Catching Fire - 3.5 Strategies to Keep the Odds Ever in Your Favor this Hiring Season

In case you're not paying...

...attention, the third of four Hunger Games movies came out over the holiday season to great acclaim. As we've turned the corner in the school year, two things are on the minds of school leaders.

Assessment
Talent acquisition

As was reported earlier, over 250 teacher openings have haunted charter and district schools in Maricopa County for the 2014-15 year. 250.

That's. A. Lot. of open spots. Teachers have the pick of the litter. Closer to home? More $? Leadership? Those are all factors. How do organizations compete for the best and brightest?

3.5 strategies to keep the odds ever in your favor

Assess your organizational strengths by asking your stakeholders what you're good at. Whatever they say, brand it and sell it.
Think advantage rather than deficit. We're a small district = we're offering a family atmosphere. We're a large district = no matter your interest in teaching, we've got a place for you. Our schools aren't performing = we're looking for innovators and risk takers. You get the idea.
Start early. And you can see this trending as districts are holding job fairs in January! Nobody should be waiting until February to begin the hiring process.

And...

3.5. If you're not using social media (instagram not facebook)...I've got nothing more to say to you.

Frankly, hiring or talent acquisition is a year-long process. This means strategy begins a year ahead of the actual hiring season. Get it together and articulate your game plan.

Trust me, my advice is worth way more than you paid for it.

May the odds be ever in your favor,

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