FAQs for Candidates
Please click on any of the headings below to access the list of questions and answers associated with that particular heading.
Why register with Search Associates?
- We care about each and every candidate.
- You are assigned an Associate who will help you through the entire process and give you as little or as much attention as you request.
- We are well known for our personal attention and ongoing support.
- We have a great deal of knowledge and experience of hundreds of good international schools.
- We are highly respected in the international school community.
- Our databases are extremely helpful to candidates in the job-hunting process, and equally offer an invaluable service to schools in their efforts to find good candidates.
- We believe that our job fairs are a particularly effective way of matching good teachers with good schools as we keep them small and focused so that we can better assist those candidates attending.
Jobs are not guaranteed. Much of your success will depend on your willingness to teach at any location, your subject area and the strength of your file. Roughly 70% of the candidates who complete a file will eventually secure a job. About 60% of those individuals will do so through attending one or more job fairs. The remaining 40% will secure positions by using the database and connecting with schools.
Can I choose the overseas destination I will go to?
As a candidate you are completely in control of which schools you apply to. Interviews and offers may come from schools in unexpected countries, and you may not get interviews in your country of choice. Your Associate will be available for advice and counsel throughout the entire process. We always encourage candidates to be open to all areas of the world in order to increase their chances of getting at least one good job offer.
Do you search for a position for me and put me into contact with schools?
Once your profile is active, it is your responsibility to search the database for openings and contact schools directly. You will receive daily emails informing you of openings when schools post them (which means that the system is searching for positions that match your preferences and notifying you immediately). You are the best person to know if a school might be of interest to you, so research the position well. Your Associate will always be available to answer any questions you may have about a school and support you in your search. Similarly, recruiters will be searching the database to look for candidates that fit their hiring needs and may contact you directly to ask if you are interested.
Does Search Associates assign me to a specific school?
Search Associates does NOT assign candidates to schools. Our purpose is to connect candidates and international schools through an online database, job fairs and the collective and individual contacts of our Senior Associates. As a candidate, your profile will be available to schools searching to fill a position(s), and equally you as a candidate will be able to, view a school profile, search for vacancies and contact schools. Candidates and recruiters also connect at our job fairs. However, all job offers depend on the strength of your file, your confidential references, your ability to interview, and your flexibility as to the type of school and location you find attractive.
Does Search Associates help candidates looking for Counseling positions?
Yes! There is always a need for outstanding counselors with primary or secondary school experience. Typically, an International School will have one counselor per division; Elementary, Middle and High School. If it's a larger school, there may well be more than one counselor...particularly in the High School. In this case, in addition to academic and personal counseling, a school may well require experience in college counseling.
In some countries, schools will hire school psychologists. If you are a school psychologist, with good experience, and would feel comfortable in the counseling role, you should definitely consider applying.
Does Search Associates help Language-School Teachers?
Not in general. Although a few English language schools are starting to join Search Associates, we work almost entirely with 'mainstream' international schools which have English as their main working language (for example, those schools serving children somewhere in the age range of 3-19 and teaching the usual range of subjects found in schools in the developed English-speaking countries). Most of the international schools do have some ESL/EFL specialist teachers, but candidates for these positions normally have prior teaching experience in similar 'mainstream' schools, whether home-country or international.
I am moving to one specific country (or one city or targeting one school) and cannot be available for a range of opportunities in varied locations. Can you help me find a position there?
If you are targeting one school, city, or country (with very few schools), you might try your luck in contacting the school directly before applying with Search Associates. However, one benefit of registering with Search Associates is that you won’t have to ask your referees to submit letters of reference to more than one school (they will be in our database), and you will probably save yourself time as well. Also, if the school is a member of Search Associates, your file is likely to rise to the top of hundreds of random emails the school receives from other candidates because your file will be easily accessible through Search Associates and we are well respected in the international education community. Having said that, it will be extremely difficult to find a position with such a narrow search and most Associates will encourage you to be more flexible.
