Job Discussion Forums

[richtx1]

... so of course I see the advantages of using these services (specifically that one that charges 1000 USD).

Of course you can find a job on your own (that will within a month or two bring you up to a reasonable standard of living), and your own place to live (within your budget, close to public transit and not requiring either a fiador and/or 2 months rent as deposit... and furnished, etc.), and make arrangements for your work visa. Whether its financially feasible to do so on 1000 USD (not counting whatever time you take off from other economic activities to travel and explore here) is another question.

Or, you can use a placement service.

Some folks are just born lucky and have no problem finding a job, or have the financial resources to take a less high paying position. Some see their Mexican teaching stint as an alternative form of graduate education, and don't expect they'll make even a subsistence income.

Some people want the challenge of exploring their options, and have the financial resources to do so... good for them. I did, originally, but I'm older than most posters here (4, with experience in Mexico and a lengthy resume that guaranteed I'd find employment. If you're fresh out of the university, and your degree does not indicate something immediately marketable (a Teacher's degree at M.A. or higher level, preferably in English as a Second Language), you're going to need an employment strategy to get your foot in the door.

Placement services (and their local contacts) are not perfect, but we do a lot of work. I check out candidate's resumes even after they've been approved by the placement service. Some people have unrealistic expectations, or hear about higher salaries in Mexico City and assume they are qualified to start at those salaries. And... some people will take on faith the bullshit they've been fed by less-than-ethical employers, or employers who sometimes paint a rosier picture of their institute's financial and employment situation than they should.

The placement service I work for has a good record here in Mexico City -- some employers are willing to pay the teachers from that placement service more than their standard starting rate -- and I intend to keep it that way. If a given person really isn't qualified for those 120 peso an hour jobs, I'll tell them... and give them alternatives.

We work hard for the money (which isn't all that much), so you better treat us right.

�Saludos!