Job Discussion Forums

[Maritimer]

I'm thinking of looking for a job at a university for the September start, but haven't yet applied for a new passport. It should take twenty business days to process. I have an old one, but it expired nine years ago. If I scan the old one and use that to apply for jobs in the meantime, will it look bad that I haven't had a passport for nine years? Should I wait to build a profile on seriousteachers etc., or get started now. I feel that I'm cutting things a little fine as it is. Thanks for any feedback.

[Non Sequitur]

I'd leave out the old passport and substitute your short form birth cert and a happy smiling lifestyle pic.
State 'New passport awaited'.
Important now that you get some conversations going. You cant get a visa of any type without a current PP, so no problem until you get to the point of accepting an offer.
An ancient expired PP is just a distraction.

[vikeologist]

Don't even apply for jobs until you have the new passport. There's still plenty of time.

Most Unis will ignore your application without a current passport, so if you apply now, you'll just have to apply again in a month's time.

If a Uni does want you, they'll have to wait for your new passport before they can apply for your invitation letter. During that time you might decide to take another job while they're sitting on their arse waiting for you. It would be idiotic for them to do that.

So, get your passport, then apply.

[Kysorb]

I agree with everyone else about waiting and wanted to add one more point.

Your new passport will get a new number and that is one more thing the FAO could confuse with your invitation letter then your screwed out of a job or delayed another month. It happens.

[hilena_westb]

It's ridiculous to do anything without your passport in-hand; not applied for, on the way, etc. It can be delayed by days, weeks, or even months in some cases. It is the professional thing to do to wait for having everything in-hand. Of course, if you are direct and clear (upfront) with potential employers, tell them the situation and maybe they will wait; but unlikely.

[choudoufu]

go ahead and apply with your old passport. black out the passport
number and the issue/expiry dates. including a scan of your passport
with your application is to prove your big-5 status and your whiteness.
employers have no need of passport numbers at this point.

apply for your passport now, and you'll have it back by the time any
potential employers begin to get serious.

i got my renewal in guangzhou, with passport printed in the us, in about
ten days. i can't imagine it would take much longer in the states.

[Non Sequitur]

[roadwalker]

Yeah, just apply now without the pp. Some schools may ignore you, but they may ignore you with a passport as well. You can always re-send your updated email when you have the passport. Don't worry about bothering FAOs with too many emails, unless were talking double figures here.