Job Discussion Forums

[EFLing my life away]

I've been offered a job in Saudi Arabia without being interviewed. The job offered came directly from the company and not a recruiter. Are job offers without any form of interview the norm?

Also, I have some questions about employment letters. I've been teaching for over 14 years (in various countries), and obviously do not have letters (and probably can't get them from places I taught in over 10 years ago.) However, from what has been said on this forumn in other posts they seem to be expected for every job ever done.
So, first what should be in an employment letter (vs. a standard Western reference)?
Second, how far back do you need to go with them?
Third, should I presume my employer will change their offer if I don't have them all? Or just pay me less on arrival?
Fourth, (and most importantly) how usual is it to get a job offer without an interview first?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

[nomad soul]

[Deeman15]

It happens. Make sure you check out the company, but its definitely not rare or unusual, and it doesn't necessarily mean its a scam or horrible job.

[bertonneau]

Run! Run! Run!

[CANDLES]

What company and what university will you teaching at? And how did they get hold of you? Was it a random email or did you apply through a Tefl website?

If it was a random email then obviously-No. I say this because I had one of those and it sounded way too good to be true.

If it is through a Tefl website, then fine.

[McBrainiac]

I have to agree here. I think that when you are being interviewed, you are also checking your employer out. In every instance that I had bad interviews over the years, I had bad vibes coming from the person on the other end of the skype video/phone call. Reflecting back, I have to feel that I dodged bullets by not getting hired by these folks. What does it say about an employer who cares so little about hiring decisions that they are not even willing to take the time to talk to you? I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole!