We have few interviews coming up, and I was wondering at waht stage it is appropriate to discuss the package, if the school doesn't being it up themselves during the interview? Should you wait until they make an offer to then discuss? Obviously package is vert important, but I don't want to come across as merely package-driven.
Thanks.
At what stage do you discuss the package?
Simple
When they offer you the job or position, unless they bring up your "expectations" earlier in the interview, and if they do ask if they are offering you a contract?
Most of them blend the interview and negotiations together. If you blink you can miss it. Be prepared to discuss your compensation requirements, and understand that you might have to walk away. The bargaining table is where you get what you want, and you will really only have once chance at it. No what your flexible on, and what your deal breakers off. Also know going into the interview what the "standard/typical" package is. Usually salary is negotiable in one form of another. Either directly in a school with a "closed" pay scale (teachers negotiate their best package individually). In open systems (where there is a clear pay scale) by negotiating more years of experience or degree equivalents. Understand you cant negotiate factors without a precedent or a mechanism. For instance you cant negotiate housing if the school doesnt provide housing (they arent going to build an apartment building for you), on the same issue, if a school hasnt or doesnt provide a housing allowance, you arent going to get one. Few teachers are in a position to create new precedents when it comes to compensation. You also cant ask ask a school to do something that is illegal (my example is asking a school to exempt, or reimburse taxes).
Most of them blend the interview and negotiations together. If you blink you can miss it. Be prepared to discuss your compensation requirements, and understand that you might have to walk away. The bargaining table is where you get what you want, and you will really only have once chance at it. No what your flexible on, and what your deal breakers off. Also know going into the interview what the "standard/typical" package is. Usually salary is negotiable in one form of another. Either directly in a school with a "closed" pay scale (teachers negotiate their best package individually). In open systems (where there is a clear pay scale) by negotiating more years of experience or degree equivalents. Understand you cant negotiate factors without a precedent or a mechanism. For instance you cant negotiate housing if the school doesnt provide housing (they arent going to build an apartment building for you), on the same issue, if a school hasnt or doesnt provide a housing allowance, you arent going to get one. Few teachers are in a position to create new precedents when it comes to compensation. You also cant ask ask a school to do something that is illegal (my example is asking a school to exempt, or reimburse taxes).
Last edited by PsyGuy on Tue Jan 17, 2012 4:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks, so in which case it is fine to refuse a job if the package is not good enough even after interviewing for the postion and selling yourself to the school (I guess I am coming from the position of a UK teacher, where it is assumed that if you are interviewing for a job it is more or less under the assumption that you want that job and will accept it if it is offered to you). For example if a flight is only offered every 2 years, rather than 1, or if the salary scale, CPD opportunities aren't as good as you would wish, and this was a factor which was important enough for you, that this is cerdible for refusing a job, and you wouldn't be seen as stringing the school along? Sorry if this sounds daft, i am very new to this.
Well
Its fine to refuse any position you want for any reason.
International schools are private schools, and unlike the public school market where salaries and benefits are well known, posted or understood, packages vary. If a paid ticket every year is important enough to you to walk away, and you have better option or offers, then say so, and move on.
Admins/heads are grown ups, you arent going to hurt their feelings or offend them. You will probably be forgotten, before you forget them. Recruiting is a numbers game, recruiters especially at the fairs (like Search) will assume youve read their profile page and know the general composition of their package.
That being said while not impossible, declining a position is an irreversible choice. You cant take it back later, after reconsidering, or if your other options dont work out.
International schools are private schools, and unlike the public school market where salaries and benefits are well known, posted or understood, packages vary. If a paid ticket every year is important enough to you to walk away, and you have better option or offers, then say so, and move on.
Admins/heads are grown ups, you arent going to hurt their feelings or offend them. You will probably be forgotten, before you forget them. Recruiting is a numbers game, recruiters especially at the fairs (like Search) will assume youve read their profile page and know the general composition of their package.
That being said while not impossible, declining a position is an irreversible choice. You cant take it back later, after reconsidering, or if your other options dont work out.