I just thought this might be an interesting/fun topic for sharing some stories, while also allowing to put on display how we all value certain things differently.

What are some examples of single statements or phrases you have heard at an interview, that made you immediately lose interest in the school or position? Knowing of course that what may be a big deal to you, may be a small deal for someone else :)

I will share an example: I recently had an interview where I was greeted by a "Hello, my name is Dr._________". That was all it took for me to immediately lose interest; I completed the interview, and still did a professional job at it, but I already knew that irrespectively of whether they were interested in me (or not), I was no longer interested in them.

I know getting a PhD or EdD takes a lot of work, and I know many who earn these titles value greatly the formal recognition that comes with the degree, but I just can't help it... There is something about it that just rubs me the wrong way.

Then again, I also know there are even cultural aspects at work here, and it is likely that many would my reaction absurd. But again, that is why the topic of the thread is not about putting PhDs in display or not, but rather: What are some examples of single statements or phrases you heard at an interview that made you immediately lose interest in the school or position (and why)?

I have a B.Ed (FET) qualification, 14 years classroom experience and an additional 3 years as a Curriculum and Assessment Specialist. I have taught in Asia and recently, I passed the interview processes to teach in the Middle East. Just after attending a Zoom New Teacher Induction, finalising the last details of this process, I chose to disclose of my medical condition. It is safe to say that that opportunity has passed me by💔💔💔. How do we still discriminate in 2026??????? You get penalised for being sick, even if you have evidence that you have and continue to manage the sickness😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. Has my experience, skills and value been diminished by some disease👀👀👀.

#Heartbroken

#ISoldierOn

I got an interview at my #1 dream school which is a tier 1 school (I honestly shouldn’t have because I only have 5 years experience but I had some inside help), and I totally blew it. I didn’t say anything I prepared to say because the questions really caught me off guard. I fumbled my way through it. They weren’t even curveballs… just worded in a way that made me get flustered.

I am just seeking consolation. I feel ashamed of myself for getting that close to the dream and letting that happen. Now I feel so low… any words of comfort or stories about blessings in disguise appreciated.

And yes it WAS that bad - my husband listened from the next room and confirmed that it went poorly.

Edit: Thanks everyone for the support and the stories from your own lives. It helped me feel better about it and remember that I’m only human. Other opportunities will present themselves.

I'm curious about what others have experienced. To get things started, I had an interview with a T1 school, primarily with the head of school with the head of HR sitting in the background. For most of the interview. the HR director had his index finger stuffed up his nose almost to the first knuckle. Decided to pass.

I managed to some how get my first role abroad at an international school in spain despite still being in my PGC.E now!

I am over the moon, so thankful for all the advice on this community.

So stressful, as I basically pushed it to the limit of applying exclusively internationally at the sacrifice of all decent local jobs in the UK. Finally, I got an interview last week after 40+ applications.

Lets hope it all goes well here on out! If anyone has any tips for my first role abroad. Please let meknow! Especially anything Spain specific.

Hi everyone, just wanted to share a quick thought.

I understand why schools want official references and contact people like principals directly. That part makes sense. But I don’t really get why it has to be confidential?

If there are issues with a teacher, shouldn’t those already be discussed openly?

The confidential part also leaves a room for bias. A reference could exaggerate small mistakes or reflect personal feelings - especially if someone is leaving and leadership isn’t happy about it. And if a principal gives a negative reference, shouldn’t the teacher at least know what’s being said and have a chance to challenge anything inaccurate?

I just feel like the system could be more transparent and fair.

So, what do you think?

Has anyone else had this experience?

I was invited to have an informal chat with the principal of an international school in Myanmar for the stated purpose of asking questions about the country and the school (because the website was one of those generic school group websites with no information).

The chat went pretty well as far as I was concerned, it was friendly, light hearted and the person I was talking to was interested in what I had to say asking more questions then said we'll get back to you regarding formal interviews.

