Posted by John J. Stone PK-5 Principal on 9/06/08

Just my thoughts....

I read so many posts about people saying you have to know
someone or be related or blah blah blah in NH and most SAU
in NH. As a Principal I hire the best of the applicants
based on my team who interviews with me. I hired a teacher
via phone interviews from Ohio, new staff right out of
college who were complete unknowns to us, did not hire some
good friends due to one reason or other, hired older
teachers, younger teachers, those with no experience at all
because we had a gut feeling they were going to be good and
THEY WERE! I believe everyone needs that first break and if
they seem good enough etc. they will get the job!

I really feel comments like hiring in NH is all based on
who you know, from within etc. is a COP OUT for those who
are upset they did not get a job after an interview and are
not happy so some excuse has to be made.

I will not disagree that in some places there is hiring
based on who you know etc no matter if you are a street
sweeper,a senator, store clerk, computer programmer,
teacher etc. and that is wrong unless the person is the
best for the job!

I suggest to anyone looking for a job (myself included if I
were looking) to be yourself in an interview, never claim
to be a "know it all", speak the truth, and learn from
interviews what you lacked by calling and asking how you
could do better to land a job.

When I first started looking for Principal jobs (13 years
ago) I called and asked why I was not chosen and was told I
needed more experience in curriculum writing. I took a long
look at myself (wanting to blame others for my lack of
knowledge) and got experience so I could land a job once I
took care of my weaknesses.

I guess what I am saying is "Don't give up! We do hire whom
we feel are the best and you need to sell yourself honestly
to land a job"

Someday you will land that job but in the meantime don't
blame us or make accusations. Look at yourself also and
improve your interview skills as stated above.

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