Job Discussion Forums

[BabyBird]

Meaning is it possible to apply/be hired before the spring semester (Nov or Dec)?

I've gotten formal offers from 2 universities, but due to a family emergency, there's no way I can relocate right now. What are my odds in 5 months? Is this a thing?

[nomad soul]

There's no hard answer to that question; openings may/may not pop up in November/December. You could certainly email one or both of those two universities and explain that you're able to be onboard at the beginning of 2016. Whether they or other direct-hire unis will still have openings at that time is another matter.

[scot47]

I can speak of KFUPM but do not know about other state unis.

Traditionally hiring was for beginning of Semester 1 or Semester 2.

Now there seems to be more flexibility. Apply and see !

[nomad soul]

[balqis]

Explain your circumstances to the two unis that offered you contracts and request a precise with regards to months delay in joining.
Perhaps they simply agree and resolve your problem in one email? Arabs in general are sensitive and sympathetic to family/family health issues, as they, due to vast extended families, experience plenty of such issues in real life.

As well as, it is very late now to start processing your docs for the visa, if you are applying not through an agency/recruiter, but through a direct hire, i.e. you have a lot of docs to attest, so even if you wanted to join at the semester start, a large delay is highly likely anyhow.



balqis

[hash]

It is possible to get hired to start in the 2nd semester as some above postings have suggested.

Remember though, that in some cases, maybe all cases, benefits are "pro-rated" so that, for example, if you begin work the 2nd semester, technically you are not eligible for a full summer vacation or some variation thereof. Also when you leave, your exit bonus (if any) would not include the 2nd semester time in country as it did not constitute a full academic year. Something along those lines.

Of course, if you want (need) a job, these technicalities are of secondary importance but it's important to know they exist, particularly since they will almost never be pointed out to you by your employer.

[scot47]

Yes - I was caught by this "pro-rating" On the bright side you should get full ticket benefits, but on the down side, only half pay for that first summer.

[I-forgot]

Yes, there are universities that hire all year around. First, they have difficulties in getting enough people for the start of the academic year (although with low enrollment this year that might not be an issue?) and then the problem is in retaining those people. I'm sure you've seen the stories of people disappearing on short notice.

I should point out that those jobs do seem to be primarily with contractors rather than direct hires. The direct hires that leave early are usually replaced with teachers from the agencies. EdEx, Al Hussan etc are asked to supply more teachers as the semester goes on.

I should also point out that the above is based on practices at KSU and PNU. Other institutions may be different.

[nomad soul]

[plumpy nut]

The universities most likely have to do some hiring midterm. I wouldn't pursue a midterm hiring, because for every person who's "credentials" causes them to be removed from their post, the university may try to bring over several more teachers, the most suitable or possibly the quickest teacher remaining on the job. The other's well..............after paying and waiting for the visa, don't make it over or possibly get canned and ripped off.

[currentaffairs]

As someone noted and I agree, most of the jobs available outside the normal hiring period will be through the likes of contractors such as EdEx or Hussan. They lose teachers all the time and if you need six months of work they will likely have a slot somewhere..