In London after the holidays, the Search January Job Fair might have been the hottest ticket in town. 632 candidates attended from the 16th-20th to meet 300 recruiters from 160 international schools with 1,400 positions to fill. Organizer since 2010, Senior Associate Gez Hayden, reports that, as of mid-February, the placement rate is at 50% and climbing as job appointments continue to be finalized.
London is the largest Search job fair in terms of schools and candidates. Because of this, it is widely sought after. Gez advises,
"This year's fair was very competitive in terms of candidates obtaining a place; [it was] closed to registration in November. We anticipate that this will again be the case in 2015, so early registration is recommended, preferably in September and October."
Launched by Senior Associate Harry Deelman in 2001, the annual Search London January fair specializes in schools and candidates with IB and/or UK curriculum experience. All of this year's candidates had prior international experience, with the exception of a small number of participants offering expertise in high-demand subjects.
Candidates were particularly complimentary about the personal attention they received from their assigned advisors at the fair: Harry and Margaret Deelman, John Ritter, Bob Barlas, David Cope, Rebecca Steadman, Diana Kerry, and Tony Race. Satisfied candidates commented:
"My advisor was so helpful in helping me make a difficult choice between two great schools, in a logical way. She made it possible for me to focus on the professional benefits of the school which was in a less attractive location."
"Thank goodness for my advisor. With his help I recovered from a sign-up registration for only two interviews to obtain a further two by direct approaches to recruiters, and by the end of Sunday I had two job-offers to consider."
Indeed, the Search London January fair continues its tradition of offering candidates more opportunities, more support, and a wider perspective.
