January 25-28th, President/CEO Jessica Magagna hosted Search Associates’ annual flagship fair Search Cambridge with the help of a large team of experts. The event welcomed 408 candidates and recruiters from 121 schools, with over 880 international teaching jobs posted.
Search Cambridge is able to maintain a “family feel” despite its size. Candidates and recruiters consistently tell us how well-organized and “relaxed” the fair is even though there are nearly 700 people in attendance! The fair takes over the entire Hyatt Regency, the venue for the Cambridge fair for the last 27 years. Staff members know the event so well that they go out of their way to make sure it is successful. Jessica says, “They even chip in and help counsel candidates when they see the need!” The group of people joining Jessica, and representing hundreds of years of experience, contributed to Search Cambridge’s warm and supportive atmosphere: Founder John Magagna, Chief Operating Officer Rajiv Bhat, Senior Consultant Gunter Brandt along with Senior Associates Sally Gordon, Diana Kerry, Bridget McNamer, Julie Ryan, and Gary MacPhie.
Always a big hit at our job fairs are workshops facilitated by Senior Associates. Julie and Bridget led two sessions of Moving Overseas and Loving It, with excellent advice added by Barbara MacPhie—a veteran of five international moves—and our School Coordinator Nazgol Adili. Earlier in the fair, Julie and Sally shared recommendations in their Interviewing Tips workshops, attended by over 250 candidates, who especially enjoyed the opportunity to do some role playing as they answered sample questions. They certainly were a keen group! Bridget reports,
“I heard from several recruiters that the quality of the candidate pool at this year’s Cambridge fair was particularly high!”
Evening socials also make Search Cambridge a wonderful place to be. John and Jessica hosted a reception for recruiters on the first night. Clements Worldwide sponsored a gala for both candidates and recruiters, featuring delicious food and lots of opportunities for networking. Recruiters were also invited to an annual reception sponsored by The International Educator (TIE).
So far, 38% of Search Cambridge candidates have accepted offers. Jessica, who expects the placement rate to near 50%, says,
“It is a wonderful feeling to know that Search Associates is helping enrich student learning around the world, by placing some of the best teachers in the classroom.”
For more about our 13 unique job fairs held annually around the world, click here.