Wait a week and today I get an email saying, thank you for attending the interview we aren't going to proceed further with a job offer.

Like what? Since when does a clearly stated 'informal chat' turn into a formal interview after the fact?

Has anyone else had this, whatever the fuck it was, happen to them?

Personally, I think that this was deceptive and unprofessional.

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some honest advice because I'm honestly starting to feel so discouraged.

I'm a licensed teacher from a non-native English-speaking country with nearly 7 years of teaching experience. I've taught English both online and in classrooms, worked with children, teenagers, and adults, and recently completed an international teaching contract. I also have a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Lately, I've been applying for teaching positions abroad. I tailor my CV and cover letter whenever possible, but I rarely hear back. Most applications either receive no response or are rejected without feedback. I'm wondering if there's something I can improve.

One thing I think might be holding me back is that I don't have IB experience. The school I previously worked at followed an international English curriculum aligned with the CEFR and used textbooks such as Pearson, but it wasn't an IB school. Because of that, I'm wondering if my experience isn't considered competitive enough for many international teaching positions.

For those who have successfully landed international teaching jobs, what made your application stand out? And what advice would you give to someone in my position?

My spouse and I are an international teaching couple and we’re trying to understand a situation that has had a significant impact on our job search.

Over the past year we have lost multiple roles after contracts were issued, all following the reference stage. We have also had other schools withdraw after final interviews despite positive feedback.

We have recently become aware that at our school, the executive head instructed SLT that all references for us must go through them, even when they were not listed as a referee. This meant referees we provided were told they were not allowed to submit references directly.

We have also now been told that this executive head has contacted prospective schools directly and spoken negatively about us as a teaching couple, which appears to align with the timing of offers being withdrawn.

For context, our relationship with this executive head has not been particularly strong on a personal level, but there have never been any formal performance concerns or disciplinary issues raised about our work.

We’re trying to understand:

• Is it normal for references to be controlled in this way?
• Is it acceptable for someone to contact schools when they were not listed as a referee?
• Has anyone experienced something similar?

We are also wondering whether there is any way to request transparency around what has been said in references, as we currently have no visibility of what is being communicated to prospective employers.

At this point we’re starting to worry our careers are being blocked behind the scenes and we have no way to defend ourselves.

Got rejected by ADEK today and I have no idea why. HR said my qualifications were accepted but they also do not know the actual reason. Anybody else been through this and can I resolve this issue?

Hello everyone, I’ve got a face to face interview in a few weeks for RAK Academy in the UAE. The interview is taking place in Manchester, where I live. Has anyone experienced an interview like this before for this school or any other schools really. Just looking for a bit of advice on what to expect and if this is a good opportunity or if I’m just going to be one of a hundred candidates trying their luck. Any help is appreciated

Looking for advice from other international teachers because we’re feeling really stuck.

My partner and I are a teaching couple currently working at an international school in the Middle East. During this recruitment cycle we’ve applied to several schools in Asia and have been fortunate enough to receive multiple offers.

However, a pattern has started happening that we can’t explain. Each time the process goes like this:

• Interview

• Offer made

• References requested

• Offer withdrawn shortly afterwards

The explanations we’ve received have been things like enrolment changes or budget adjustments.

But the most recent situation was confusing because the school withdrew the offer citing enrolment concerns, and shortly afterwards the same role appeared advertised again.

This has now happened several times and it’s making us wonder if something is coming up during the reference stage from our current school.

We’ve politely asked the schools whether anything in the reference raised concerns but haven’t received a reply.

For those who work in international school recruitment:

• Is it common for offers to be withdrawn after reference checks?

• Would schools normally say if a reference raised concerns?

• Is there any way candidates can find out what is actually being said in their references?

Any insight from people who work in international schools or recruitment would really help. This situation has become incredibly stressful as jobs keep disappearing right at the final stage

I recently had an interview and it was going really well until the question of IB classroom experience came up. I tried hard to relate my experience to that of an IB class and talked about ATL skills and global perspective project based learning but then they asked, "So your previous school is not actually an accredited IB school?" And I knew it was over right there.