I just want to be placed in "X" country in Europe: what are my odds?
While there are over 100 schools in Europe registered with us, they only represent 15% of our total number of schools.Many teachers considering working abroad think first of Europe, so the positions are very competitive. There is also difficulty for non-EU (European Union) citizens to obtain visas/work permits. Therefore, we encourage you to keep yourself open to other areas of the world in increase your chances of securing a position abroad. Unless there are truly compelling reasons for a self-imposed geographic restriction, it is unlikely that Search Associates will accept a candidate with a "one-country", or even a "one-region" restriction.
Once I am registered, how does an employer receive and view my information?
Schools can search the database for candidates and access your profile there. Your profile includes the information in your online application, your biographical notes and your confidential references. When you contact schools, you should always identify yourself as a Search candidate, and schools will then go to the Search Associates database to view your profile. We encourage you to contact schools of interest that have openings in your area. You should always you keep your Associate in the loop about any developments.
Where is the main office of Search Associates located?
Search Associates is more of a highly developed network than a centralized company. Each individual Associate operates independently, working with his or her candidates and in some cases, running one or more fairs. Having said that, there is a high degree of cooperation and communication among all the Associates who work as a team to assist candidates. Our offices are wherever the Associate happens to be with a laptop! Our real offices, though, look like real offices. We do , however, have an Executive Management Committee that manages the company which consist of Jim Ambrose, Mike Williams, Jessica Magagna and David Cope. You are more than welcome to contact any of these Associates if you have questions about our organization or you can contact our company Executive Administrative Assistant Melinda Williams. Please click on “
meet our team” for contact information.
Who has a better chance of getting a job, a science or English teacher?
Teachers in specialist fields have the best chances of success (a smaller supply in relation to the number of jobs). Specialist areas include: music, art, library, early childhood, science and mathematics, advanced level teachers (such as IB Diploma, AP, GCE A-Level). Specialists have an advantage over English and ESL teachers (the supply of those is large). However, schools are always looking for the best teachers in all areas.
What is an intern position and would I qualify as an intern candidate?
Intern positions are for those candidates who are currently attending their last year of college, or recent graduates, looking to gain some experience in the classroom. Interns usually have no teaching certification/qualification and little or no teaching experience. These are paid positions with the same benefits given to teaching candidates such as housing, round trip airfare and more. If you would like more information regarding intern positions. and/or whether you would qualify as an intern candidate, please contact our
Intern Coordinator, Diane Sherman.
Do Head of School/Superintendent candidates have to register with Search Associates?
Head of School candidates may register with Search Associates. However, if you are only looking for a Head of School position it is not necessary to become a registered active candidate. We would encourage you to view Head of Schools openings on the Administrative Openings page of our web site. These positions are open to all candidates whether fully registered with Search Associates or not. Click on the school and you can view details about the position and the application procedure.
It is important to know that Administrative positions are very competitive, in particular, Head of School positions. In addition, many job openings have early deadlines ranging from October-December so it is important to begin your search as early as possible.
Do Principal / leadership position candidates have to register with Search Associates?
As with Head of School searches, there are jobs posted on the Administrative Openings section of our site that are open to both registered and non-registered administrators. Please click on the school for details about the opening and the application procedure. However, there will be additional administrative postings that are available only to those candidates fully registered and active in our database. In addition, if you wish to attend one of our job fairs, you would need to be fully registered in order to receive an invitation to attend.
It is important to know that Administrative positions are very competitive. In addition, many job openings have early deadlines ranging from October-December so it is important to begin your search as early as possible.
How do I become a fully registered candidate with Search Associates?
In order to become a fully registered and active candidate with Search Associates you will need to complete all of the following requirements before we can activate your profile in our database and extend you an invitation to a job fair:
- Complete and submit your online application. This is the first step in becoming an active candidate with Search Associates. Once your application is fully completed, your Associate will review and contact you with further instructions.
