Committing to Better Processes: Addressing the Flawed Job Application Process

Future Fridays

Nov 15

Published 15 November 2024

(In Ep #0 of the Professionall Pathways Podcast | Cal’s Journey into Teacher Education)

“One challenge that I’ve experienced that I really hope leaders in our field work on now is how we go about jobs in this field. The job application sites are not meant for teachers. They are so frustrating to work with. You have to answer the same questions a thousand times. After I graduated, I applied to hundreds of jobs and only heard back from a very small percentage of them. I think it’s so much time wasted and so many good opportunities missed on both ends of the person looking for the job and the company looking to hire someone. I think it’s so frustrating for so many of us who have had to experience this. But it’s just such a slap in the face to be a professional who has so many great things to share. I think it’s just really frustrating and it’s definitely something that has to change in the future.”

— Cal Powers

The education field is built on the principle of empowering professionals to shape the future, yet many educators face significant hurdles when applying for jobs. The inefficiency and counterintuitive nature of job application platforms in education are a source of widespread frustration. For an industry that thrives on innovation and problem-solving, the outdated hiring systems we rely on feel out of sync with our values. It’s time for educational leaders to address these challenges head-on and prioritize reforming job application systems to better support educators and institutions alike.

Time-Wasting Systems and Missed Opportunities

Teachers often encounter poorly designed platforms that ask repetitive questions, require uploading the same documents multiple times, and fail to offer meaningful feedback. As one educator remarked, “You have to answer the same questions a thousand times,” reflecting the frustrating redundancy inherent in many application systems. The inefficiency isn’t just a waste of time; it discourages qualified candidates from pursuing opportunities.

Additionally, many applicants never hear back from potential employers, creating a disconnect between institutions seeking talent and the highly qualified professionals eager to contribute. An EdSurge report explored the principal issues of the teacher hiring process, an often neglected issue compared to discussions on teacher shortages or financial compensation (Goldhaber & Grout, 2016).

Why This Should Matter to Educational Leaders

Inefficient job application processes hurt more than just applicants; they also impact schools and districts. Research from The Learning Policy Institute highlights the growing teacher shortage in the U.S., with nearly every state reporting unfilled teaching positions in critical subjects like STEM and special education (Kini, 2022). Streamlined, user-friendly application systems could help connect schools with the educators they desperately need.

Improving these systems also demonstrates respect for educators’ time and professionalism. When institutions value their applicants, they foster goodwill and attract candidates who feel genuinely supported and respected.

Potential Solutions to Streamline the Process

Centralized Portals: Implement a unified platform where teachers can upload their credentials, answer standardized questions, and apply to multiple positions without repetitive steps. Systems like LinkedIn and Handshake offer models that could be adapted for the education sector.
Automated Feedback Mechanisms: Build tools to notify applicants about their status, ensuring transparency and reducing the emotional toll of being left in the dark.
Customizable Applications: Allow teachers to tailor their applications while avoiding unnecessary redundancy. A system that pulls existing data for standard forms but leaves room for personal touches can strike the right balance.
Equitable Access: Ensure platforms are accessible to educators in all regions and minimize technological barriers that may disproportionately affect underfunded districts or low-income applicants.
Incorporate Educator Input: Engage teachers directly when designing these systems to ensure they address real-world pain points.

A Call to Action

Fixing these broken systems requires educational leaders to make this issue a priority. Beyond technology, this is about respecting educators’ expertise and making sure their talents are matched with the schools that need them. Investing in better hiring platforms isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building a stronger, more connected education system. By committing to this change, we can create a process that values educators' time and ensures that no opportunity is missed. It’s time to align the way we hire teachers with the ideals of education: efficiency, equity, and respect.

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