Job Discussion Forums

Spyro · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 36

Basically, I applied to this university in Nanjing (relatively good reputation) based on a job listing I found on the school website.

I talk to the FAO in person and she says that she offered the last open position to someone and is still waiting for a response. She gets back to me and says that the man took the position and basically I thought that was that.

Suddenly a few days later she emails me and offers me the possibility of another job in Nanjing (university). I said sure, "forward my resume" and never heard back about that second university.

She suddenly emailed me a few days ago and said that the position at the original university opened up and sent me a contract. I signed the contract and sent it in early this morning. However, something just occurred to me.

If she is the FAO of one university, why would she have offered to forward my resume to another university? It doesn't make sense unless they were close friends or maybe she was a recruiter (although I applied directly to the school). It's odd and it makes me wonder. Maybe I am being too paranoid, however, since this is China I rather be extra careful.

I have a few other job offers, but this one seems to suit me the best in terms of location and offer. I do not want to decline the other offers if something goes wrong with this one.

What do you guys think of this situation? How should I proceed? Or am I over thinking this?

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Spyro · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 36

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Anything can happen. I'm saying be prepared. I've seen a lot weirder situations where everything was alright. But sometimes they aren't. Let this be your mantra: this is China.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Spyro · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 36

I'm not going to worry about it anymore.

I'm sure the actual university is fine as I talked to a former teacher and she had positive things to say.

I just had a moment of paranoia, thinking this was somehow a Frank Zhang type of character.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Since Frankie is somewhat pessimistic, it might be wise to adopt some of his persona. If you expect the worst, you'll be ready when it happens. If it works out, you'll be pleasantly surprised.............

Like Buddha said, don't worry......

Banal platitudes aren't any help, I know (except maybe "hurry up and wait").

Hang in there, pal; this whole scene is a good education.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

There could also be a relationship between the two universities, either formally or informally. It's not always obvious what the relationship, if any, between schools is. I once worked for "Xue Yuan B" which was one of the schools belonging to "Xue Yuan A". Or it could be money, like Whiner suggested or some other guanxi reason, or professional courtesy. I wouldn't worry if that was your only red flag. Current teachers might be sorting out their next moves and surprise the school with the fact that they aren't staying on after all. Happens.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

DosEquisX · Joined: 09 Dec 2010 Posts: 361

From my last 2 job searches, I have learned that nothing is set until you have your visa in hand.

You could have all the pieces in place for a new job and all it takes is one phone call for you to lose it all. Happened to me twice in my last job search and once during this one (actually today).