- Acceptance of Search Associates agreement with candidates. You will be asked to carefully read and submit an agreement with Search Associates which will be provided during the application process. They will also be available on your candidate dashboard once you create a log in account.
- Completion of Confidential Questions. You will be asked to complete a series of confidential questions that will only be seen by your Associate. The confidential questions will be provided during the application process and also available on your candidate dashboard page once you create a log in account.
- Online Confidential References Search Associates requires a minimum of four online confidential references to be completed by your referees. Detailed information regarding these references will be found on your candidate dashboard page once you have successfully submitted your online application as well as provided by your Associate.
- Send Registration Fee (Database User Fee). Your registration fee should be sent directly to your Associate (Exception: UK Office) and must be received before we can activate your profile. We encourage you to send this early in the application process. Your Associate will provide instructions for payment once your online application has been completed and successfully submitted.
What if my original Associate is no longer affiliated with the organization?
If your original Associate is no longer working for Search Associates, you should register with the
Senior Associate based on where you currently reside. If you fall in a category where there is no Associate assigned to your area, you can choose the Associate who organizes the fair you wish to attend. However,
before completing a new online application form, you should first try to access your previous account by clicking on "
retrieve username/password" found on the login section on the home page and follow the instructions from there.
How long will it take for me to become a registered candidate once I complete the application ?
Much of this depends on you and your referees. The application can be completed at your leisure as you can save changes at any time and go back and continue your work. If you choose to complete the application all at once, it should not take more than 30 minutes as long as you have all of the information you need readily available. The longest part of the process is waiting for your referees to complete the online confidential references. Some referees complete the forms quickly but others take much longer. On average, it may take a few weeks but can certainly be done sooner. If you are interested in attending one of the earlier
job fairs, we encourage you to start the process
well before the start date of the fair.
How much contact will I have with my Associate?
As much or as little your needs require. While most candidates are comfortable with the electronic registration process and independently using the database to connect with schools to secure jobs, some candidates communicate frequently with their Associate (via email, Skype, telephone, and sometimes in person) throughout the process. We are always here to support you and are just an email or phone call away. In addition, we do our best to respond to your communication by the end of the following business day if not sooner! We are never far from our lap tops no matter where we are.
If I registered with Search Associates many years ago, why do I have to register again with the same Associate?
Registering with the original Associate is the standard company practice. Your original Associate has your paper file and might have established a professional relationship with you. However, providing quality service is important. Should you have compelling reasons to switch to another Associate, please discuss this with your original Associate who can transfer your file if everyone is agreeable.
Once I have registered how long can I remain on the active list?
Your registration period with Search Associates lasts for three years or until you find a job (whether through us or not),whichever comes first. If you are not “actively” looking for a position within those three years or are under contract, we will temporarily move your file to our archive status until you are available and looking for a position again.
What is the best timing for the job search process?
Vacancies occur throughout the entire year, and it is possible to secure a position at any time. However, to have an opportunity to apply for the greatest number of positions that are suitable for you, you should try to follow this schedule: ·
August: Complete your application and be accepted for registration a full year before you would begin employment at most international schools. For example: If you are looking for a position for the 2012-2013 school year, you should start the registration process roughly around August 2011. ·
September: Use the Search web site to familiarize yourself with the database and to start receiving email notifications when jobs become available. Contact your Associate regarding invitations to one of our job fairs. Attendance at fairs is always by invitation only. ·
October: Be sure your CV/resume is complete and professional as you will need this when/if you attend a job fair to hand to the recruiters. Although a portfolio is optional, there are candidates who bring one to a fair and many candidates are now placing a link in their email messages to view their online portfolios. Again, this is not something you must have but can if you have the time and the technical ability to do it!·
November: Keep contacting schools of interest. Prepare to attend one of our job fairs that is appropriate for you, based on your Associate's advice and continue to communicate with schools. ·
Moving Forward: Think of the job search as a process that will probably take months, not a single event like a fair or interview. Perseverance and flexibility will lead to a position that is right for you.
