This January 10th-12th, Search Bangkok hosts Harry and Margaret Deelman and Nick and Paula Kendell proved yet again that a bustling overseas teaching job fair can also be kindhearted and supportive— quite a feat when recruiters representing 118 schools from many countries in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East arrive ready to choose among 510 attending candidates. A well-run fair—like Bangkok January, with 816 international teaching vacancies posted—requires great organization, a sizeable team of aides, and a magnificent and spacious venue. Search Bangkok checked all the boxes. Candidate Annabel Raduma Ojoo said, “Superbly organized, great atmosphere, we were treated like royalty.”
Bangkok is a very popular and convenient hub for many candidates and recruiters flying in from different parts of the world. As the fair is relatively large, candidates and recruiters alike encounter many options for a perfect match, and recruiters can rest assured that they will meet seasoned candidates, many of whom have the rich experience that they are seeking. One said: “I have been recruiting at fairs for 35 years and this is the best one by far.”
The Deelmans, Kendells, and participants were delighted with the team of Search Associates and volunteers, all highly experienced in international schools, recruitment, and leadership who came to help: Senior Consultant Norma Hudson; Senior Associates present and recent past Dominic & Adrienne Currer and Barry & Veronica Drake; Executive Assistant Deidre Fischer; and international school leaders Chris & Mick Green and Julie Lawton, along with an administrative support team. A recruiter exclaimed,
The thing I love about attending the job fairs, in addition to meeting and recruiting some amazing educators, is the opportunity to catch up with all those involved in organising the fair, and those attending the fairs. Great camaraderie!”
As attending overseas teaching job fairs involves making profound decisions for life changes, Search Associates Nick and Paula Kendell arranged this year for the counselor Karen Hurworth to be present and her services advertised to all fair participants. Several people reported benefitting from talking with Karen privately. The addition of a counselor to the team of experienced school advisors on hand speaks to the care and compassion that is the hallmark of Search Associates’ personal touch. One candidate shared,
I really worried that when I left the market to have my baby, if the market would welcome me back. This fair and the support from the advisors made me feel strong and confident and not nervous anymore.
Participants had the opportunity to attend two useful presentations: “Recruiting for aspiring and current leaders,” by former Head of School and current Senior Consultant Norma Hudson and “After the Handshake: The Art and Importance of Leadership Transition,” by Kevin Baker, Head of School, American International School of Guangzhou. One recruiter had this to say:
I would not have hired the two candidates I hired based on what I saw on their CVs only but meeting them in person changed that and I got to know them through our face-to-face discussions.
The Marriott Marquis Queens Park Hotel, in the heart of Sukhumvit in downtown Bangkok, is the perfect site for the Bangkok Fair each January. Located near attractions and within easy reach of the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and Suvarnabhumi Airport, the hotel is also attached to a park, allowing for easy access to the outside when candidates or recruiters need a break. Enhancing the overall hotel experience is an excellent level of service along with spacious areas for candidates and recruiters to meet, while still maintaining a community feel. Another recruiter added,
The networking experience has been fantastic. I enjoyed having conversations with people – everyone is super friendly. The organization of the fair has been very smooth. The Search Associates personnel are so friendly and helpful. Nick is even walking around with chocolates! I have seen the candidates supporting each other throughout the fair.
Search Associates understands the challenges of seeking and landing international teaching positions and moving to a new country, new culture, new school. That is why we have built a reputation for going that extra mile. At the fair’s end, a candidate wrote in:
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Nick Kendall for his incredible support and guidance. His encouragement and insights have truly made a significant difference in my journey, and I have benefitted immensely from his expertise. To anyone else navigating this process, please know that you are not alone. With Nick’s help, I've found a renewed sense of positivity and confidence. Stay optimistic, stay focused, and I am confident that you too will achieve success in securing a contract. Thank you, Nick, for being such a beacon of support and motivation.
For more about Search Associates’ distinctive, annual job fairs held around the world, click here.
