School Scripts: Talking about the YU Jewish Job Fair with your employee or employer

In this new blog series, we ask our in-house experts for advice on what to say during difficult conversations that often come up in schools.

With a little over a month until the YU Jewish Job Fair, it's natural for job seekers to feel some trepidation at the prospect of seeing their current employers there.  What message will it send if he/she sees me interviewing with another school? Should I tell them in advance or just avoid making eye contact with them when I'm there?

They aren't alone.  School leaders might dread this conversation as well and feel unsure how to respond if the conversation does come up.  

Rabbi Maccabee Avishur, YUSP's Director of Leadership and Placement, shares some suggestions on what to say in each situation to stay on the same page, maintain good relations, and mitigate any awkwardness.

YOU ARE A TEACHER WHO IS PLANNING TO BE AT THE JEWISH JOB FAIR, BUT YOU’RE NOT NECESSARILY LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT JOB; YOU’RE MORE INTERESTED IN NETWORKING. HOW DO YOU TELL YOUR EMPLOYERS THAT THEY MIGHT SEE YOU THERE?

“I love working here and really appreciate the support you’ve provided and the opportunities you’ve given me for growth. I’d like to stay here for the long term, and I also know how important networking and connections are in the Jewish day school world. I wanted to let you know that I plan to attend the YU Jewish Job Fair to network, meet with school leaders from other schools, and make sure to be seen. I’m sure I’ll see you there. Do you have any advice for how I can make the most of the networking opportunity? Do you know of anyone in particular whom I should be meeting? Do you think you could introduce me?”

you are a teacher who Is LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB. How do you tell your employers that you will be at the jewish job fair for that reason?

“I’ve loved working here and really appreciate the support you’ve provided and the opportunities you’ve given me to grow. As I’ve mentioned, my goal is to become a head teacher next year and I know that may not be possible here. I plan to attend the YU Jewish Job Fair to meet with other schools that are looking for head teachers. Can you give me any advice on what I can share with interviewers? Would you be comfortable introducing me to your colleagues in other schools who may be looking for a head teacher?”

YOU ARE A SCHOOL LEADER AND ONE OF YOUR TEACHERS JUST TOLD YOU THEY PLAN ON ATTENDING THE JEWISH JOB FAIR.  WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO RESPOND?

“First of all, thank you for telling me. I really value your transparency and honesty. Second, I just want to reiterate that we’d love to keep you here for the long term. Finally, we know how important it is to network and make yourself known in the education community. We fully support you attending the Job Fair (not that you need our permission). Make sure to stop by our table and say hello. If you’d like me to introduce you to any of my colleagues in other schools, please let me know.”

Yeshiva University’s Jewish Job Fair will be taking place on Thursday, March 3, 2016 in the Max Stern Athletic Center on YU’s Wilf Campus from 6-9pm. 

To register for the Jewish Job Fair, click here.  For more information e-mail Eliana.Sohn@yu.edu.