Job Discussion Forums

[PYT]

So I started 5 - 6 days ago, applying to universities and I've been sending out 8 - 10 emails everyday to schools. I've applied to over 25 universities (up-to-date advertisements) and sent out more than 25 emails to FAO, asking about positions. I've received some offers which I don't really think I would like (they are at campuses that are far outside of the city... For example: Job in Nanjing! But in reality, they have 3 campuses and only have a position at a campus which is 15+ miles outside the city). In addition, I've been emailing FAO's at a lot schools and I've been getting quite a few replies that positions have been filled up. So Basically, I'm a little frustrated that nothing is really working out.

I'm starting to think that I screwed up and missed the prime hiring season for universities (should've started in April). I am Asian-American, so perhaps that's why I haven't been getting much luck. However, I don't want to get caught into that type of thinking. I know it's a factor, but I also know a lot of people who are Asian or non-white who found good jobs (Plus I had a fine job this year anyways). There has to be other contributing factors as well.

Perhaps, positions have generally already been filled up, or maybe a lot of schools haven't started looking for teachers yet (however, this is probably less likely). As for my qualifications, I have a TEFL and one year of teaching experience in China so in some provinces, the two-year rule may affect me. I've been applying to cities like Xi'an, Suzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Shenyang, Chongqing, Wuhan... etc etc, not cities like Beijing and Shanghai, so I don't think it's the city I am applying to.

I know it's only been a week, so perhaps I am reacting too quickly. Nevertheless, June is approaching and that's when a lot of FAO start closing, so I feel a bit antsy. All in all, I thought this was the time to find University jobs and I want your guy's opinion and advice on my situation.

[GeminiTiger]

relax, it will take a couple weeks to get a good offer. i'm not sure what you looking for but it will take a couple weeks. between now and OCTOBER for schools will be looking for teachers for fall term. even a really good school will lose some perspective candidates and many schools are just now starting to look.

[Non Sequitur]

Clarification please.
By 'sending out' do you mean applying to a specific advertised vacancy?
The Asian thing is an issue no doubt but my view is it is a bit soon to expect the 'bingo' moment. Just keep doing what you're doing and even if you think you have something in the bag keep working other offers.
Best

[PYT]

Hmm out of the 8-10 emails I send everyday, 3 - 4 are to specified current vacancies on school websites, 3 - 4 are emails to FAO asking about jobs, and the other 3 - 4 are vacancies that I can't verify are up to date. For example: On the school website, there will be an employment page however there is no date so the website could be 4 years old for all I know.

I guess I am just worrying too much at this point. I mainly started getting anxious because last 2 places I've talked to have had their main campus positions filled up already (leaving the less desirable campuses only).

I'll try calling FAO straight up (or would that be too direct?). With Google voice, It would be pretty cheap. I haven't used any recruiters but I think I might start looking into that. I find that a lot of the jobs on job boards tend to be recruiters anyways. Nevertheless, I'll keep chugging a long.

[Non Sequitur]

By 'full' they mean full to you.
Other posters have mentioned that their inboxes are full of vacancy alerts from one job site. I'll PM you on that.
I feel we're right in the height of the uni hiring season right now.
So, no you've not missed out.
I wouldn't try for phone contact yet but do be a bit more targeted in your applications.

[teachingld2004]

Have some one look at your resume. Also, write a good cover letter.