How Is Hiring Competitive If There Are So Many Vacancies?
In this video, Dr. Justin Baeder explains the paradox of a competitive job market despite widespread teacher vacancies.
Key Takeaways
- Vacancies aren't evenly distributed - Shortages concentrate in specific subjects, grade levels, and locations while desirable positions attract many applicants
- The best positions are still competitive - Candidates still compete fiercely for positions at well-run schools in desirable locations
- Prepare as if it's competitive - Even in a shortage, the best-prepared candidates win the best positions
Transcript
How could hiring possibly be competitive if there are so many vacancies?
Lots of people said in response to my video from yesterday that hiring is not really that competitive in education because there are so many jobs that are unfilled.
So many districts are struggling to fill positions, to attract people, to retain people.
So in what universe is hiring competitive?
And I want to be careful how I say this, but frankly, the good jobs are competitive.
There are lots of jobs in education right now that for a variety of reasons are not good jobs.
They don't pay well.
They don't treat you well.
They don't give you working conditions that allow you to have a good life.
And I think those are mostly competitive.
policy mistakes that districts are making and i talk about those policy mistakes all the time here on this account and i want you to end up in a district in a position in a role where you are good with the policies that are there maybe not everything's perfect maybe you still have some things you disagree with But the job is doable.
You can succeed.
You can make a difference for students.
And there's this sense that education is a sinking ship right now.
And I don't believe that.
I believe that there are many, many islands and continents of excellence in our profession.
But if you're on a sinking ship, you may need to get off of one.
If you are in a district that is just frankly going in the toilet, you may need to find a different place to work rather than leave the profession.
I would really hate to see people leave the profession just because their district is making bad decisions when they could be completely happy.
They could have a wonderful, fulfilling career one district over.
Now, maybe it's not that simple where you live.
Maybe the district next door is kind of a mess too.
Maybe it's a statewide thing.
But I assure you, I promise you, there are people in your area who are thrilled with the jobs they have.
And if you are looking for a job that is different from the one you hold but still within education, I can't help you if you want to get out of education.
I don't want people to get out of education.
But I can help you get a job that is going to be a better fit for you.
On Black Friday.
10 a.m.
Central this Friday, I'm doing a webinar called Liftoff, Launching Your 2024 Job Search.
And I've been helping people since about 2016 land admin jobs.
This year, we're focusing on any job in education.
You know, the questions might be different, but a lot of the strategies are going to be the same.
So join me on Friday.
You can register at principalcenter.com slash liftoff.
And we'll talk about...
How to get a job even if your supervisor would not recommend you.
Even if they'll give you a bad recommendation or won't write you a letter.
We'll talk about how to deal with a supervisor who's not supportive.
We'll talk about how to help your colleagues out.
How to think about this whole process.
How to get kind of an overall game plan for the search.
See, a lot of people just imagine that they will stay in their job forever.
They cannot imagine leaving their organization.
They cannot imagine working for a different district.
But again, I would rather...
you do that, then leave the profession.
So join me on Friday, principalcenter.com slash liftoff.