Does the hiring process within school districts take longer than in the general workplace?

Question

Here's my situation. I teach flute lessons, usually through the high school band program. I interviewed exactly 2 weeks back. The interview went well. I was even told I was the top candidate. However, I have heard nothing since. About 3 days after the interview, I emailed the thank you / follow up letter, and heard nothing back. After a bit over a week had passed, I called and the director said they had not made a decision yet, but that it would be very soon. Another week has passed. I didn't want to bug him with a phone call, but I DID send another, "I'm still very interested in the job" email, with no response.

I'm paranoid because during the interview, he told me about a couple of candidates that were NOT a match for them, and said he was just going to "not call them back".

I think that's rude! A rejection letter is at least appropriate.

Should I call the guy again? Any suggestions?
(Useful ones, NOT just smart a** comments please.)

Thanks!

More information: When the position is for a private lesson teacher (me), then it does NOT have to go through the school board. I HAD wondered about that, and checked it out.

This director DOES have to meet with 3 others to decide, wait on my background check, criminal history, etc., but if all that is clear (it will be, I'm squeaky clean), then the directors make the hiring decision because it's not a district "contract" position, but the actual lessons are paid by parents.

One other thing...there IS a flute teacher currently on campus that is NOT working out, and they are replacing her. Could figuring out HOW to can her be part of the problem???

Answer 1

Well, even if it's lessons and not classes, you're still going to be seen as a representative of the school system and school system wheels grind slowly.

Do you have students already whose parents could recommend you (or people who could request you as a teacher)? Did they ask for references? Because if you give them several satisfied customers, it would make a good impression. And make sure that you let them know about concerts, recitals, competitions, camps, and performances that the kids might be involved in--the kids will need lessons a while before performing, so you'd have to already be available. Make sure you stay on top of all those things so if you get a student who wants to participate, you can direct him/her to stuff going on in the area.

Answer 2

I've heard that some districts are pains in the butts to deal with.

I heard a story about someone who interviewed through a couple of different school districts. The first district interviewed her once... the second district interviewed her at least a couple of times (maybe more, can't remember) ... So the first district offered her a job and she wasn't sure she should take it (even though it was the one she wanted) because she was waiting on the second... Finally she decided to take the one offered... after another week or more the 2nd district finally called - and they were disappointed she had taken another job because they wanted to hire her...but what was she to do, wait forever? They were just BSing her around I guess so she'd really want to work there. So basically, yeah, it sounds like some schools like to play games with people. You may still hear from them - who knows.

I personally wouldn't call again if you've already called them and sent an unanswered email. Maybe pick a time frame you're willing to wait for them to possibly respond and then move on.

Answer 3

Well most likely if you haven't heard from them in about three weeks they are not interested. It may be that they already have someone or that they can not get rid off the first one since he/she may dispute with the Union. I guess it is time to look around. I personally, if I am in an intreview and they do not hire me right on the spot, I look some where else since it takes them five seconds to make a decission, un less they have to consult with somebody else, but the person who does the intreview has the lead whether they are going to hire you or not. I just keep my options open and if they decide me to call me while I had been offered another position, I ask for more money even if they are paying more than the first one.

Answer 4

Any large organization, especially the educational system, is run by beaurocrats whose only interest is in their own paycheck. I have been through the same thing. Some have sent back rejection letters, others you never hear from. You just have to get used to it cause that is the way they operate. Most educational system treat their employees and even potential employess like dirt. For whatever reason, they lack the common courtesies that most professional organizations have. I would not contact them anymore. If they want to hire you, they will usually wait till the very last minute. In the meantime, don't stop looking for any other positions that may be available.

Answer 5

I wouldn't bother to call again... It sounds like they may have already decided and it was unprofessional of him to tell you he wasn't calling some other person back.
Honestly, if they wanted you they would tell you you're hired pending your background check.
Sounds like they're stringing several people along, & if it's a typical school, they may be fishing for the cheapest person for the most time/experience.
Band directors tend to be demi-gods in their tiny pond.
Take that other person's advice. Apply directly to the school district. If it's not a contract position they could just as easily say you're hired and change their mind, or start you working and drop you anytime.
When you're a certified teacher you can join a union have a contract, etc.
good luck.

Answer 6

I think you have to approach it from three perspectives; college education and its availability and affordability, retirement and what the future holds for them and how bad it could be as opposed to now and the way it is for their parents living on fixed incomes or about to live on fixed incomes, thirdly-the environment. While these things are not directly related all three hold huge social and financial impact for the younger adults of this country that will affect them for many years to come after they are well past their mid 30s and 40s an into their retirment years even. By becoming involved and helping and taking a hand now with the decisions and policies that will be made they are helping to set the course for THEIR future.

Answer 7

Yes, school hiring decisions do, nearly always, take longer than the general workplace. I think you have been treated rudely, but maybe it was unintentional, & they're just self-centered & don't have good manners. I suggest you call his office and, before asking him again, ask his secretary (or whoever answers) -or the superintendent's office- if they know if a decision has been made, but meantime keep looking for another job.

Answer 8

It does take longer, much longer. They do more of a back ground check than most places and it takes much longer for them to get the checks back to them. Regular work places can usually do it by phone while schools, goverment, or places like that do it by mail. And of course it has to go through the school board and that won't be until their next meeting

Answer 9

Well... it takes longer because as with any governmental position (such as city hall, school district, etc.) there is mopre red tape than most. Also, with anythign dealing with kids you got a deeper background check than most.

Keep calling but stay patient. Also; don't be afraid to look else where in case it falls through.

Answer 10

Don't wait for this one school to make a decision. Check out other school districts. What you are waiting on is whether
the school board wants to hire you. That takes time. Meanwhile
keeping interviewing with other schools.