There’s lots to consider when it comes to choosing an International Teaching Recruiting Fair: Which schools will be attending? What positions are available? Could inclement weather prevent my arrival? Will I be able to take time off from my current job to attend? Can I afford it?
Once you’ve labored over your best plan of action you’re still not home-free. It’s actually possible that your application may be rejected. Why? Because candidates with the best chances of landing a job take priority. Let me explain:
Recruiting agencies make money when teachers get hired. In addition to the exorbitant fees you and schools pay to attend a recruiting event, schools pay an additional hefty fee for each teacher they hire. So, it stands to reason that candidates with the best chances of landing a job are ‘invited’ to recruit at the ‘prime-time’ fairs, leaving lesser-qualified candidates to recruit later in the season and at less desirable venues.
Even if you’ve done everything right and been accepted to recruit at a Fair, many candidates report that only after arriving at their Fair did they discover the positions they planned to recruit for were no longer available. It appears some schools/agencies think nothing of filling advertised positions well in advance of the Fairs. Imagine spending thousands of dollars to attend, only to discover that what you came for (in options for schools/subject/area of the world) no longer exists for you or your partner at the Fair.
Obviously, there’s some unforeseen obstacles to picking and attending the Recruiting Fair of your choice. If you’re new to International Education or an experienced overseas educator weary of the Fairs, you might consider skipping them altogether and going with one of the smaller agencies that delivers personalized service to both schools and teachers. Some candidates skip ‘outside’ assistance all together and rely on Skype or other venues to recruit directly with schools.
We invite you to scroll down and ask questions and/or share your experience with the recruiting process. How do you select a Fair? What do you look for in a recruiter? What’s your experience with being ‘invited’ to recruit at the Fair of your choice?
Directory of Recruiters & Fairs
Thanks for your input! International Educators Keeping Each Other Informed is what International Schools Review is ALL about!
ISR Discussion Boards 
I had a bad experience in a hotel room with a so called interview. I always ask to meet someplace else.
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During the first day of interviews at my fair I attended 3 interviews, all of which took place in a hotel room. I have to say I found it uncomfortable to be alone in a hotel room with the director. As a single female teacher I would prefer that at least the door were left open to the room.
On day three I found a note in my box inviting me to interview with such and such school. It occurred to me that anyone could put a note in my box and that, that anyone could be someone trying to lure me to their room. I asked to be interviewed in the lobby and my request was understood and granted.
I’m posting this here just to give teachers a heads up that anyone can easily put a note in your box and lure to what you think is an interview. Stay safe!!!
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