Helpful Tips for Applicants

When completing an application for employment, applicants should read the instructions listed on the vacancy announcement carefully. If you are interested in that position, you must follow the directions exactly to be considered.

• Be sure to upload all required documents into our electronic file.
• Take your time when completing the application. Remember to represent yourself well, but be completely truthful on all questions. 
• Review your employment history carefully. Make sure you are listing the correct dates of employment, job titles, salary, and education. 
• Be sure to check your spelling and grammar. 

 
Professional References: Gaston County Schools requires at least three professional references that are less than one year old (no family, friends, or Gaston County Schools (GCS) employees unless you are a previous GCS employee or student teacher/intern). These references must be on file before you can be offered a position.  

• List people whom you have known for at least one year as references. These people should have some knowledge of your work ethic, professional experience, skills, and abilities. 
• You may log in to your electronic application at any time to check the status of references.

Resume: Include your current full name, street address, city, state, zip code, home phone number, cell phone number, and personal email address (not work email address) on your resume so that we can easily contact you. If your information changes, log in and upload a new resume. In most cases, if we cannot reach you, we will likely move on to the next candidate.

• Make sure your resume is easy to read.
• Be sure to highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
• Attempt to keep it to one page (or two pages if you have more than five years of experience in your field).
• Be absolutely certain there are no typos or grammatical errors.
• If sending a resume as an attachment, be sure to send it as a PDF. Not every computer is capable of reading other types of files. 

Cover Letter: Keep it short (no more than one page). Do not repeat the information from your resume.

• If sending a cover letter as an attachment, be sure to send it as a PDF. Not every computer is capable of reading other types of files.
• Revise your cover letter to address each job in which you’re interested.
• Be absolutely certain there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Interview: Dress professionally, learn about Gaston County Schools and the position you are seeking, and prepare questions for your interviewers.

• Be prepared to listen and fully answer all questions.
• Know the job description for which you are applying and know your resume.
• Be ready for different interviewing styles.
• If you have a phone interview, make sure you are in a quiet place and can hear the interviewer.
• If interviewing using Skype or Facetime, make sure your technology is working properly before your interview time.