The Puzzle: Blog

Are you currently teaching English abroad? Currently earning a master’s degree in another country while perfecting your skills in a foreign language? Wondering how you’re going to get a job in the United States while fully immersed in another culture 6,000 miles away?

If you feel that you’re far-removed from the United States and that your schedule doesn’t align with the independent school hiring season, don’t worry: CS&A can help. During my time at Carney Sandoe, I’ve worked with foreign language candidates, many of whom are traveling overseas to teach, living in another country while earning a master’s degree, or studying abroad to enhance their language skills and cultural knowledge. In working with great candidates who have overcome the additional hurdle of living far away, I’ve devised some pointers that can increase your chances of success while on the job hunt.

Be proactive.

Follow up with schools or with your Placement Associate with feedback regarding the referrals or opportunities we share with you. We want to hear what you have to say and be able to put in a good word with a school if it seems like it could really be the perfect fit for you.

Attend a conference.

If you’re able, come to one of our hiring conferences. We host annual events that bring schools and candidates together to conduct a first-round interview face-to-face. This can be hugely beneficial to your search. Before returning to your post overseas, stay in the U.S. for a few extra days in the event that a school invites you to campus to conduct a more formal interview. The national events tend to be better suited for candidates who are visiting from abroad.  Be sure to consult your Placement Associate to ensure that attending a conference is a good idea for you and your specific search.

Skype is your friend.

Download it, learn to use it, create a username, and share that username with schools on your resume, your cover letter, and your CS&A application. Let them know that you’re available for a video conference and that you’re free to chat at whatever time is convenient for them–even if it isn’t particularly convenient for you.  Skype is the closest you’ll get to a face-to-face interview while abroad, and it’s a reliable, easy-to-use, free application.

Embrace Multimedia.

If you’re only speaking with placement contacts and hiring contacts via phone and email, it can be hard to let your personality shine through.  Videos can be very helpful in bridging the gap between paper and person.  If you have a video of yourself teaching a lesson, share it with us. You can upload it directly to the “Documents” section of your CandidateConnect profile. You could also upload it to YouTube or another site where you keep an online portfolio.

If you’re anxious about conducting a domestic search while abroad, have no fear – we can help you!  Take the first step by applying to work with us online.

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