Start Your International School Job Search Early

International schools worldwide are constantly seeking passionate and qualified educators to join their vibrant communities. While transitioning to a new job at home might take a few weeks, the process involved in moving to a new international school takes much longer. We recommend contacting schools any time from August for a start THE FOLLOWING AUGUST.

Why we recommend starting early

The rhythm of the international school recruiting year follows a specific timeline, and starting your search early grants you a significant advantage.

1. Access to a wider range of opportunities: Schools typically begin advertising positions between September and December for the next academic year. By starting your search early, you can access the full spectrum of available jobs before popular positions are filled.

2. Time for thoughtful exploration: Rushing a decision can lead to regret. Take the time to research different schools, locations, and programs so that you can make an informed choice that aligns with your career goals and personal preferences.

3. Crafting a compelling application: A well-crafted profile and application takes time and effort. Starting early allows you to refine your CV and cover letter, highlighting relevant skills and experiences specific to international teaching.

4. Strengthening your network: Connecting with recruiters and educators at job fairs and online forums early on allows you to build relationships and establish your presence within the international teaching community.

5. Peace of mind and reduced stress: Starting early alleviates the pressure of last-minute applications and interview scheduling. It allows you to approach the process calmly and confidently, maximizing your chances of success.

How to get started

Here are some actionable steps you can take to kickstart your international school job search early:

• Identify what’s important to you and research your ideal schools and locations.
• Attend a Search Associates information seminar to learn more.
• Update your CV and cover letter, tailoring them to international teaching positions.
• Connect with an agency specializing in international schools.
• Consider attending an in-person job fair and network with international educators. Recruiters and candidates both benefit from the human interaction of a face-to-face meeting.

Not too early!

We’ve been contacted by teachers eager to get a head start on their international teaching journey even before next year’s recruiting year has started. While they are to be commended for starting the process super early, the earliest files can go ‘active’ is June 1st.  This is the date that starts the recruiting cycle following the school year.  Schools are finishing up their recruiting for the year, therefore, we prioritize showcasing profiles of those teachers who are available.

A word of warning

With years of experience placing educators in international schools, we’ve seen teachers eager to activate their profiles throughout the year, and we appreciate the enthusiasm! However, we can’t emphasise enough not to leave it to the last minute. It takes time to request references and to make a great-looking profile. We cannot always guarantee immediate activation if you’re desperate to apply for a job or attend a job fair.

Remember, the earlier you begin, the smoother your journey will be. By taking proactive steps and starting your international school job search early, you increase your chances of landing your dream teaching position and have time to properly plan for your next adventure.