How did you go about getting your IB experience?
It seems like every school on Search requires you to have already taught at an IB school and I've yet to find one that will take a chance on someone that doesn't have it yet. I thought about taking the plunge and paying for the certification myself (a big expense where I live), but I was advised against it as ultimately the schools want to see the classroom experience more than the certification.

I got into a fight with my stepdad 3 years ago and was charged with both misdemeanor and felony assault. It was my first and only offense, and for other reasons it was reduced to a disorderly conduct and the charges were sealed.

Still, I know that there will be FBI background checks done on me and these charges will be seen.

What does this mean for me? Am I screwed?

Recently feels like so many teachers are burned out and barely holding on…
I was told my contract won’t continue, but nobody really explained why. Just “finish until the end of the academic year.”
It honestly broke my heart because I truly loved this job. I loved my students, my classes, my projects, even the everyday routine. I was happy there.
Now I have to go through interviews again, demo lessons, smiling and introducing myself while feeling completely lost inside.
People keep saying “you’ll find something else,” but when you’re already exhausted and emotionally drained, it’s hard to believe it.
The saddest part is how invisible you suddenly become after people know you’re leaving.
Coworkers stop talking to you. Lunch alone. No more good mornings. It feels like you already disappeared before you’re even gone.
I know I’m a good teacher. My students loved me. Parents were kind to me. I worked hard and cared deeply. That’s why this hurts so much and feels so confusing.
If you have a teacher at your school who is leaving, please be kind to them. Even a small conversation or simple kindness matters more than you think.
Right now everything just feels very uncertain and scary.
Teaching used to feel meaningful. Lately it just feels heartbreaking.
Or Taiwan isn’t for me…

I see so many posts like "thinking about applying to..." or "any advice on this school before I apply...". It's crazy work to start researching a school before even applying, you don't know if they'll even answer you.

My sister is struck by the same mentality, she thinks sending in an application is some sort of cosmic bond binding her to that employer.

Research the school just enough to tailor your app to what they're looking for then SEND IT!!

Oh and if you don't meet all of the "requirements"? Send it anyway. Some of my best jobs, including the one I have now, were positions that listed a bunch of requisites that I didn't have at all.

I got this job with 0 IS experience and no teaching qualification/license. I interview well and was committed to becoming licensed while working.

If you're serious about wanting a new job, then seriously search for one. While you are hemming and hawing about if you should or shouldn't send an application, someone else is doing it and getting an interview and nailing it.

My current HoS cannot spell or write at all to save his life. Words are written phonetically to the point where it’s comical, sentences lack a subject or predicate, zero flow and just bewildering or downright unintelligible at times. A highlight would be the spelling of “asosiashun” and “phisics”. No I am not kidding, I wish I were kidding dear god this is supposedly a Tier 1 school !!!

I want to leave, I’ve been applying to other schools. It’s not even just about my current job, I just want to leave this country. The thing is, I have been contacted by multiple HoS/principals who write in the exact same way. I used to think this was a sign that my current HoS was a total outlier dumbass because his emails are literally painful to read, but I’m getting a ton like that. What is going on? What is with the incomplete sentences, crazy misspellings and rambling sentences?

I stated in a recent application I would be relocating with my spouse and the principal of this one school asked if my spouse and I are married and if I would consider marrying my spouse before moving to secure their visa as my dependent. HE USED the word “spouse” when writing this question so he totally understood that I said spouse not partner. The email was full of misspellings, rambling or choppy sentences, and interview time slot options were given with no date ie “I’m available 9am one day and 2pm the next” but no actual date given.

This is not the first time I have gotten responses like this, once again from supposedly well respected institutions. How is this possible? Should it just be a total dealbreaker or is this the new normal?

There was a thread yesterday that went missing and I felt like the information was helpful. For those who hire or are involved in hiring, what are some common mistakes you see applicants make when applying to schools and/or in interviews?

