Finding a job in a private school is a process that takes many months, sometimes much longer, to accomplish. The following timeline assumes that you will be flexible and open-minded. Finding your dream job is not always possible. It is much more realistic to try to find a position that has most of what you are looking for now as well as the potential to turn into that dream job you are seeking.
Winter
- Make arrangements to meet employers and be interviewed at the NAIS Annual Conference which takes place in February/March. Check the NAIS site for time and venue.
- Review openings listed on Klingenstein Job Bank.
- Review openings posted on various state, regional, and national association websites.
- Attend interviews.
- Negotiate job offers.
- Request official copies of your transcripts, certifications, and degrees.
- Notify your network as soon as you accept a job.
- Send handwritten thank-you notes.
This video explains how to get your college transcript.
Without a doubt, the advantage which job seekers in the 21st century have over previous generations is being able to do it online. You can learn about any job opening the minute it is posted online. The same applies to niche employment such as teaching and administrative positions in private schools. At the very least, most schools will have an employment link on their sites. There may not be many listings depending on the time of the year. However, bookmark the employment links for schools in which you have an interest. Job boards and agencies provide online listings as well. Bear in mind that there are peak times in the private school job search process. Typically, November through February is the time when your colleagues are out in force there looking for jobs as well. Most private schools like to have contracts for the next academic year signed and sealed by the beginning of March. As a result, you will probably find the highest number of online listings beginning in the fall.
Spring/Summer
- If you are just beginning the process, now is the time to plan your job search.
- Assemble your portfolio if you teach the art and other practical subjects.
- Cast your net widely as you search for a job.
- Be flexible if you can with regard to location and salary expectations.
- Get unofficial copies of your transcripts, certifications, and degrees.
- If still looking for a job, keep an eye out for unexpected openings. Filling a position just before school opens is always a tough proposition, made easier if your name happens to be on a list of approved, pre-qualified applicants.
- Scan the job openings.
- Use summer conferences to network.
This video looks at the pros and cons of teaching.
When you find a job listing, ask your friends and colleagues about it. Ask them questions about the school, its curriculum, the teaching conditions, and all the other things which matter to you. Find out why the position is vacant. After all, you are probably planning to leave your present position because of something related to academics. So, focus on the important issues first. Online searches can make that part of your due diligence and fact-checking easy. The only caveat is that you need to keep your data and information organized. Use a spreadsheet to organize information.
Fall
- Decide that you will look for a new position.
- Update your resume and curriculum vitae.
- Ask 3-5 people to write letters of recommendation and act as references.
- Register with an agency.
- Advise your network, close friends, and family of your job search plans.
- Scan job boards.
- Advise your present employer that you will not be renewing your contract.
- Compose your cover letter.
- Enlist the aid of a trusted mentor to practice for the job interviews.
You may well find yourself being interviewed via Skype if you live at a distance from the school. Video interviews can help determine if it is mutually worthwhile to arrange a face-to-face interview. If you find yourself in that situation, schedule the interview when you can be at home in front of your personal computer. Have the school's website open and available as this information will be very helpful to you. It will allow you to remember points you wish to discuss as well as allowing you to sound reasonably knowledgeable about the school. Don't arrange video interviews or indeed, anything to do with finding a new job including email while you are on your current employer's time.
In conclusion, think through the process and understand each step, Take the time needed to do a couple of practice interviews. Good luck!
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