Job Discussion Forums

mexilex · Joined: 11 Jun 2018 Posts: 4

So I have been offered a job by a very new International school in the State of Mexico (they were just open last year) and my interview was great and I'm really excited about starting with a school that seems to be on a new and innovative track. The pay they're offering is good, the campus is the most spectacular I've ever seen, and I really clicked with the person I interviewed with.

My issue is that so far the administration does not seem like a great one. After our interview I had to follow up to remind them about the followup. Following that email it was two weeks before I heard something back from the head of the school--this was the job offer. The offer, she said, was official, however there was no offer letter attached, no contract, and all that was specified was the salary after tax, that they would provide housing (no details at all about this) and documents I need for a work visa (that I actually already have).

I accepted the offer and asked for more details (I don't know what grade I'm teaching, so I can't prepare, I dunno where the housing is, so I dunno if I want to work out my own housing, dunno what to tell my current landlord, I dunno if sick days or personal days are given, I literally know nothing.)

I waited two weeks and sent an email to the person I interviewed with expressing my concern, but I've heard nothing back.

It's a new school, so I'm prepared for challenges. It's the end of the school year, and I know things get hectic. But I'm really starting to think this school might be bad news if they are so disorganised that they can't communicate with new hires, even to reassure them that HR is the holdup.

It makes me feel really insecure about starting with this school, and now it's too late to apply anywhere else.

Any thoughts on this? I've posted on other forums and everyone thinks I should run the other way.

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

mexilex · Joined: 11 Jun 2018 Posts: 4

Thanks Aristede,

With hiring season done, I won't be able to score another job at this point, so I do need all the luck I can get. I will see how long it takes them to respond to my follow up message and if three days pass I'll give them a call.

But you're right--I don't have a good feeling going in, and I should probably just listen to my gut.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

mexilex · Joined: 11 Jun 2018 Posts: 4

Hi Guy,

I really haven't seen anything new recently, and I've been checking Tes and TLA 100 times a day every day. In fact, I've sent my cv to scores of schools. I have 2 years IB experience at an asf school, a bachelors, and tefl certificate.

With regard to getting in touch with teachers at this school, I would be part of the first batch of international teachers, which makes it very hard to get in contact with anyone. It's actually a school that was previously advertised on TLA, but they're no longer up there.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I think I know which school it is...this will be their second year operating. Wish I had some contacts to give you.

Feel free to get in touch with me directly...

DrValenzuela · Joined: 29 Aug 2016 Posts: 22

MotherF · Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 4:21 pm Post subject:

From my experience inside Mexican institutions I'm guessing that the person you've been in touch with does not have authority to offer you a position and they are waiting for approval from the person/people who do. This often takes time. There is also the possibility that the people who have authority are waiting for re-enrollment so that they are certain they will have the money to pay you. They may also be waiting to hear something from immigration, or even another applicant they liked better than you. Things move slowly in Mexico.