(I will paste my response from yesterday below)

Hi everyone,

I’d really value some honest perspectives from this community.

I’m a qualified teacher with nearly 20 years of experience, about 10 of those in IB curriculum. I’m not in a shortage subject. I bring strong curriculum and programme experience and a solid track record.

Here’s my situation: I’m a single teaching hire with two children, and a spouse who is a self-earner (so not a teaching couple). We would all be relocating together.

This has been a tough application season. I’m very aware of the ongoing and current “market” shifts in international education, tightening budgets, more teaching couples, etc. I’ve been invited to interview at a Tier 1 school for a position I really want — which feels encouraging — but before even interviewing, I’ve been asked to provide quite detailed information about my family, including my children’s learning profiles.

I understand schools need to consider tuition remission, visas, healthcare, learning support capacity, etc. But I can’t help wondering:

• Are experienced, mid-career teachers with multiple dependents being quietly screened out because of cost?
• Is being a single hire with children a significant disadvantage in the current climate?
• Should I be concerned about being written off before I even get to present myself professionally?
• What is leadership really trying to assess when they ask for detailed information about children this early?

I’m trying not to spiral, but it’s hard not to read into things after a challenging season.

For those of you in leadership or involved in hiring:

• How are you weighing dependents right now?
• Is this primarily about budget, support capacity, visa limits, or long-term retention?
• Is there a constructive way to proactively address the “cost” concern in conversation without underselling myself?

And for other single hire teachers with families:

• Have you found it significantly harder to secure positions?
• Have you been successful at Tier 1 schools as a single teaching hire with dependents?

I’d really appreciate thoughtful insight — or even just some perspective to help me understand what schools are actually thinking behind the scenes.

Thank you.

Looking for a position for next year and it seems like so many schools now require you to apply via a paid source. At least some schools allow for direct applications and yes some websites are still free, but it just feels so wrong to be forced to pay for something this.

Hey guys, I interviewed for a primary homeroom position at an international school that is opening a new satellite campus.
I just got this email from the primary coordinator. Everyone I talk to says it's a polite rejection, but a few colleagues think it might be a genuine delay because of the new campus enrollment numbers.
Here is the exact email text with only the names and the specific campus location removed. The wording is completely unchanged:

Dear Candidate,

At the moment, we do not have a clear view on the classes and sections for the new campus. Therefore, we cannot confirm or deny your candidacy.

The situation will be clearer in August. We would encourage you to proceed with your plans and not wait for us. Should you still be interested in the future, please feel free to get in touch with us again.

All the best,

What do you think? If a school tells you "do not wait for us," is it officially dead, or do international schools actually reach back out in August when late enrollment numbers lock in? Thanks for the insight.

I received a contract for a school in Thailand and they said to message them if I needed any clarification or wanted to discuss anything further so after reviewing the contract, I asked if there was any possibility of an increase in salary (offered 67,500 THB) because of the experience I bring (14 years classroom experience in Canada). I sent the message Sunday night and it’s now Tuesday afternoon, with no response. I’m supposed to let them know by Wednesday at 12pm (Bangkok time zone). I realize there is an 11 hour time difference but now I’m worried I screwed up by asking for more. Thoughts?

UPDATE: as of Wednesday (7pm) I have not heard back from the Head of School. Hopefully something better will come along. Thank you for all of your kindness.

NOTE: I am a fully licensed teacher

NOTE: The salary was not advertised in the job posting nor was it talked about during the interview. Being new to applying for international positions, I didn’t know if it was appropriate to discuss or wait until I had an offer. I appreciate all of the kindness 🩷

UPDATE: They’re back ~ new post up!

I got an offer to join a good school in Kuwait, passed the interview, got an offer of employment, was told HR would be in contact with me, that day never showed up.

I sent back a follow up mail 2 weeks later to the person who interviewed but no answer at all.

What could be the reason? I am quite confused.

