US based headhunters: PART I

When my husband and I found ourselves suddenly and somewhat unexpectedly back in the USA after 8+ years of International teaching we turned to friends and family to help us figure out how best to find teaching jobs in the USA.  We knew the likes of Search Associates and International School Search must have USA counterparts.  It didn’t take long for us to find CarneySandoe and Associates.  They put my husband’s representation on hold, as he did not yet have a green card or permission to work while awaiting his green card.  They however very quickly agreed to represent me.

            The first thing I noted about CSA was that the teachers do not pay a red cent; we’re represented for free!  Unlike the International Headhunters who charge both the teachers and the school CSA only charges the schools.

            The second thing I noted about CSA was that I was not give free access to listing; instead I get emails and referral request.  The referral system make so much more sense the headhunters appear to take your preferences for positions, schools types, skill sets and degrees and match them up to positions.  This benefits both the schools and the teachers.  I do not feel as though I am wasting my time sending email after email trying to get the schools to notice me.  Someone else does all of this for me.  The schools benefit because they are not get emails from dozens and dozens of teachers all vying to the same position.

            It didn’t take long for me to get referral requests for the exact kinds of positions I was looking for.  Telephone interviews soon followed some within a week or two of the referrals a few took a bit longer.   In late May I got a referral to apply for the perfect job, less than 4 days later I was at the school teaching a lesson and interviewing.  I'm very pleased to say that I have accepted the position I was referred for.  I had interviewed over the phone for about 4 different jobs and had two school interview me in person, one being the school I will be working for in the fall.

             I was very impressed with CSA and would strongly encourage those returning the USA from overseas or those seeking teaching jobs not in the public system to register with them.