Job Discussion Forums

[bnelson13]

Hi,

I was looking at the International job board and found some postings with these two companies {Teach to Travel & ESLstarter}. I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience in working with either of them, and if they'd be willing to share their thoughts and opinions on them with me.

Thanks.

[bnelson13]

Also if anyone has anything that they can share about working for CECN EDUCONSULT, that would be greatly appreciated as well.

[tttompatz]

They are all good and they are all bad. They all have some proponents and they all have some complaints.

Search yourself and you have access to perhaps 20-50 potential employers who may be able to actually READ your resume and perhaps can get you through the visa process (not always easy for 1st time applicants).

Use 20 recruiters and that number jumps up into the many hundreds or potentially over 1000 jobs, even if the employer himself doesn't speak English (lots of jobs fall into this category).

The problem lies in the fact that most people do NOT understand the role of the recruiter.

They are an introduction to a potential employer that you yourself would not otherwise be able to find. Then, if they are any good at their job, they guide you through the placement and assist with the paperwork necessary to get you as far as the employer.

They are NOT your friend.
They do NOT work for you (they are paid for and work for the employer).

They are like a used car salesman.
You walk onto their car-lot (website), peruse the cars (available jobs), if you see one you like you inquire about it.

After you listen to the sales pitch you let YOUR mechanic have a look at it (due diligence checking out the school).

If it is all good then you make the offer (accept the contract) and complete the sale (begin the paperwork for your visa application).

A good salesman will ensure that the paperwork is in order to make the sale and allow you to register the car. (A good recruiter will make sure your paperwork is in order and help get you through the paperwork to get your visa.)

I have no problem with using a recruiter or telling anyone else to use one (or more the case, many). They are your best option for fining the BEST fit when it comes to a job in most of Asia and a lot of other places on the planet as well.

For someone who is abroad (NOT in the country they want to work in), no connections and no ability to communicate in the foreign language then recruiters are a necessary evil.

That doesn't mean it is a crap shoot.

ALL recruiters are good. All recruiters are bad.
BUT they are a bridge to a job that you would not otherwise find.

The trick is in understanding what they are and what they do.

[bnelson13]

Oh that's great! Thanks I had no idea that they're recruiters. I never even really thought of recruiters being involved. Thanks a ton

[tttompatz]

I should also add (in the case of Phil and the gang at ESL starter) that you should NEVER pay a recruiter.

They get paid by the school.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER pay for a job.

.