Job Discussion Forums

maj0915 · Joined: 04 Feb 2013 Posts: 61 Location: China

Hey everyone, I arrived here in China last month on a six-month contract, which I'm really enjoying so far; my job is great, love the apartment, etc. However, I also want to look into other jobs for the Fall just to make sure I consider all of my options. As the primary hiring month seems to be March/April, I wanted to send my CV around, but my current FAO doesn't feel comfortable giving me a recommendation at the moment because I only arrived last month.

I understand where he's coming from, of course, but I'm also wondering what impact this will have on my ability to get other jobs here. I do have a reference letter and number from the director of the school I worked at in the US, but as this is the most recent one, I'm admittedly a bit nervus about how not having a reference from my current job may impact the job search.

Part of the appeal of a six-month contract to me is the flexibility it allows me in terms of exploring China, trying out new jobs, etc. without worrying about being stuck at a job I don't like for too long. Is this something that would prevent me from finding a job during the hiring season for Fall 2014?

doogsville · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 924 Location: China

If your only sending a CV round at the moment, you don't need the letter of recommendation. You would likely have to provide it prior to an interview or even signing the contract. What references did you provide for your current job? Use them. Your CV will make it obvious that you've not been teaching in China for very long, so any interest you get from prospective employers will be based around that anyway. Your current employer should give you a recommendation letter at the end or your current contract, or maybe a bit sooner if you're not staying. Just get your CV out for now and take care of the other paperwork when you have an offer.

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

If you get a job in the same province, you'll need something called a release letter. Your employer is obliged to give it to you, but that doesn't necessarily mean they will.

I'm sure potential employers would like you to have that release letter now, but it would probably be enough if you can assure them that you'll get it before you leave your current job. The problem will be that if your contract is up in August, you'll may still need to sign your contract with the Uni or new school by June at the latest, (before they go on holiday). The fact that you're already in China will become more of a selling point after 3 months rather than 1. Is employers get your application now they may wonder why you're trying to leave your job after 1 month. I appreciate that's not the case, but unless there's a school you have your heart set on, maybe you don't need to rush. I don't think the primary hiring season is March / April. It's usually a bit later than that when schools find out who's staying and going.

Also, if you are happy where you are, you should be careful about souring the water where you are by saying you might wish to leave. The whole 'considering your options' thing might not be so clear to your employer.

References or a recommendation as such probably won't be all that important.

In short

1. This shouldn't be a problem
2. This is China so any information or assumptions might be wrong.

drjtrekker · Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Posts: 251

Release letter will be required at Uni's.
Don't know about what VIKE said...regarding being in the same province.

At least I have not heard this from our HR.
They tell me that Gov't is becoming more strict, and will enforce this, as well as the rule against 'outside' employment. If caught, now we will be terminated.
'new' official rule for Liaoning.

Anyone else hear this for your area, or from your UNI?

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

Since '09, my experience in Jiangsu has been that a letter of release is required within the province and if one intends to move to a school in some other provinces. Unfortunately, I can't recall which other provinces require incoming FTs to present a letter of release. I've worked only in Jiangsu.

Your mileage may vary.

Same with working on the side. In 2011, I got a good scare when I began working on the side. I assumed that the FAO was okay with it, but she wasn't. Someone made an inquiry into my activities, and I had to drop my work pronto. Because one of the very same jobs was turned over to one of the other colleges in the city, I think it may have been competition for income. I can't be sure. Word among the other FTS at the other colleges and universities was that it was strictly forbidden by the provincial government.

If in doubt, ask someone in a position of responsibility such as one's FAO. You may even want to contact the City FAO to find out about working and the situation regarding release letters. (The City FAO is a good person to get to know. If something goes sour, he/she can sweeten things if you are a known and appreciated quantity. If you attend city-sponsored activities, you'll probably see or even be introduced to the City FAO. Get her card).

I don't know which was the case; it was made very clear that I was to accept no outside work, and I was not even allowed to volunteer. (Strangely enough, the FTs at my school were asked by the school to be judges at an English contest for free. We invoked the no work directive because it was not part of the curriculum and the provincial government frowned upon it. From then on, they asked teachers from other schools to take part in these extracurricular activities).

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

fpshangzhou · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 280

Isn't it funny how unpredictable things are here in China? One minute they are wining and dining you and next minute they are telling foreigners they can't do this or that. I guess as long as it's to benefit their agenda, it's all good for them...oh well :/

It's best to stick to your guns and don't do them extra favors, and if you do privates, don't advertise or promote business anywhere near your school, nor advertise to privates where you work.

Regarding the reference & release letter, make sure you try to get both and have your HR person stamp it with their company red seal, because I just went through the mess with my new school. Thinking optimistically or naive, I believe most employers would oblige you by providing you such documents as it's not such a big request.

Cheers,

Aaron