The seventh annual Search Melbourne Job Fair at the beautiful InterContinental Rialto Hotel heralded a successful new year for teachers and schools around the world. Joining Senior Associate Nick Kendell and his assistants Paula and Tom Kendell, along with a team of fantastic helpers from the Australia/New Zealand branch of Search Associates, were Educational Consultants Chris and Mick Green and former Head of School Deidre Fischer. Together they provided expertise and guidance to 130 candidates and representatives from almost 50 international schools.
The high placement rate and relaxed, personal atmosphere of the fair make it the perfect event for both first-time and experienced international teachers. One newcomer to the international school market described the job fair as an intense but “amazing professional development experience.” Candidate Rebekah Telford thanked Search Associates (SEARCH):
"The Melbourne Fair was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend it to anybody who has not taught internationally before, like [me]. Everyone, especially the [SEARCH] team, took the time to listen, to question when necessary, and to ensure everyone was supported. The breadth of information available through presentations, recruiters and the [SEARCH] team gave me such confidence when walking into interviews, and ultimately securing an overseas teaching position. In the three days, I learnt so much personally and professionally."
Nick praised the caliber of candidates who exhibited “incredibly strong inquiry pedagogy.” Recruiters come to Melbourne expecting to find great teachers. The feedback from the schools was that the candidates, armed with a “can-do” attitude, were extremely knowledgeable and prepared. One recruiter said,
“The candidates are always excellent quality at the Melbourne Fair. Even those candidates who have limited teaching experience are of high quality due to their training, backgrounds, commitment to learning and growth, and just overall ambition to 'fit' whatever is needed by the schools.”
Search Associates offers 13 unique job fairs around the globe. Search Melbourne has been described by a satisfied candidate as “large enough for a good selection of schools [but with] the intimacy of a smaller fair.”
Watch our fair video recap on YouTube!
