I'm sure there's already a post about this but I can't seem to find it.
Has anyone found contacting schools through the Search email system to be worth it or advantageous? Do principals actually respond through the system or am I just as good sending a regular email?
Contacting schools via Search
I wouldn't recommend using the search email function unless the school specifies that that is how they want you to contact them. Most schools have a specific application process that they want you to follow. Not following these directions can oftentimes get your resume binned without a look.
To be on the safe side, I always followed the school's application directions to the letter. I would sometimes use the search email function to follow up on an application, but usually did not use it to send the application.
I know it is frustrating -- you think that you've done all of this work to get everything set up on Search and the application process will be so easy because you just have to send an email and everything will be attached. The reality, however is that most schools want the information in a very specific way in order to streamline their process.
If others have a different perspective and have had great luck with the Search email, I'd love to hear about it.
To be on the safe side, I always followed the school's application directions to the letter. I would sometimes use the search email function to follow up on an application, but usually did not use it to send the application.
I know it is frustrating -- you think that you've done all of this work to get everything set up on Search and the application process will be so easy because you just have to send an email and everything will be attached. The reality, however is that most schools want the information in a very specific way in order to streamline their process.
If others have a different perspective and have had great luck with the Search email, I'd love to hear about it.
Hi National,
what IF there are no positions posted yet and you just want to get your name in there first (with the understanding that there may not even be a job available)? Do you think this might turn a school off or that the e-mail would simply be put on the back burner until positions become available?
what IF there are no positions posted yet and you just want to get your name in there first (with the understanding that there may not even be a job available)? Do you think this might turn a school off or that the e-mail would simply be put on the back burner until positions become available?
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newchapter
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Wed Aug 21, 2013 5:03 pm
Hi Choirguy,
If there are no positions, you could send a quick email through search. I don't think it would hurt you, but I don't know that you'll get much consideration out of it. If something later comes up for you, I'd recommend following their specific directions. I definitely emphasized that I was on search and that my info could be accessed through them when following their directions for application submission. I don't think it hurts you to email through search, but I also don't think it makes you stand out... A recruiter might be able to share their perspective, because honestly I am just guessing at how schools view it. I know many schools have specific non-search directions for application.
@ new chapter -- I wouldn't wait until the fair. I would apply as jobs come up. Schools will fill positions before fairs and/or have an idea of who they want to interview at fairs based on earlier applications. I got my last job at the London fair, but the school contacted me before the fair and we had a meeting scheduled before the interview sign up session.
If there are no positions, you could send a quick email through search. I don't think it would hurt you, but I don't know that you'll get much consideration out of it. If something later comes up for you, I'd recommend following their specific directions. I definitely emphasized that I was on search and that my info could be accessed through them when following their directions for application submission. I don't think it hurts you to email through search, but I also don't think it makes you stand out... A recruiter might be able to share their perspective, because honestly I am just guessing at how schools view it. I know many schools have specific non-search directions for application.
@ new chapter -- I wouldn't wait until the fair. I would apply as jobs come up. Schools will fill positions before fairs and/or have an idea of who they want to interview at fairs based on earlier applications. I got my last job at the London fair, but the school contacted me before the fair and we had a meeting scheduled before the interview sign up session.