This December 7–9, Senior Associate Gary MacPhie hosted Search Toronto, where recruiters from schools arrived with 300 international teaching vacancies to fill. This low candidate-to-school ratio ensured that all 57 participating candidates had multiple interviews! And the low candidate-to-Associate ratio guaranteed easy access to professional advice. Gary—expert with the China region— was grateful for the Senior Associates on hand whose specialized regional knowledge and experience guaranteed ample support for all: Ray Sparks (Asia), Bill Turner and his wife Alison (Middle East), and Bob Imholt and Jen Imholt (Latin America). “It was their readily available presence that provided the deep insight and satisfaction for me,” said Candidate Terry Burwell. Another candidate, Jessica Monkcom described an ideal experience:
“My husband [Jonathan] and I attended our first fair in Toronto recently, and . . . were blown away with the support and knowledge presented by the Search Associates staff and the ease they carried, which allowed us to feel at ease. Everything was very organized, and the treats were a bonus. We were told not to expect anything or have expectations about certain regions, and we kept an open mind and secured interviews with six different schools and received contracts for two within the week. We’re happy to report we have secured a position for each of us and our three children. Thank you, Search Associates . . .”
In addition to School Presentations, participants were invited to two social events and a series of helpful workshops—IB Overview, Interview Tips, Moving Overseas and Loving It, International Tax Advice, Overseas Pension information. Gary and Barbara MacPhie hosted a Recruiters’ Reception on Thursday evening and a Candidate and Recruiter Reception at the fabulous Proof Bar on Saturday. The venue, The InterContinental Hotel Yorkville, is a luxury, boutique hotel located in the trendy Yorkville museum area and restaurant district. The hotel’s small size created a sense of exclusivity, where ample natural light gave the fair an open, positive atmosphere. Recruiter Erika Velez from QA Sidra, Qatar, called the event:
“an opportunity to build a strong network, to brand your school, and to have access to great qualified candidates who [will strengthen] your school . . . in different divisions, areas, and programs.”
In the coming weeks, Gary anticipates more than half the Search Toronto candidates will have found positions in overseas schools as a result of the fair. For more about Search Associates’ 13 unique job fairs around the world, click here.
