AASA Presentation 2019

1. Landing and Keeping the
Right Job for the Long Run
AASA Annual Conference
February 15, 2019
Max McGee, Jane Westerhold, Doug Wilson

2. 1

3. Everything you need to know about …
•Landing the right job
from Max
•That critical first
contract and first year
from Jane
•Keeping the job for the
long run from Doug
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4. Cover Letters that Get Read
1. Write with a service mindset!
2. Demonstrate you did your homework
3. Use numbers AND narrative as evidence
of what you accomplished (not just how
you accomplished it); think results, not
process
4. Have a powerful, memorable opening two
or three sentences
5. Have someone proofread it carefully
3

5. Include
• Achieved/accomplished
• Launched
• Created
• Improved
• Increased/decreased
• Led/managed
• Resolved
Avoid
• Outside the box
• Proactive
• Thought leader
• Strategic thinker
• Team player
• Beginning sentences
with I
Your word choice matters
4

6. Read or Reject?
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7. Read or Reject?
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8. Read or Reject?
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9. Read or Reject?
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10. Read or Reject?
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11. Read or Reject?
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12. Resumes that Get an Interview
1. Include two or three SPECIFIC accomplishments related to any
leadership responsibility (numbers and narrative).
2. Include three references (email and phone).
3. Education (just list completed degrees and be absolutely
accurate) and Certification (in process is OK).
4. List other activities that reflect your desire and ability to
make a contribution to students, teachers, and the
community.
5. List publications, major presentations, and any special
recognition.
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13. Rubrics for Resumes
Substance
• Evidence of leadership
accomplishments
• Relevant experience
• Education aligned with
community expectations
• Certification
• References listed
Style
• Format- readable and coherent
• Spelling and grammar
• Complete 12

14. Interviews that Get the Job
1. Do your homework: peruse websites, Google search (all, news,
images), learn the mission, jot down the strategic plan goals …
2. Make a list of the points you want to make
that demonstrate how you can and will
contribute to the district and community.
3. Anticipate questions, prepare talking points,
and practice, practice, practice
4. Share stories that reflect who you are and what you value
5. THINK before you speak and answer the question 13

15. Non-verbal Communication Counts
Smile Eye Contact
Breathe Shake (and use) hands
Exude energy Make a note
Exhibit calm confidence Dress like you have the job
“Athletic” posture Silence is on your side
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16. Negotiate Wisely, Calmly, and Assertively
• Determine and your priorities for you and your family’s
financial and security needs
• Remember they need you more than you need them
• The first contract will be the framework for all future
contracts
• Due diligence with grace
• It is NOT the time to be your own attorney
• Think creatively and beyond the status quo
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18. Off and Running – “Seek first to understand …”
• Honeymoon
• First year of the marriage
• Developyour entry plan
• No surprise parties
• Follow the Golden Rule
• Personal/Professional balance and
wellness
• Trusted and trustworthy mentor,
colleague, or friend
• “Rome wasn’t built in day”
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19. Keeping that Great Job and Keeping it Great
• Consistency
• Communication
• Trust is a must; it begins with presence
Remember Margaret Meads words:
“The greatest force for change is to find out what a
community cares about.”
• Hire the best
• Be a leader who serves
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20. When the going gets tough …
• Avoiding burnout
• Managing split votes
• That “special board
member” who knows how
to do your job better than
you
• Board elections
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21. We admire and appreciate all of you present and future
superintendents! We are confident you are and will be successful,
accomplished, leaders who make an enduring difference.
Glenn “Max” McGee
maxmcgee@hyasearch.com Cell: (224) 234-6129
www.glennmaxmcgee.com Twitter: @glennmaxmcgee
Jane Westerhold
janewesterhold@hyasearch.com Cell: (847) 772-3219
Doug Wilson
D.D.Wilson@maranausd.org Cell: (520) 289-9155