Will I become a fully registered candidate when I complete the online application?
No, the online application is just the first step. You need to have at least four online references submitted to us confidentially by your chosen referees. You will also need to submit and agree to the Search Associates agreement, send our database user/registsration fee (exception U.K office). You will receive detailed instructions from your personal Associate once your online application has been successfully submitted. Please look at " How do I become a fully registered candidate with Search Associates" for more detailed information about the registration process.
With which specific Associate should I register?
Every Senior Associate works with the 600+ international schools registered with Search Associates, and every Associate works with all types of candidates. If you've never been registered with Search Associates before, your choice of Associate should first be based on where you live, as each Associate has a specific “territory” they represent. If you are living outside the “territories” listed, you can choose your Associate by the job fair you may want to attend. If you have been registered with Search Associates in the past, you must re-register with the same Senior Associate as before, or seek that Associate's permission to change if you feel that a switch is appropriate. Specific guidelines for selecting an Associate will be available when you “get started”.
Is there a fee to become a Search candidate?
We require a modest database user fee/registration fee of $200.00 (exception U.K office). Search Associate candidates appreciate the low fees compared to what other organizations charge especially as this fee will be applied for
three years (or until such time as you accept an offer whether through Search Associates or other means, whichever comes first), The registration fee
ALSO includes attendance at one of our job fairs. Many other companies will charge you a "registration" fee but also charge you extra to attend any of their job fairs. Many of our candidates have told us the fee is small in comparison to the comprehensive list of
benefits a candidates has access to once they are activated.
Can you take Pay Pal or an alternative credit card payment for candidate fees?
With the exception of our UK-based office, candidate fees are payable directly to your Associate's office. Each Associate will accept payment in various ways. Most Associates do not take credit card or Pay Pal payments but you should view your Associate’s page (or contact your Associate directly) for payment information.
Do I have to pay a fee when I accept a job offer at a school?
No. Any recruitment fee is always paid by the school hiring you.
Is the registration fee refundable once I am an active member?
Once your file is active and you have access to our database of information, the registration fee becomes non-refundable.
Is the registration fee refunded if you do not accept me as a candidate?
If you have paid a registration fee and then subsequently your candidacy is not accepted, you will receive a refund of the registration payment.
What if I accept an offer, but then later decide not to go?
It is very important to accept an offer only if and when you are 100% committed. Once you verbally accept a position (whether you have signed the actual contract or not), you are firmly committed to your agreement to take the job. Schools are not able to replace teachers easily when candidates back out of their commitments. They have passed on other quality candidates, and with each week of a recruiting season, the candidate pool dwindles. Search Associates has very strong policies regarding a candidate who reneges on a contract (please read the Search Associates Agreement carefully on this issue).
Why is there a registration fee when a few recruitment companies do not charge anything?
Our services are very different from some companies that might provide a list of openings or allow you to contact schools or send a CV/resume. While many schools might use multiple services, they like the ease with which they can immediately have access to a Search Associate candidate’s entire profile, including confidential references. Schools also know they are getting good quality when a candidate identifies himself/herself as a Search Associates candidate. They (and the candidates) do not have to take extra steps to collect more information and documents. Schools routinely tell us that the information they are able to access from our organization is far more useful than the information they might get from other agencies.
Some recruitment firms charge about the same amount as we do, but for only one year of service (our membership is good for 3 years or until you secure a job, whichever comes first ) and in addition, you might have to pay hundreds of dollars extra to attend a job fair (we waive the fee for the first fair, and only charge $50 for each additional fair). We try to keep costs low for our candidates and our feedback from candidates is overwhelmingly that the small financial investment is worth the benefits, especially access to their Associate and to personalized service from him or her as needed.
What qualifications are necessary?
International schools vary in their requirements, and the country in which a school is located may have specific requirements to establish eligibility for a work-visa and approval by the relevant government ministry. It is essential for a candidate to have at least a BA or B.Sc or B.Ed degree, and for classroom teachers,certification/qualification from a major English-speaking country is preferred by at least 60% of the schools we work with.
