The International Schools Review Forum

I am a newbie to this whole international teaching thing and just attended my first job fair. However, before I attended I had a hard time finding info on what I should not bring, do etc. So, I thought I would give some advice to my fellow newbies, while it was fresh on my mind.

What to bring: I would bring a portfolio, but be forewarned, they probably wont ask for it. I just made sure that when they asked for examples of things I had done, that I said, "I can show you if you like." When I brought it up they were interested. I feel like it also made me look professional and organized. Make sure it has pictures, pictures really are worth are 1,000 words. I also brought a small packet. It had a cover with pictures of me and my students. It was a great conversation starter as one of the pictures was quite hilarious and allowed me to explain my teaching style. I also included references, degree, certification, and my evaluation from my principal from the previous school year.

What to wear: It is a little bit of anything professional goes. I did not wear a suit, I wore a pencil skirt, silk blouse, cardigan, and heels everyday. most people did not wear suits but nice separates. Wear something unique and looks like you. If you are comfortable, your true personality will show through more.

What to do: First of all, be yourself. Have a positive attitude, discuss your qualities as an educator, smile, and write thank you notes on nice stationary, not hotel notepad(I noticed that some directors keep them with your resume). Being yourself was key though!!!!

What to know: It is a frustrating time, your emotions are going to be a roller coaster. Also, go with your gut, dont settle on the first job just because they give you an offer. If it feels right, it is. If it doesn't feel right, its not. Space out your interviews with some time between them. It gives you some leeway in case you run late. Make friends with the other candidates, they might be your future co-workers.

I know this is just my opinion but I hope it helps out. Oh, and in case you are wondering, I attended the AASSA fair. I thought it was great and would highly recommend it.

Thanks for the post.

That was about one third of what I was wondering. The other two thirds were, how many interviews did you get and did you get a job?

I was at the AASSA fair and had 7 interviews. The thing I didnt take into consideration was that everyone wants to go to a different area than myself. I worried for weeks there wouldn't be any jobs. I was primarily interested in Argentina, Peru, and Brazil. However, some people were there for Honduras and the Caribbean. I would suggest making sure you do your research, know what position each school has, the requirements, and package info. Then, make your top 10 list and hit those schools up first at the sign up session.

I interviewed with those 7 schools, and even though they were 30 minutes, I could tell right away whether or not it would be a fit. If it wasnt I went ahead and sent them a nice letter saying "I appreciate the opportunity however Ive decided to go in a different direction." I didnt see the point in wasting their time if I wasn't going to take a job there. That seems unfair to them. I was offered a position after the first 30 minute interview (several people were) but a 2 year commitment is big and I was unwilling to take a job for only meeting them for 30 minutes..

In the end, it was between two great schools, so I was in kind of a win-win situation. I took one of the job offers and we have been in communication ever since. The thing that a lot of schools like that set you apart from the rest are experience with: curriculum writing, department chairs, over 5 years experience, and having a positive attitude. Don't be afraid to sell yourself. If you're good say it, but you have to be confident in you and your abilities. Oh, they will ask you about your district, I guess to make sure you will fit in with their clientele.

I hope that helps. I am not an expert like many on here are, but before I left I couldnt find this info on the forum unless i went 2-3 years back. I hope you have a great experience too!

Hootie,

I wish I had read something like this three years ago as I was first starting to look overseas. I totally agree about the portfolio; against many people's advice saying not to bother, I didn't wait to be asked for one and whipped it out at every opportunity, and think that's what helped garner me a number of offers.

Trusting your gut is so important, too. I accepted my first job based on the short interview and have been very happy here.

My director was just at AASSA. Will you tell us which school you finally accepted?

Not sure how to do that without the whole world knowing...

What kinds of questions are you typically asked at the interviews? I read somewhere that you could even be asked to demonstrate a short teaching lesson. I've worked for the same school for 20 years so it's been a while since I've interviewed and was just wondering what kinds of questions to prepare for....

I had heard that as well, but no one asked me to do that. I can't say that is true for everyone. I had questions similar to these:

1. How do you incorporate relevance into your classroom?
2. Go through a class period explaining what you would do?
3. How would you handle a situation where a parent says their child is being bullied?
4. What types of assessments do you like to use?
5. How do you make students responsible for their own learning?