Job Discussion Forums

[dog8food]

I consider this a Job-related post since I'm going to look for work.

So I just took a risk but it wasn't too big, because I had a free one-way ticket. I concluded that I'd rather look for jobs in-person than long distance. Got my multiple-entry L visa good for 30 days at a time, so hopefully I can land something within that period to become legitimate.

I have the years of teaching experience required, Bachelor's, no TEFL though.

For someone jumping straight into China such as myself, what are some essentials to take with me? So far I'm figuring:

-My degree
-Transcripts (must they be official?)
-Resumes
-Some passport-sized photos
-Enough shoes since I have huge feet
-Clothes, meds, essentials, of course
-laptop
-junky unlocked sim phone (get a better one once I'm settled)
-some pocket cash, one credit card and one atm (paypal) card.

I'd greatly appreciate any tips, or experiences of your own.

Also, sine I have free medical coverage where I'm currently at, I was thinking I should get the health check before I leave, but I'm not sure if it's possible. Is there an official template Chinese health form I can find online somewhere?

By the way, I read somewhere that it's more likely to get a Z visa with a part-time job if you interview in person, but with the crackdown, are less companies willing to offer this? (or perhaps more?)

Thanks

[rogerwilco]

[Non Sequitur]

This is about the daftest scheme I've heard re China.
We are in the hiring season now so why not get a job for Sept start?
Once that job is lined up you could come early and do a summer camp.
I accept that your free trip may be 'perishable' but coming on such a chancy basis just to use some airpoints isn't wise.

[choudoufu]

oh, this is gonna be fun.

even more funner then the kiwi.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

What kind of research did you do prior to getting your ticket and making this decision? I'd say you just went on overkill. All you need for a job in China is a degree and a white face. Preferred age optional. Then you are offered a job on the spot. higher credentials could offer a higher salary, but look: this is China. Whether the folks here admit it or not, a large number of foreigners are here illegally. In the town I am in, there is only one foreigner working legally: me. In fact, most of the foreigners I have met (outside of Beijing/Shanghai/major cities) have degrees from Paintshop Pro University. Not fooling...

[xiguagua]

Where are you planning to stay? Hotels for a few months? Gonna be costly.

Where are you gonna look for jobs? Beijing has a lot of jobs......but whether or not those are GOOD jobs is another story. How many Chinese cities do you know about? Are you willing to go to a city you've never heard of or even have the fortitude to travel to various cities that you don't know.

Not trying to insult your intelligence here, but we're being realistic. Seems pretty stupid to me. Coming to a country for work when you have nothing lined up. And as another said, what if they ask you to go home for the z-visa which these days is entirely plausible?

Have you ever been to China before? Do you know anything about the country, the people? I just think you're gonna be in trouble.

[dog8food]

I gather that most of these responses are directed towards the logistics of the trip. No worries, I got it all covered. I have a free place to stay, a free return flight, and an ample financial cushion. In fact, I'm considering this as a potential vacation, since if I don't find anything, I'll make my merry way back home.

I had to use my flight voucher, as it expires soon anyway.

The information I'm actually looking for is regarding the packing, in case I do stay longer. So if anyone is willing to help out in that area, that would be cool.

Thank you for the responses that were helpful thus far.

[Ariadne]

Don't forget lots of deoderant and socks.

Many schools want the physical done again in China anyway, so don't go through the trouble of doing it at home. If you really want to, the form is available on-line somewhere. Maybe check the consulate/embassy sites.

People will tell you not to bring your degrees/diplomas... but I did have to show the originals at my first uni. Like Whiner said, don't worry about transcripts.

Buy a Chinese-English/English-Chinese dictionary that includes characters AND pinyin. I've had trouble finding them in China.

Combine the advantages of being on the ground with using the internet.

Good luck to you. Let us know how your search progresses.

.

[hells_kitchen]

Starting your journey already under false pretenses is a sign of bad things to come. You are coming to find a job, but using a tourist visa, so you've already committed fraud. don't throw a fit when things don't work out.

[chinatimes]

I went to my first school on a student's visa. I hated it and left after 3 weeks. The job, school, and housing were terrible. I then "escaped" to better pastures and found solace.

Less is more.

Pack less, move faster. Get it? Crazy concept.

Then, when you find a good school, you will get:

1) flight out of china
2) new visa to work
3) return with a salary

Awesome strategy, 8 fingers up and 2 thumbs. High 10's all around buddy boy.

Now, like Nike, Do it!!

And you immigration "Entry Exit Bureau" bitches, this is how it's done yo!!

Yo wee yo wee yo!!!

[Ariadne]

hells kitchen... you're always so much fun, whichever name you use. It's not illegal to look for work on a tourist visa, he just can't work with one. As long as he gets the proper paperwork when he finds a job he'll be OK.

.

[Miles Smiles]

Wait. In 2007, the OP stated that he may be teaching at SIAS University in Xinzheng City, Henan, and now he's asking about where to get a medical examination form and if he has all of the correct documents to teach in China five years later?

[xiguagua]

eh, i've seen weirder. It's entirely possible to receive a job offer and consider it, and decide against it without getting too far into the process.

If you're just worried about packing stuff, I agree with Chinatimes. Less is definitely more. When coming home from the summer I had a lot of trouble even filling a suitcase, even with gifts. I ended up jamming a huge pillow in my luggage just to prevent everything from flying around. All you really need is a couple pairs of clothes, maybe 2 pairs of pants (1 khaki, 1 jeans), and I like to bring deodorant, shaving cream, razors and my basic laptop crap. If you're running around all the time needing to move a bunch of stuff, it really sucks. Try to just use one suitcase. Of course, if you're big and tall, or have big feet it changes the clothes/shoes aspect.

[therock]

[dog8food]

Really appreciate the tips. I agree on the less-is-more strategy, as I've backpacked a few countries this way. I've just never tried "settling down" in a place like China, plus I want to make sure I have the correct documentation should I find a job.