Tips for hiring and job search season
This post originally appeared in Dr. Rachel A. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on July 19, 2022. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe.
Mid-July often means hiring and job search season in early childhood education. There are many things to discuss on both sides of this topic and I have limited space, so I’ll just share a few key things.
If you’re hiring…
Search with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind (Here is a great resource for this!)
Interview for things beyond the resume. Ask questions that address qualifications that aren’t listed on the candidate’s resume (e.g., what they see as the role of a teacher, what nature-based education means to them)
Look for candidates that bring unique perspectives and skills that complement your existing team
Be prepared for a candidate to negotiate wages and benefits (see my note for job searchers!)
If you’re job searching…
Looks and listen for clues about the organizational culture (e.g., longevity of staff, how often staff attend professional learning). Would you have a sense of belonging here? Do you bring knowledge, skills, and experience that would complement this culture?
Ask how they will support you and your professional growth
Negotiate for the wages and benefits you need! (While it may not say in the announcement that the wage and benefits are negotiable, they are.)
I recognize recruitment and hiring is particularly difficult right now. I wish I had a magic formula to make the entire process easier, but sadly I don’t. However, if you’re hiring I encourage you to share job announcements widely, highlight your uniqueness, and what it is that makes your organization so great to work for.
Keep changing lives,
Rachel
Rachel A. Larimore, Ph.D., Chief Visionary of Samara Learning
About Rachel
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, speaker, consultant, author, and former nature-based preschool director. As the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning her work focuses on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing program. Learn more about Rachel here.
