Job Discussion Forums

Don Mario · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 27 Location: Guadalajara, Mexico

I was called by telephone from Hawthorn Muscat to inform me I had a job interview. Great! So to match up with the time difference I had all day to prepare. The interview was on time and was extremely professional. I was told that I should watch my email for the next step. That was a week ago!
What gives? I have never been contacted by phone by any overseas employer or had to wait forever to get a response? Anybody else have a similar expierence? DM

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

In Middle East terms, a week is hardly "forever." Is this for a position now or next Aug/Sept? If it is for the next academic year, it could be anywhere from now to next summer. Whether you have the patience to wait is always the question.

Different employer and country, but I had one job offer in March... and never heard another word from them until late August when they called my mother's house in the US (have no idea how they got the number) and wanted to know where to send the ticket. She informed them that I had taken a job in another country. It always amazed me that they thought I would be sitting by the phone waiting for them in a place that I hadn't lived for 25+ years. Laughing

One must have lots of patience if one wants to work in the Gulf.

VS

Don Mario · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 27 Location: Guadalajara, Mexico

To VS
The job notice was on 3 different sites, including Daves. It said immediately. I can assume for the March to May semester, this year?
Or does immediately mean hurry up and wait for them? They asked when
could I fly out? I said a week. Is that sounding too keen, maybe even
desperate? An employer posts a job, they interview, then nothing?
Or is it Oman way of doing business? DM

Sydney2002 · Joined: 10 Apr 2012 Posts: 55

Oh my goodness-- a WEEK! I'm sorry, OP but that is nothing but a New York minute over here. I know it's frustrating however, especially if you're not used to dealing with Gulf employers. Just be patient. Even if they say they needed you here the day before yesterday, they will still drag their feet in tying up all the ends needed to bring you over.

In my experience, Oman is worth all the frustration though. I'm not sure I'd tolerate this anywhere else BUT Oman to be honest.

All the best!

Whatever will be · Joined: 05 Feb 2014 Posts: 303

It's not unusual to be stuffed around. Get used to it or give Oman a miss.

I was interviewed in October, heard nothing for 2 1/2 months then I followed up myself and was emailed a ticket for the _next_ day. Due to the time difference, I barely made it to the airport within the required 3 hours (for customs, passport control, security checks,...) prior to international flights.

I then arrived in the Omani workplace completely unexpected. The agency had not communicated that I would be arriving. SURPRISE! Laughing

Don Mario · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 27 Location: Guadalajara, Mexico

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You really have to lower your expectations of anything involving speed or efficiency. Forget Western standards because they don't exist in this part of the world. Otherwise you will just be frustrated.

Keep applying for other jobs. I would wait another week or two and then try emailing... or calling if you wish, but things will happen on their schedule... or lack thereof.

VS

Tazz · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 512 Location: Jakarta

The recruiters really don't give a toss as long as they get their cut from the ministries salary + a recruiters fee....not sure what Hawthorn's interview procedure is but MOM colleges interview candidates directly by phone-once they have obtained the candidates phone no from the recruiter......was the OP interviewed 'by' Hawthorn or did he/she have dealings with a college? If you were given the green light after an interview with a Head of Faculty at one of the Colleges this would carry much more weight than being interviewed by one of Hawthorn's recruitment staff.

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:42 am Post subject:

I actually got my job here through Hawthorne and, as others have said, I wouldn't sweat it if it has only been a week. I think, from memory, it was about a week after the interview before I heard back, but don't take that as gospel as my recollection might be a bit hazy. Like veiledsentiments said, I'd leave it for a bit longer and then just send them a nice e-mail asking if you can have an update on what was happening. Good luck!

MuscatGary · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:40 am Post subject:

Hawthorn often advertise without knowing how many teachers they need. This is because the MoHE make them wait for the final numbers until they've recruited directly themselves. When the call does come be ready to move quickly or lose the job.