Jim Jordan's 40 Things To Do After The Yearbook Is Done

The toughest obstacle for me has been that registration for next year’s classes always comes at the time of the year when we are the busiest putting out this year’s book. How can I really care about next year when this one isn’t even done yet? The dilemma is you have to care. A great yearbook can be created only with the best kids. You must find ways to find them and get them to apply to be on staff. The best recruiting tool I used over the years is the personal letter. I would send an email to the English teachers, art and photo teachers, and colleagues who really understand what it takes to be in yearbook, seeking names of students they feel might be a good fit for the staff. We also would go to classes and take names of anyone who might be interested. Then after checking their grades, I and the editors would send them a personal letter telling them the benefits of being on yearbook – while creating a book that will last a lifetime, they will develop real world leadership, communication, technology, writing and design skills that they can use in any career path they decide to pursue. Recruiting is something a great adviser has to do throughout the year. We are always looking for kids who are talented, who are hard workers, who are responsible and those who see the value in working hard on a longterm project. Yearbook is not for everyone, but anyone can benefit from being on staff. For more on going recruiting strategies, download a copy of the ebook, Recruiting Staffs: Methods to the Madness.

Photo by Catherine McCarthy

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