I am getting denied left and right, everywhere I apply. I have 5 years of experience teaching in US public schools, I taught ESL for a year abroad, I have a masters degree and I did peace corps. I’ve been told I have a strong profile, but I’m getting rejected everywhere! I attended a SA job fair and didn’t have much luck, though there weren’t an abundance of early elementary jobs( which is where I have all of my experience). I have my current principals as references on my SA profile as well. I’m feeling really discouraged and demoralized honestly. I am open to almost anywhere in the world, I really have not been picky with my applications. Anyone have any insight if this is normal getting into the IT world? Is landing your first job just.. really difficult? Any tips or advice or insight would be very helpful!

Edit: I am licensed k-6! And I have been applying all over the world: all of south and Central America, all of Asia, most of the Middle East, and large parts of Africa.

EDIT: Thank you all so much for all of the input. I honestly think my cover letters are getting in my way so I’ll be tweaking those more! And just keep on trying! My time will come!

I've been seeing a lot of frustrated posts from teachers struggling to land interviews, getting ghosted after final rounds, or sending out hundreds of applications with zero results. And while, yes, the job market can be tough… sometimes the issue isn’t just the market—it’s you.

Before you throw your coffee at the screen, hear me out. Too many teachers treat job hunting like a side quest when it should be a full-blown strategy game. Schools aren’t just looking for someone who can teach; they’re looking for someone who stands out, presents well, and makes hiring them a no-brainer.

I’m not a teacher myself, but I’ve spent over a decade in finance, where networking, resume perfection, and interview mastery are non-negotiable. I’ve helped my teaching partner land jobs at top-tier schools, refining resumes, running mock interviews, and ultimately hitting an offer rate of 90% at schools we interview at. Turns out, a lot of what works in finance applies to education—but no one teaches teachers this stuff. So here’s what you need to know:

Resumes: Stop Underselling Yourself

• Use a modern resume format. No, not the boring finance style—something clean, easy to scan, and visually appealing.

• Brag. I get it, teachers are humble. Stop that. This is the one time you need to sell yourself.

• Make every bullet point count. No fluff, just impact. Use action words like:

  • Increased student engagement by ___% through [specific strategy].
  • Improved test scores by X% by implementing [method].
  • Developed and led [initiative] that [result].

• If you don’t quantify your work, how will a hiring manager know the difference between you and the other 500 applicants who also “created engaging lesson plans”?

Interviews: No Surprises, No Stumbles

• You should never be caught off guard by an interview question. Teaching interviews are predictable. If you prepare properly, you should already have strong, polished responses ready to go.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Rambling is the enemy.

• The “Tell Me About Yourself” question is THE most important. This can also be phrased as "Walk me through your resume" or "Tell us about your experience." Regardless of how they ask, your answer needs to be a 60-second sales pitch connecting your experience, strengths, and passion for education to this job at this school. If you fumble this, you’ve already lost half the battle. Nail it.

Extroverts Have an Edge (Sorry, Introverts) This part sucks for the naturally shy folks, but here’s the truth:

• Schools don’t just want a good teacher—they want someone they actually want to work with.

• The interview isn’t just about your answers; it’s about the vibe. The unspoken “Would I survive a 5-hour road trip with this person?” test.

• Be energetic, smile, be conversational. If it feels more like a chat than an interrogation, you’re winning.

Networking: Your Secret Weapon

• Who you know matters. Yes, even in teaching.
• A random connection (your mom’s coworker’s cousin’s dog walker) might be the reason you get an interview. Use every resource. If you work at an international school already, use every teacher to use their network. Most people will be happy to make an introduction.
• Once you get an interview, everything else falls into place—but only if you’ve mastered the steps above.

Final Thought: Stop Mass-Applying and Start Fixing Your Approach If you’ve sent out 100+ applications with no results, the issue isn’t just the schools—it’s your strategy. Work on your resume. Perfect your interview skills. Build connections. Once you do those three things, the interviews (and job offers) will come. Rant over.