Get the postition that you really want.

Improve your position and get a step ahead of others with:

Review of resume and other materials Targeting your objectives and goals Interview preparation and coaching Contract negotiations and closing

WHY CAREER ADVANCEMENT?

About fifteen years ago, a friend in a neighboring school, seeking a head of school position, came to me and said, "I've been in several searches this past year and have yet to win a position that I wanted and for which I thought had a good shot. What am I not doing that I should be doing?"

We talked at some length about the process, his experience, both professionally and in his searches, and at the end of the discussions he said, "Why didn't I talk with you sooner?"

There are many consultants who represent schools and very few who work specifically with candidates. One reason, according to some of my colleagues, is that there is more money in having the schools as clients and another is that it would be a conflict of interests to represent both. I agree with the latter statement and thus will not represent a candidate in any search that I am conducting. However, I believe candidate clients can and will pay a reasonable fee.

For the past ten years I have represented schools in the search and consulting business. I have acquired a lot of valuable information and experience that I am prepared to offer on behalf of those who wish to advance their careers. I consider it an honor and a privilege to help those who are committed to improving schools through high standards of leadership and service.

WHAT IS CAREER ADVANCEMENT?

You may be a head of school looking for a new and different opportunity or you could be an administrator searching for your first head of school position or another administrative appointment. You could be an experienced teacher seeking to move into administration or you could be someone from outside the immediate school environment looking for a way to work in a good school. In any one of those scenarios we may be able to provide some help that will give you a competitive edge.

The purpose of Career Advancement is to provide sound career counseling and support that will help move you closer to the top of a pool of candidates. One client said, "This is a little like college admissions, finding the right match or the best fit." And to some degree she was right. Part of one's success is choosing wisely in the beginning as well as near the end of a search.

There are four basic components in Career Advancement, with varying levels of support. The details for each piece may vary, depending on the need and desire of the client candidate.

Number one is a review of a resume and supporting materials with commentary designed to improve and sharpen the presentation. Number two is helping the candidate to focus on the objective by being clear and specific about both sides of the equation, the position being offered and the appropriate fit of the candidate. Number three is preparation, coaching and support for the interviews, both before and during that part of the process. This can make a critical difference in advancing to the next level of a search. Number four is helping the candidate in the sometimes delicate negotiating and signing of a contract. These four, essential ingredients, if given serious attention, will strengthen a candidate's chances for greater success. There are however, no guarantees that desirable results will follow immediately. Patience over a reasonable amount of time may be required.

HOW DOES CAREER ADVANCEMENT WORK?

Anyone interested in discussing the possibility of using this service is encouraged to get in touch as soon as a change is contemplated. Having sufficient time to craft ones own strategic and career plan is a great benefit.

Much of the first three parts of the process (resume review, targeting objectives and interview coaching) can be accomplished via e-mail and telephone. However a personal interview whenever possible and convenient is highly recommended. The fourth and concluding part (contract negotiation and agreement) is best done without an attorney as many schools regard this approach as an adversarial gesture, even when not intended. All of this work is between the consultant and the client and does not involve the school directly unless there appears to be a need for a mediator.

The cost for this service and support is 2% of the first year's salary to be paid over time after the new position begins unless other arrangements are made between the consultant and the client. Early response has indicated this fee to be very reasonable and fair and in many cases, successful negotiations have resulted in additional compensation more than the cost.

In the fickle and unpredictable world of search, there are obviously no guarantees or certainties. Committees and those who hire administrators have a wide variety of expectations and needs. Our goal in working together is to develop the best possible strategy for improving the chances for success. The desired outcome is to secure the most desirable and most appropriate appointment. We believe that this service will provide significant benefits to those who see the value in the opportunity. A successful appointment is our primary focus and concern.