next »

[babala]

I am currently looking for a few teachers to start around the middle of June. I posted the job ad up on www.eslteachersboard.com The ad contains the usual only teachers from the big 5 UK, CAN, AUS, NZ and USA. I have gotten several replies from applicants from various countries other than those. Part of me thinks I should reply but another part of me thinks why do I have to reply to someone who applied for a job that clearly stated the requirements which they did not meet. I also remember in the past, replying nicely to a woman, even suggesting alternative places she could try and having her send me back a very nasty e-mail calling me a racist. I do understand from their point of view too as my boyfriend is going through the same thing. Now he applies to jobs that ask for the big 5 but he just hopes for an answer, he's not upset when he doesn't get one. He knows that that school is a no.

What's your take?

[gonzo]

Don't reply. We can admire their optimism and persistence, but your requirements were clear.

I suggest that in future you addend the advert with "Applicants who do not meet minimum requirements will not receive a reply".

[phets72]

I agree don't reply.  I know as someone looking for a job in esl, you have to expect that people recruiting you will not respond.

I had this happen on many occasions when I was first looking.

[cheekygal]

Or may be reply, but have a ready-made message to paste into each mail. Something like "Dear applicant, blh blah blah". At least you won't ready on some forum "I applied to this school even though they had those requirements and they didnt even care to answer" 

[babala]

You have a point Cheeky but what do I reply? They don't fit the qualifications that I listed.

[Nolefan]

Easiest way to send an email letting them know that you're collecting applications and you will start reviewing them soon. however, because of the amount of interest that the post generated, Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and you apologize for any inconvenience that it might cause.

simple, polite and it's not a rejection. At least, they know you've received it

[cheekygal]

I agree with Noles.

"Dear applicants,

we have received your applications and will start reviewing them soon. However, because of the amount of interest that the ad generated only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Thank you and we apologize for any inconvenience that it might cause.

Sincerely,
..."

[phets72]

on 2nd thoughts, yes noles has a point.  a drink on george old boy!

[Mimi]

I totally understand, and you shouldn't have to reply to people who don't meet minimum requirements.  However, I also understand where they might be coming from.  In my search for a job, I found that most "requirements" were more like general guidelines.  I was contacted by many schools who specifically stated requirements in their ad that I didn't meet.  When I e-mailed them back saying that the job sounded great but I didn't have a Master's degree, they would normally say something about how they didn't really need it. Those who are applying from other countries might just be hoping that you are one of those schools who pretty much just accepts whatever they can get. 

So, I'd send them an e-mail explaining why you can't hire them, but they probably weren't just trying to waste your time.

[babala]

Just to clarify,
                In no way did I want to imply that these people had no right to apply. Hey, power to them and these aren't my rules, they are the school's. My boyfriend applies to schools that just call for native speakers all the time. If he didn't he wouldn't be applying to many (not too many schools ask for Filipinos). I have just had  a few nasty responses in the past and I guess I wondered is it better to say nothing or to explain the truth. Noles, I think your suggest sounds best.

[Raoul F. Duke]

Don't reply.

The specifications in a job ad make a dandy IQ test.
You'd be stunned at how many fail it. 

I'm like you in that I don't care myself about which country they come from, but often work for clients that do. I feel your pain.

[babala]

Okay my bad mood came out a little.

I am trying to find a teacher to replace me. I am geting the usual applicants (non-native speakers). I actually tried to be nice and respond. One applicant didn't state his nationality so I sent a reply back asking it. I said that I could only hire teachers from the countries I had mentioned in my ad. I got a reply back stating they were not a native speaker but frankly 65% of native speakers are crap. Baring only 35% of them can actually teach. Now I know there are some teachers that fit into that category but 65%, c'mon. Plus I thought it was rude to mention it to a native speaker who was doing the hiring. Not too mention the grammar in the e-mail was terrible. I told them this wasn't the best approach to try and get a job and to perhaps check their e-mail for grammar next time. I know it was over the top but hey, I was in a bad mood and their reponse was uncalled for. 

[dragonsaver]

Stupid e-mails deserve an appropriate response.  However, you were lowering yourself to his level.  No response plus blocking his e-mail address on the school computer would be even better.

[babala]

I feel like bitching at someone at someone, I know it wasn't the most mature thing to do 

[dragonsaver]

That is what we are here for.  Bitch, bitch, bitch all you want.  We will understand.