Those qualifications, plus at least two years (some schools require more) of full-time teaching in a suitable 'mainstream' school (primary/elementary and/or secondary), are often quoted as minimum requirements. Some schools accept newly qualified candidates as well as interns. A Masters degree is valued for teachers and administrators, and some schools look favorably at doctorates for Head of School positions. Intern candidates normally have none of the foregoing qualifications except that they are usually about to earn a bachelor degree before starting their internship.
Does Search Associates help non-teachers?
Not in general. We do offer assistance to intern candidates, administrators (senior management), as well as other non-teaching members of a school's academic staff, such as librarians and counselors. Sometimes we are able to help a school-experienced business manager find a new international-school position, and spouses of our registered candidates have found positions such as laboratory technician, teacher assistant, or school secretary/P.A. Only qualified teachers, administrators, and young graduate interns seeking support roles can register as Search Associates candidate
I don’t have a teaching qualification but have started the process of getting one. Should I wait until I have that secured before I apply?
Currently, about 60% of schools registered with us require a teacher to have a recognized teaching certification/qualification that authorizes you to teach in government primary and/or secondary schools in your home country. Some of this is due to the host country VISA restrictions. You may be able to secure employment, with these schools, contingent upon getting a recognized qualification before your employment starts or shortly after your employment begins. If you have successful classroom teaching experience and can show that you are definitely enrolled in a course leading to a recognized qualification, this will help your chance of employment.
I only know English. Do I need to know the language of the country?
No, English is the main language of instruction, but most people who travel overseas enjoy taking language courses so that they can feel more comfortable moving around independently. Some schools that have a larger population of host national students might give preference to candidates who have a working knowledge of the language.
Is prior overseas experience required for teachers or administrators?
International experience can be a preferred qualification by some schools but is not necessary to be a competitive candidate.
Age: Are there age restrictions?
Although Search Associates does not discriminate based on age, candidates must be aware that schools in other countries may have age restrictions because of their ability to get work visas. Age limits might begin between 55 and 65 for some countries; however there are many countries without age limits. Each school profile will have age restrictions (if applicable) listed on their profile for your review.
Dependents: I have a non-teaching partner and children. What are my chances of securing a job?
Schools have their “pick” out of a large candidate pool. Teaching couples with few or no dependents and single candidates with no dependents tend to have a better chance of securing jobs than a teacher with a non-teaching partner (with or without dependents). The reality is that it is more challenging to secure a job with a non-teaching partner and even more challenging if you have a non-teaching spouse and dependents. Search Associates has observed, however, that more and more schools today focus on quality, aiming to get the best possible teacher.
How many jobs are there available in my field?
The answer depends greatly on the hiring needs of the schools during that particular recruiting season so this question is difficult to answer. However, the number of jobs vary according to the time of year and the field. For example, there are very few business manager jobs or human resource jobs because schools can usually find personnel in the city/country. The number of jobs in each field is like a bell shaped curve starting small in September and October, building to its peak in December, January, February and March and then tapering down gradually in the spring and summer.
Do I have to pay extra to attend a job fair?
The first fair fee for each new registration period is waived. There is a $50 fee for each additional fair during a registration period (exception with our U.K office) Travel and accommodation costs are always the responsibility of the candidate attending.
How do I know which fair it is best to attend?
Each of our job fairs are unique in that some are better suited for certain types of candidates than others. Your Associate can help you to choose the right fair(s) to match your profile and your own personal career plans.
How do I register for a job fair?
Attendance is by invitation only. Once you are an active candidate, you qualify to receive an invitation to one of our fairs. Visit our “job fairs” to review the schedule for the upcoming recruiting season. You must always request an invitation to a fair from your Associate which you can easily do from your candidate dashboard or you can contact your Associate directly. Fairs have limited space and fill up quickly, so we encourage you to start the registration process to become an active candidate as early as possible and well beyond the date of the fair you would like to attend.
