Spring time is not only busy as we finish out the school year, but also it is often a busy time for hiring new teachers or staff.
Even with the pending cuts in state funding, we were excited to be able to fill a couple of openings for the coming school year.
As I’ve looked for strong candidates this spring, I’ve kept in mind some lessons I learned from Jimmy Casas earlier this year (see previous post on Tips for Hiring for Excellence). Jimmy’s advice has been spot on with tips on reaching out to candidates ahead of time, having multiple conversations, and rallying around a common vision.
If I could add anything to Jimmy’s suggestions, it would be some feedback I received from a candidate today. When I asked him what initiated his interest in our school, he said, “Well, I saw your YouTube video alert introducing yourself and announcing the opening. Then I watched your ‘First Days’ video on Youtube. I had a good sense of what your school was like, and I wanted to apply.”
I was both surprised and pleased. Sometimes I’ll receive a little teasing from others for my video appeals to prospective candidates. But it works. This is not the first candidate who has told me he or she saw an appeal via social media.
It’s not difficult either. If you’re looking for strong candidates, or you just want to spread the word to a larger audience, here are 5 steps you can follow to maximize finding excellent hires via Youtube:
1. Open a camera on your laptop or desktop and record a short greeting.
My videos are so amateur, and if you are into cool cameras, I’m sure you would have some good suggestions on tools. But a simple video is better than no video. Consider your visual setting, what other items you want in the frame, and test your audio to make sure you have good sound. If it helps to write out short script, do so. The main goal is to look directly into the camera and convey the kind of passion and commitment you have to finding great candidates for your school.
Click here for sample of one of my videos.
2. Add captions via MovieMaker or whatever video editing program on your computer.
Each program is different, but I use MovieMaker because it’s on my desk computer. It has easy edit features that allow you to pick segments of the video and add captions. This allows you to place in important information like a web link or phone number.
3. Upload to YouTube.
Creating a YouTube account is easy, and it’s free. Once you’ve created an account, you can upload videos from your desktop, laptop, or mobile device. When you do, be sure to choose to make your video “public” so it’s easy for anyone to view.
4. Copy the YouTube link into your job postings.
Once your video is uploaded to YouTube, copy the html link so you can share it out.
5. Use social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook), email, and regular job ad venues.
We use Teacher-Teacher.com, our own district website, and then I email an alert out to teachers. They are eager to have strong colleagues so they share it out as well. Don’t forget your social media connections. You can past the YouTube link into Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook to share with others.
Conclusion
It may seem a little odd to market your search for new hires via social media. But it works. Young educators are especially apt to click on a Youtube link, check out your website, and investigate your school. This spring I also did a final interview for the first time via conference video. It saved the candidate a second long-distant trip, and she’s now a part of our team.
Try new technical venues in your search for new hires. You may be surprised how those small efforts attract people who are like-minded in their willingness to take risks or to teach using digital tools as well.
Now It’s Your Turn
What are some other digital tools that you use for reaching out to new hires? Share with the rest of us!
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