You can always copy and paste from older versions, depending on the type of resume you need. Third, you need to name your resume in a certain format (first name, last name, resume). Recruiters get 100's of resumes, in addition to other correspondence in their mail box. Naming your resume helps your resume not get trashed.

Fourth, I liked how on page 23, Brisson said to create a great resume story. Some of the things you may discuss on your resume includes:

1. Increased responsibility at work
2. Continued education
3. Leadership experiences
4. Activities and groups participated in outside of work or school. 
5. Problem resolution

I liked the story concept because it gives you practice during interviews. A few years ago, while still living in Atlanta, I went to a job fair for Popeyes or Churches, at some hotel. Applicants had to fill out an application first, and then participate in an interview. The interviewer, not only asked questions about job experiences, but asked about leadership and civic duty at work. I was not prepared for those questions. I did remember a time, when I helped an elderly woman, who was wheel-chair bound, navigate around a restaurant, I used to work at. The restaurant could get crowded and cluttered at times. I moved some tables and chairs around, so she could sit down.

Finally, I love the checklists throughout the book. You can start with a basic resume, when you start the book, but end up with an extraordinary resume.

The book is available in Kindle and Paperback format. The paperback is prime eligible.

Giveaway:

Enter to win a copy of Confessions of a Teacher Recruiter by Tracy Brisson.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.