I am only interested in Western Europe and would like to attend the job fair to check things out.
Search Associates needs to satisfy the needs of both the candidates and the schools. Unless a candidate is legitimate, meaning they are well-qualified and flexible regarding location, it is not in anyone’s best interest to take up space at a fair and deny a space to another qualified candidate willing to go almost anywhere. It’s best to be open and flexible to the many hundreds of gems of schools located around the world.
I get the impression that decisions to accept or decline offers need to be made the weekend of the job fair. Is this true or do recruiters contact teachers later?
Do not accept a job offer unless you want it and are committed to going. Search Associates and the school will hold you to your word. In some cases, a decision might have to be made during the fair. However, if any school pressures you to sign immediately, and you do not feel quite right about it, you should request a couple of days to think it over. Some recruiters know that the best strategy is to give candidates time to carefully consider the offer, and they do not pressure the candidate at all. On the other hand, recruiters need to set deadlines. They cannot afford to lose another candidate if you delay too long. Candidates are carefully advised about this issue at the start of the fair and Associates will be on hand during the fair to support you.
I’m not sure I really am ready to go overseas next year, but I want to go to a job fair for the experience.
What we do NOT want are "window shoppers" at our job fairs. If you are not truly committed to finding a position overseas for the next school year, you should not be attending the fair.
Once I am fully registered and active, am I guaranteed to receive an invitation to the job fair I wish to attend?
Although Search Associates will do our best to extend you an invitation to your job fair of choice, we cannot guarantee that this will happen. For example, some early fairs attract highly experienced teaching couples and singles without dependents. An inexperienced teacher in a subject that has an over-abundance of teachers (for example English, Social Studies, ESL) with a non-teaching partner and a child would have a difficult time even getting an interview, but might have a better chance of securing a job at a later fair. In addition, some fairs may be overbooked or already have too many candidates attending in your subject area. In the best interest of the candidate, the Associate will always recommend a fair in which the candidate has a better chance of securing an interview.
Should I go to a job fair?
About 60% of Search Associates candidates secure jobs by attending a job fair and about 40% secure positions through their use of the database to connect with schools. Therefore, it is not essential that you attend a fair but certainly recommended. The early fairs tend to be more useful to strong, experienced teaching couples and singles without dependents. Less experienced candidates and those with non-teaching partners and multiple dependents tend to do better at later fairs.
What if I don’t want to attend a job fair?
Not a problem, although most past candidates will tell you that fair attendance helps greatly. It is entirely a candidate's own choice. About 40% of jobs are secured without attending a fair. Search-registered candidates find their access to the interactive Search Associates database invaluable.
What percentage of teachers attending a fair is placed as a result of the fair?
This varies from fair to fair. The range is between about 30% and 60%. However, these percentages can be misleading. Subject and grade level greatly affect someone's chances. For example, a high percentage of physics or mathematics teachers might be placed (low number of candidates, large number of jobs) but English or ESL teachers tend to be more numerous so their placement rate could be lower, with only those who interview extremely well going quickly. Teaching couples and singles without dependents tend to have a higher rate of placement than other candidates. Candidates limiting their search to one geographical area only will reduce their chances significantly.
I want to go overseas only for a year. Is this possible?
The typical contract for teachers is two years. Intern contracts are usually one year. The school’s investment of bringing a teacher over is great (financial expense and organizational time). Schools need professional staff who are fully focused on the school and the students. A two-year commitment is reasonable and goes by quickly. Occasionally, a school might be willing to sign a teacher for a year or less (for example, if the teacher is finishing the year for another teacher); however, two years is the norm.
Can I take pets overseas?
Although some schools allow staff to bring pets, check this out carefully. Some housing environments may not be conducive to pets and often the country has strict regulations for bringing pets into the country. It’s wise to consider alternative plans for your pets or to have your questions about pets answered before accepting a job.
