Hi everyone,
I apologize if this has been discussed already. I'm curious to ask if using a recruiting service (such as Search) is worth the money? Is it worth paying for the service? I've located TIC and CIS, which seem like legit recruiting services and they offer their services for free. What are your experiences and suggestions? Thanks so much :)
Recruiting services worth the money?
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mintgreen23
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Cheery Littlebottom
- Posts: 207
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In a way it does because it's not just a question of signing up, it's a question of being accepted. It's not an automatic guarantee that if you part with your money you get access to the data and become part of their database in turn. There are minimum standards, and references required.
Search et al, cannot guarantee schools that you're not an axe murderer or a paedophile - police reports upon hiring are meant to do that. I suppose they cannot even guarantee that you are a good teacher or even a good fit with the school.
What they do try to do is make sure that anyone in the database has (on paper at least) the basic requirements to teach abroad.
If you get a job through ISS or COIS then naturally Search "weren't worth it" and if you get a job through Search then TIE or ISS "weren't worth it."
My opinion is that unless you are at the very top of your profession and can more or less pick your school (dependent upon openings) then all of the agencies have their role.
I keep saying it, but prior preparation and planning are key. By now, you should be signed up, references in, paperwork ducks in a row, shamelessly networking via friends at schools and actively looking. Leave no avenue unexplored.
Good luck!
Search et al, cannot guarantee schools that you're not an axe murderer or a paedophile - police reports upon hiring are meant to do that. I suppose they cannot even guarantee that you are a good teacher or even a good fit with the school.
What they do try to do is make sure that anyone in the database has (on paper at least) the basic requirements to teach abroad.
If you get a job through ISS or COIS then naturally Search "weren't worth it" and if you get a job through Search then TIE or ISS "weren't worth it."
My opinion is that unless you are at the very top of your profession and can more or less pick your school (dependent upon openings) then all of the agencies have their role.
I keep saying it, but prior preparation and planning are key. By now, you should be signed up, references in, paperwork ducks in a row, shamelessly networking via friends at schools and actively looking. Leave no avenue unexplored.
Good luck!
I agree with Cheery. There isn't a way to quantify it, but Search seems to be the Cadillac of IS agencies. It seems like I hear more stories of people getting hired before the job fair through Search, than with anyone else.
The confidential rec is key. I've also talked to school heads who say that they don't put much stock in non-confidential recs.
The confidential rec is key. I've also talked to school heads who say that they don't put much stock in non-confidential recs.
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Cheery Littlebottom
- Posts: 207
- Joined: Sat May 11, 2013 8:32 am
Yes, Nikkor. As I have posted before, non-confidential references used to be known as "testimonials" and were not specific to a school or post, simply an open letter outlining the good characteristics of a teacher.
Previously, when I was in a job that had me involved in recruiting, I have had candidates give me ten year old testimonials. Meaningless.
You need to get out there, do a good job and let your administrators know when you are leaving and specifically when you see a job you would really like. In good schools, the admin know that what goes around comes around and often will make a phone call on your behalf.
Experience really is key, as this is how you get hired before the fairs.
Good luck!
Previously, when I was in a job that had me involved in recruiting, I have had candidates give me ten year old testimonials. Meaningless.
You need to get out there, do a good job and let your administrators know when you are leaving and specifically when you see a job you would really like. In good schools, the admin know that what goes around comes around and often will make a phone call on your behalf.
Experience really is key, as this is how you get hired before the fairs.
Good luck!
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Whats worth it to you? You dont say much about your resume, I cant really say if it would be worth it to you or not. If your not marketable for upper tier schools or you have a very narrow and focused region SA and ISS arent going to be of much value for you. If you have a really broad search and want to go to one of the big fairs then an agency is very helpful. Is that worth the $200 dollars if you got a job it would be worth it, if you didnt it wouldnt be worth it.