Tips or suggestions to improve appication

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Community Middle East
gravatar-icon Posted on · by Erin C.

Hi,

I am a qualified teacher with expereince teaching abroad as well as in the US and have very good references, yet 4 of my applications have been closed (all in which have been in the UAE). Are they looking for something in particular that goes beyond the qualifications? Is it super competitive? Does a teachaway consultant decide first and they are the ones who close it? Or do the schools see it and decide? Are there any tips or suggestions about what I can do to make my application look more desirable for these type of schools (primary)? Thank you and look forward to hearing back from you.

Kind Regards,

Erin

3 Comments

  1. gravatar-icon
    Les H.
    March 25, 2016 at 9.28 pm

    Kia ora Erin,

    Hi Erin, Les here from New Zealand. I read your post with interest. As a novice to this type of job application (all of my teaching has been in New Zealand) I am ambivalent about prospects of a job in the UAE and would not have a clue about how they process applications or what it is they look for. I understand that being on the other side of the world creates issues with what a face-to-face interview provides that skype can never replicate. That aside, I have no advice rather than stick with it all. Funnily enough, myself and my Principal usually process all of our potential candidates for new jobs and much of what and how we select our overall best candidate can not be ascertained from supporting paperwork, but references (referee reports) and then the checking back with the referees. Much of the on-line interviews seem more 'procedural' than trying to ascertain 'best fit.' Body language and other cultural nuances can be masked in/for an on-line interview though not trying to by-pass the process entirely, face-to-face across tables and a space seem the best way to get a better 'picture' of candidates. Stick with it!

    Ngā mihi

    Les

  1. gravatar-icon
    Les H.
    March 25, 2016 at 9.44 pm

    Hi all again,

    I've just noticed on my dashboard that two of my three referees have yet to complete their respective referees reports for me. I'm not assuming that this had anything to do with how long my application will take before I talk/speak with a human, but see the potential for what referees can say that places you a head of the bunch. Pick your referees carefully - remember you do not have access to read what they have said about you, and possibly where some applications may become undone is due in part to how much trust you have in your referees and how well they know you and will gladly speak in support of you. Just another piece in the puzzle.

    Ngā mihi

    Les

  1. gravatar-icon
    Erin C.
    March 27, 2016 at 7.00 am

    Hi Les,

    Thank you for your reply and suggestions :) My references are from people I have worked with closely and know me well. And I asked them first before giving out their email. But it is always wise to keep your advice in mind. I didn't know we could check on whether or not they had actually written them, so I will do so now. I am currently living in Australia and hear amazing things about New Zealand. What a fantastic part of the world to be from and live in!

    Kind Regards,

    Erin