OLAS: The Online Application System for Educators A step by step user guide

1. OLAS: The Online Application System for EducatorsA step by step user guide

2. OLAS Homepageolasjobs.org

3. Background on OLAS • Search and apply for jobs in New York State school districts using OLAS • Build a complete online application including background, certifications, references, resume and cover letter • System matches candidate strengths with district needs to increase your chances of getting an interview • Participating NYS districts use OLAS as primary source of applications and many no longer accept paper applications • Some local districts that do notparticipate in OLAS: Albany, Averill Park, Fonda-Fultonville, Schalmont, Schoharie, Sharon Springs, Shenendahowa, Voorheesville

4. Benefits of OLAS • Job vacancies updated daily • All districts can view application, resume and cover letter • Apply to different jobs and regions using same application • Application remains active for one year • Instant email confirmation of application receipt

5. Getting Started • Select a region from New York State on the homepage to begin • New users must register by creating an OLAS account, username and password

6. Completing your application • All sections of the application must be completed before applying to a job • Log in to OLAS account using username and password • You will be redirected to the Applicant Homepage • Click on each link under the “Application” tab to complete the sections of your application

7. Applicant Homepage

8. Sections of application • Personal Info • Background Info • Certificates/ Highly Qualified • Educational Preparation • Work Experience • References • Resume and cover letter • Other languages • Extracurriculars • Application preferences • Other documents

9. Section 1: Personal Info

10. Section 2: Background Info • Background Info • Additional Background Info • Applicant’s Background Information Statement

11. Section 3: Certificates and Highly Qualified • Certificate type, title and date issued for each certificate you hold • If applicable, identify area in which you are “highly qualified” according to No Child Left Behind • National Board Certification

12. Section 4: Educational Preparation • Include high school, college and graduate school, if applicable

13. Section 5: Work Experiences • Current Employment • Other Educational Work Experience • Years of Teaching Experience • Student Teaching/Internship • Other

14. Section 6: References • At least 3 professional references • Be sure to ask/inform your references prior to listing them

15. Section 7: Resume and Cover Letter • Upload resume and generic cover letter here • Set up appointment with a Career Counselor in the Career Planning Office to have resumes and cover letters critiqued prior to submission

16. Section 8: Other Languages • Indicate your proficiency in any languages other than English

17. Section 9: Extracurriculars • Schools look to hire people who can also help with extracurriculars , so check any activities you would feel comfortable coaching/leading

18. Section 10: Application Preferences • Willingness to relocate, tutor • Type of employment desired • Check the box to allow all districts to view application (they search by certification area) • Option of blocking one district in Region from viewing application

19. Section 11: Other Documents • Upload transcripts, letters of recommendation, certifications and your portfolio • Note: All documents uploaded here are unofficial

20. Applying to jobs • Once application is complete, you can begin applying to jobs via “apply for job” link on “applicant home” • Research districts prior to applying • Be aware of application deadlines • You may re-enter OLAS site at any time to update your application and apply to new vacancies • Keep track of current job applications via “Manage My Jobs” link on applicant homepage

21. District Details • Learn more about specific districts in your region by clicking on “districts” on OLAS homepage (change region selection to view details of districts in other regions) • Select “view details” to find contact information for a district

22. Selecting Jobs to Apply To • Specify a district or view all in your region • Click on the link for each job to view details • Apply to desired job(s) by checking the box and clicking “apply for job(s)” • You will receive a confirmation email after applying

23. Jobs in Other Regions • Click “Apply to Other Regions” • Select region of interest from New York State Region Map • Follow same application procedure

24. Manage Your Jobs • “Manage My Jobs” link provides a list of jobs you have applied to • Select “Upload Job Specific Cover Letter” to upload an additional cover letter specific to this position

25. Application Status • You can deactivate your application by clicking “Check My Application Status” on applicant homepage • Be sure application status is active when applying for jobs

26. Additional Help and Instruction • See this section for further guidance in completing your application

27. FAQ • Click on FAQ on OLAS homepage for answers to common application questions

28. Contact Information • If you have any questions or comments regarding OLAS, please e-mail olasadmin@pnwboces.org or call (914) 248-2358 within the Metropolitan area. Outside the Metropolitan area, please call (800) 435-3351. • The Sage Colleges Career Services • Albany campus: (518) 292-1793 Library-3rd floor • Troy campus: (518) 244-2272 Hart Hall-2nd floor