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Persistance and attention to detail. Read up on the district
you are applying to. Customize your cover letter for each
application -- read the job posting carefully and then
customize your letter so that you are applying for the
position that is posted. Far too often when I screen
applications I find "generic" cover letters. Make sure your
cover letter matches the position you are applying for. Far
too often I find cover letters waxing poetically about how
excited they are to become a part of the team at Jonesboro
Public Schools -- when my district is NOT Jonesboro! Make
sure your letters of recommendation are up to date and don't
contain the kiss of death phrase, "Please contact me for more
information on John Smith" rather than the phrase "I
recommend John Smith without reservation." Write down ever
question you can remember after each interview (in fact, I
recommend having a note pad open and when the question is
asked, scribbling a couple of key words to help you remember
the question), and then revisit the question after the
interview and thing through how you answered it and how you
could answer it better the next time.

I agree that it is hard to get that first post, and you will
have to apply many times before you land it, but eventually
you will be successful. If it is any consolation, I probably
applied to twice that many positions and went on about 50
interviews before I got my job.

Good luck

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