How to know if a school is interested?
How to know if a school is interested?
It's time to recruit again! Re-activated with Search and busy filling out individual school applications that have posted positions in my area. I know it is still early, but I'm wondering how one knows if a school is simply collecting applications at this point or is actively interviewing for the positions. Since most schools don't seem to reply back (or just have an automated response), how would I know if my application is sitting with the rest or has been tossed in the trash bin? Do applicants normally send a follow-up email? If so, how long after submitting the application? Do schools typically notify an applicant when the position is filled or do you just have to wait and watch the position disappear?
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wrldtrvlr123
- Posts: 1173
- Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:59 am
- Location: Japan
Re: How to know if a school is interested?
It's difficult to really know whether the advertised positions/recruitment is tentative/speculative or targeted for a very specific position in a very specific time frame. Sometimes schools will have tentative in the ad but many times will not. If you see the same position reposted again (or several times) after the initial closing date, it might be a clue.
As for notifying unsuccessful applicants when the position has been filled, in my experience it varies wildly. At a guess/estimate, most schools do not do this on a regular basis, unless their application system is mostly automated (like a certain big outfit in HK). Many/most schools do seem to be better at sharing the unfortunate news to at least those candidates that were shortlisted/interviewed.
Feel free to send follow up emails asking about the position, the process, etc. (we have often done this with varying levels of success). It may do some good and is not likely to do much harm.
As for notifying unsuccessful applicants when the position has been filled, in my experience it varies wildly. At a guess/estimate, most schools do not do this on a regular basis, unless their application system is mostly automated (like a certain big outfit in HK). Many/most schools do seem to be better at sharing the unfortunate news to at least those candidates that were shortlisted/interviewed.
Feel free to send follow up emails asking about the position, the process, etc. (we have often done this with varying levels of success). It may do some good and is not likely to do much harm.
Re: How to know if a school is interested?
Schools have their own timelines for deciding when to contact applicants, and they change constantly. Last week I didn’t expect to need a MS math teacher, so I didn’t reach out to the English-math combo couple, but this week I know I need both, and bob’s your uncle, you’re getting an email. That kind of stuff happens all season. You’re not likely to hear much beyond an automated message until the school has enough interest to interview you.
Once you’ve interviewed, though, hopefully you’ll hear an outcome one way or another. A quick response usually means you’re first choice or completely out of the running. A delayed response usually means we’re exploring other options, even possibly offering to someone else first, but we’re interested enough to not cut you free- we’ll offer if we don’t get a confirmed yes from someone else. And while it sucks to be in a holding pattern, it usually means good things about you and could lead to an offer. It’s just that we have some other position that is harder to fill, and their spouse may need the job that you could get if they say no.
Once you’ve interviewed, though, hopefully you’ll hear an outcome one way or another. A quick response usually means you’re first choice or completely out of the running. A delayed response usually means we’re exploring other options, even possibly offering to someone else first, but we’re interested enough to not cut you free- we’ll offer if we don’t get a confirmed yes from someone else. And while it sucks to be in a holding pattern, it usually means good things about you and could lead to an offer. It’s just that we have some other position that is harder to fill, and their spouse may need the job that you could get if they say no.
Re: How to know if a school is interested?
In other words, there are often several candidates who would do an awesome job. The first offer goes to someone with some extra bonus.
And you should hear something once a school is interested, and after they’ve interviewed you, but the timelines are hard to specify.
And you should hear something once a school is interested, and after they’ve interviewed you, but the timelines are hard to specify.
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shadowjack
- Posts: 2140
- Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:49 am
Re: How to know if a school is interested?
If you check a lot of boxes - extensive experience, training in the special program, strong references on Search, track record of staying more than two years, and ideally, a strong spouse with a similar profile, matching another area the school needs, - then you will start getting interviews soon. If you know how to work your way around systems and contact key people - through friends, ex-colleagues, your network - then you will get a leg up as well. If you are getting several interviews and follow-ups from different schools, you are a strong candidate. Even if nothing comes up before Bangkok or London, you are going to land a job at a decent school. Just remember, as Sid says in different words - your timeline might not be the school's timeline. But if a school sees you as best fit - you'll have a job by Christmas. Good luck!
Response
The rule is when an IS wants you they act like they want you. If you send out applications and you dont hear anything back it means they are just collecting resumes or they dont want you, that may change, they may want you later.