Job Discussion Forums

[Kim Macintosh]

Seems to me that my assumptions about handling my career, coming from North American, may be in need of a reality cheque.

It's hard to put my finger on exactly what is going on, to phrase a question properly. So, any experience or illuminating comments on the subject would be welcome. Maybe I'm just crazy.

Here (and in Europe), employers like to see written letters of reference. I am getting the feeling, after a few interviews, that they don't consider me a real candidate until I have quit my prior job and have this paper in-hand. It is as though the prior employer must release their ownership of me. Handily, this practice also obliges the job seeker to be out-of-work and in no position to negotiate. Unlike in North America, I don't get the sense local employers are used to having someone shop for a better deal while still employed.

It also seems to me that those in these inevitably small local communities of English schools all know each other, and they may well informally collude on wages, as well as to not poach on each others teachers. Perhaps they go as far as to call each other up to see if a current employer still needs such and such a teacher....

The use of contracts may help explain these things. Employers may be assuming one has a contract (not always true with foreigners), and their main concern may simply be whether it has been finished, when a teacher would get their reference letter as proof of performance and again be on the market. Still, an employer cannot expect a reference letter until then, so how does one handle things when approaching a new school?

Am I wrong in thinking I'm being viewed askance, as I go about looking for a better deal? How can one even get a real reference letter when you leave, with proper notice, but when the school wants to keep you there regardless, as its Native Speaking, North American, Marketing Face (putting aside teaching)?

[Guy Courchesne]

[Kim Macintosh]

I am in Ecuador. I think, on reflection, that my concerns boil down to communication issues. With good communication people have more confidence in rolling the dice on a new relationship. And "good" English is far from assuming good communication in cross cultural business negotiation.