Job Discussion Forums

[Englishpal]

So I recently finished the CELTA, and have started sending my resume to schools. I am noticing that several have mentioned they want potential applicants to have 2 years teaching experience. I do not have this experience. Will it be difficult to get a legal job, and the correct z visa? Also, I have been self employed for some 15 years so would not be able to provide a document from some employer verifying 'work experience'. Is this a problem? Thanks for the thoughts. I am kind of lost as to how to go about this, and do not want to end up in a nasty scenario.

[Babala]

You'll want to apply to areas that are less popular. Try provinces in middle or northern China.

[Englishpal]

Thanks for the suggestion. Is the 2 years teaching experience some government mandatory thing, or just a common preference?

[Non Sequitur]

Have you ever helped a refugee with English or similar? Can you sign up on a roster at a local migrant help centre?
Take a broad view of teaching exp, rather than thinking of it solely as paid employment.
You will likely be of interest to schools that are in hard to staff areas, but once you've done a year, you can look for something more salubrious.

[Englishpal]

No, I have never done some work like that. I suppose that might help me out if I am unable to get a job. There have been some offers suggested through recruiters, but they have seemed less than desirable. I am trying to hold out for something in the South which will not require weekend work. Thanks for the suggestions.

[johntpartee]

Have you ever helped anyone with anything academically? I'm not suggesting that you should lie about experience, but.......spin, man, spin!

[Non Sequitur]

Hard to staff is unlikely to be in south.
Johntpartee is right about spin.
If you have a US or better a neutral accent try for telephone I/V at earliest.
This will add a level of confidence that replaces part of the 'no experience' problem.
If the school is keen especially if they have been a teacher short for semester 1 they will do what is necessary.
Don't be tempted to come on a tourist visa - my encouragement doesn't stretch to that. You can take risks later, but if you're burned in your first gig it will take you a long time to recover - and you may not - ever.

[choudoufu]

self-employed for 15 years?
ever hire any employees?
ever have to train your employees?
that's considered teachin'.
just spin it into 'vocational training.'

documents to verify employment?
rarely asked for.
but surely the self-employed head of the company
should be willing to write a reference letter.

[Non Sequitur]

[zacharybilton]