Can anyone advise on the effectiveness or otherwise of speculative applications to schools where someone is interested in working? Planning ahead to 2017-18 I am hoping to make my next move to one of the better schools on my wish list.
My job field is non-/semi-teaching admin/specialist not a classroom teacher. I was thinking of sending our my resumes from September. Any thoughts?
SPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS
Re: SPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS
We sent thirty resumes out this year in response to advertisements. I got some nice emails, but no bites. I sent one more speculative resume after a conversation I had with a ten year old my daughter met by the pool at a holiday resort (I applied to the girl's school). We got the job.
You just never know.
You just never know.
Re: SPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS
In my experience they hardly ever result in a job. But every once in a while...
If you're looking for a job, I recommend using every tool you have available. You never know which one will be the lucky one.
If you're looking for a job, I recommend using every tool you have available. You never know which one will be the lucky one.
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Thames Pirate
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Re: SPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS
We did that and even visited our target school when we happened to be in town. They didn't have jobs, but when one came open they remembered us and were quick to offer us an interview and a job. I say no harm and lots of potential good--go for it!
Response
I concur with prior contributors. Its seldom and rarely successful, but you cant sneeze and find someone who has, or knows someone (who knows someone) that has a success tale that wins the lottery with speculative applications. Only you can answer if the time and resources involved with speculative/cold application is worth it compared to the rare possibility of success. However based on your description your target position may have few if any vacancies, and if you have the time that would be otherwise unproductive than you may as well try, as you have little other opportunities.
Re: SPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS
Thanks for the replies. As my job position is sometimes a tricky one to fill (depending on location) I am going to put my resume out there and see what bites. At the very least it lets my target schools know I am interested in joining them if an opportunity arises. Nothing ventured, etc. Being a niche appointment it is rarely worth the time and expense to go to a recruiting fair, I have found.
Reply
@Nomad68
I would agree regarding the viability of a fair, unless it was local the cost and expense of travel is rarely worth the opportunity to interview for one vacancy.
A few suggestions:
1) Address and deliver your application to the senior principal or HOS. Dont waste your time applying through an HR pathway.
2) Take advantage of ISs that have their own internal application process and program. Your information will be far more accessible to an IS that might be looking for a late vacancy.
3) Spend some time and attention on DS opportunities. You can find many opportunities in independent/private DSs that provide the local curriculum that arent available or rarer in IE.
I would agree regarding the viability of a fair, unless it was local the cost and expense of travel is rarely worth the opportunity to interview for one vacancy.
A few suggestions:
1) Address and deliver your application to the senior principal or HOS. Dont waste your time applying through an HR pathway.
2) Take advantage of ISs that have their own internal application process and program. Your information will be far more accessible to an IS that might be looking for a late vacancy.
3) Spend some time and attention on DS opportunities. You can find many opportunities in independent/private DSs that provide the local curriculum that arent available or rarer in IE.
Re: SPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS
@PsyGuy
Many thanks - that is in fact my plan - personalized applications.
Granted some schools do say they accept spec applications via their HR departments, but viz. the other I plan to target the Heads/Principals.
Unfortunately a few of my target schools seem only interested in potential candidates sent via SEARCH or ISS.
Many thanks - that is in fact my plan - personalized applications.
Granted some schools do say they accept spec applications via their HR departments, but viz. the other I plan to target the Heads/Principals.
Unfortunately a few of my target schools seem only interested in potential candidates sent via SEARCH or ISS.
Discussion
@Nomad68
There is some strong motivation for that. First, If your "active" in SA or ISS than the assumption is your available. A recruiter doesnt have to expend resources tracking down what might be outdated information on applicants that arent available anymore. If your in the database your assumed to be available.
Second, recruiting is easier references are all in one place, and the database is searchable, unlike a file drawer full of resumes, etc. Leadership doesnt have time to go through those files and sort through them.
There is some strong motivation for that. First, If your "active" in SA or ISS than the assumption is your available. A recruiter doesnt have to expend resources tracking down what might be outdated information on applicants that arent available anymore. If your in the database your assumed to be available.
Second, recruiting is easier references are all in one place, and the database is searchable, unlike a file drawer full of resumes, etc. Leadership doesnt have time to go through those files and sort through them.