James Letven is Senior Manager at Hourglass Education Recruitment. After studying Business at Manchester Metropolitan University, he put his studies to good use at the Royal Bank of Scotland. Fortunately for us he decided to make the move into education recruitment in 2012.

James, tell us about your role:

As an education recruitment consultant, my role is to match international teachers with schools across the UK—a job that’s as challenging as it is rewarding.

The summer holiday is an interesting time in education recruitment. Because the schools have been closed for the past six weeks, the number of phone calls and emails is ramping up. This is when things get exciting!

What does a typical day look like?

It may sound like a cliché, but there’s really no such thing as a typical day. I usually start with a quick check of my emails to see what’s come in overnight. A lot of my teachers are in different time zones, and they’re all eager to explore opportunities in the UK.

We start the week with a team meeting. Although we’re all working on different assignments, we’re close-knit and it’s good to check in on everyone’s progress. We discuss what’s going on with our schools, and in the secondary sector generally, and update each other on the progress of various placements. It’s a collaborative environment, where everyone’s input is valued—I think that’s important to keep our team motivated and engaged.

Connecting with candidates

Even though UK schools are on holiday, candidates are still keen to progress their applications. My role involves guiding international teachers through the various stages of securing a position in a UK school.

Today, I have a video call scheduled with Jonelle, an overseas teacher with a passion for English literature. She’s eager to teach in the UK but needs reassurance about the application process and what to expect when she arrives.

We discuss her qualifications, her experience, and her career aspirations. I offer advice on how to tailor her CV to appeal to UK schools, emphasising the importance of highlighting her adaptability and cultural awareness. Jonelle’s enthusiasm is contagious, and I’m confident she’ll be a great fit for one of our partner schools.

Reaching out to schools

As an intermediary between international teachers and UK schools, my goal is to ensure a perfect match—where both the teacher and the school feel they’ve found exactly what they were looking for.

Today, I’m speaking with the headteacher of a secondary school in Middlesex who’s unexpectedly looking for a physics teacher. We discuss the school’s ethos, the type of candidate they’re hoping to attract, and the logistics of the interview process. My experience tells me that Louis, a Jamaican national who’s been working in Dubai, might be just the candidate they need.

A breath of fresh air

We’re based in the hills halfway between Leeds and Manchester, and the setting is truly stunning. When I can, I like to get out for a breath of fresh air in my lunch break. It’s such a contrast from whatever’s been going on during the morning, and a great opportunity to clear my mind, allowing me to return to work with renewed focus.

Problem solving and paperwork

The afternoon often brings a mix of problem-solving and paperwork. Today, there’s a minor issue with a visa application for a teacher from South Africa. Navigating the complexities of international recruitment requires a keen eye for detail, and I work closely with our relocation team to ensure that everything is in order. Once that’s sorted, I shift my attention to confirming some upcoming interviews and updating our database with the latest candidate profiles.

Following up and feedback

By late afternoon, it’s time to follow up on the day’s conversations. I send emails to candidates summarising our discussions and next steps. Feedback is a crucial part of the process, especially when interviews are taking place. It’s important to help both teachers and schools refine their expectations and approaches. It’s also deeply satisfying when I hear that a match has been made and both parties are excited about the future.

As the day winds down, I take a few moments to reflect on what’s been achieved. The diversity of my work—engaging with people from different cultures, solving challenges, and making meaningful connections—leaves me with a sense of fulfilment.

Tomorrow will bring new opportunities and challenges, but for now, I close my laptop, ready for home. It’s a role that blends the best of both worlds—fast-paced work in surroundings that help me stay grounded. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.