The most common misconceptions about what teacher recruitment agencies do
Are you confused about what recruitment agencies actually do? Wonder how to find the best overseas job in an international school? Find out here...
Many of the leading international schools use recruitment agencies to help them find the best teachers. However, some people do not fully understand what services recruitment agencies like Teachers International Consultancy provide. Here are some of the top misconceptions teachers have about recruitment agencies:
Misconception 1: A recruitment agency will charge me for their service
In some countries, such as the USA, Canada and Australia, recruitment agencies do sometimes charge teachers to find them positions in international schools. However, this is not true for recruitment agencies based in the UK, such as TIC. Teachers do not have to pay anything to TIC to register, to search for vacancies, or to be hired an international school; the service is entirely free. There are no hidden costs anywhere.
Misconception 2: I’ll be bombarded with notifications about jobs not relevant for me
This is true of some agencies that do not provide a personalised service, and don’t spend time getting to know each candidate. However, at TIC we ensure that we work with every individual teacher to find them the best possible position in the location that’s right for them. We don’t just send out details of every job to every candidate who registers with us. We tell you about the jobs that we think are right for you.
Misconception 3: If I work with a recruitment agency, my options will be limited
This is not true. International schools need good teachers and leaders – it’s the only way they will maintain their standards and reputation. As a result, international schools use recruitment agencies to help them find good staff. The schools are willing to cover all costs to ensure they get the best teachers including paying the recruitment agencies and offering very generous packages to successful candidates. This can include flights, accommodation, medical cover for you and your family.
Misconception 4: Agencies are only concerned with making a placement to make money; they don’t really care about me
This may be true of some recruitment agencies, but at TIC we focus on our reputation and pride ourselves in helping teachers through every step of the process to ensure the placement is perfect for all involved – both the new recruit and the school. We work hard to guarantee both teachers and schools are fully satisfied; we believe this is the most successful way to recruit.
Misconception 5: Agencies do not know which are the good schools – I can find out more by just searching on the internet
Again, this may be true for recruitment agencies who do not take the time to visit and get to know the schools. Teachers International Consultancy staff personally visit many of the international schools we work with to meet with the school leaders and recruitment team, as well as talking with the existing staff, parents and local education officials. This way we really get to know the school and can guarantee that all the schools we place our teachers in are respected, quality schools that care for their staff and their students.
Misconception 6: The recruitment agency consultants are recruiters; they do not know what it is like to teach overseas
Teachers International Consultancy was founded for this very reason. TIC Managing Director Andrew Wigford was an international teacher and school leader for over 20 years in a number of different countries (Austria, Germany and Colombia). With extensive experience as an employee and an employer, Andrew knows the pitfalls of international recruitment and what matters most to teachers and schools. It is this which is the driving force behind Teachers International Consultancy and this is why TIC offers such a supportive, personalised service.
If you would like to find out more about the service Teachers International Consultancy can offer to help you get a job in an international school, have a chat with one of our recruitment consultants.
To see our latest international teaching positions available, have a look at our Vacancies page.
Don’t forget you can also download the brand new TIC App, available now for iPhone and Android!
You may also be interested in these informative blogs:
Am I qualified enough to teach overseas in an international school?
The differences between international and national schools
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Owen Richards
Owen works in media relations and marketing. His main focus is working with the press on features about teachers who have moved overseas to teach internationally.
Deputy Head Primary