Job Discussion Forums

[greenwillow]

My husband had A LOT of cross-cultural experience when in law enforcement for 9 yrs. However, would this be undesirable on a CV for a job in China? Don't want anyone hesitant to hire him because of some Chinese perception of American police (at least, if it's a BAD perception!) Would it be better to leave it off, even though some of the experience is definitely applicable?

[MartinK]

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[Minhang Oz]

As one who shortlists CV's for further consideration by my employer, I'd suggest you stick to what is directly applicable to the job you're applying for. In your case this is probably going to be your English teaching [especially ESL/EFL] qualifications and experience. All else is peripheral and distracting. A "padded" resume makes me wonder why the writer is making such an effort to impress. A good and highly relevant reference is useful.

As for a law enforcement background, useful as it may be, I'd keep it to myself. American cops are not regarded as models of racial tolerance anywhere in the world. They're probably no better or worse than police anywhere else, but that's not the perception. Many Chinese know of Rodney King.

[greenwillow]

That Rodney King perception is what I am afraid of.....although my husband is not that way at all. My husband had some very valuable training & and experience in a type of ambassadorial role to several cultural groups in our town and actually had some training as a result that would be very relevant on his cv. We may just leave it off.
Perhaps we could at least threaten our students with it once he's employed and ensure good behavior??

[aaronschwartz]

[aaronschwartz]

You might consider including something about teaching experience!!!!

Or, what about teacher training?? Or, what about ESL training? Got anything like that laying around you could throw in?

Since in another post you advocate threatening and intimidating as a teaching tool, you may also wish to include a little educational background.

Just a thought.

[Wolf]

[greenwillow]

Well, I may be a newbie, but I *did* understand that this - - indicates a joke!
As for college and TEFL degrees/certificates, we do not wonder whether to place that on our CV so therefore that is not the question. I refuse to submit our credentials for your approval. I have seen the endless arguments on this forum regarding credentials and refuse to throw my hat in the ring for either "side". It is a waste of time and energy, and completely nonproductive. I am sorry you are so quick to assume the worst.
As for "our" students, I have ALWAYS considered my husband's students to be mine also. It is not unusual for us to have students over for family events. If we go to China, we fully intend to have students in our home for meals, English corner, outings, etc.
As for relevant experience on the CV, I consider our life experience MUCH more helpful than our college for teaching, although the TEFL is practical. My husband's on-the-job experience was immensely relevant, thus the question at hand.
Since I TEACH my own children at home now, we hope to be able to get by in China with only one of us working a full-time job. If necessary, I can also take a position but we hope to avoid this since homeschool is quite a full-time job in itself.
Thank you so much to all of you who have helped me on this topic!
I am going now to change my quote in my profile.........it has been taken much too seriously

[beerdang]

I am not a ESL teacher. But I used to be a student.
How about love and passion being part of your qualifications?

I don't think everyone here has it.

[aaronschwartz]

Now the question is, Why would anyone want to catch flies? Or was that just a statement of your low opinion of and an insult to the people in this forum?

And about the part concerning bringing the Chinese kids to your home, boy are you in for some culture shock!

Don't you know it is all just one big joke?????

Good luck and welcome to destruction derby with Chinese characteristics.

And then there is the little problem that many of us here do the pre-screening of applications for our employer and well, you are on some lists and those lists are attracting flies ........

[AKA]

At my school an FT applicant will need a BA, TESOL experience and preferably a qualification in ESL/EFL to even be considered. Most of the local teachers at this place get more than 3000 a month. Green Willow should raise her sights a bit. Accepting low paid positions [unless you really are unqualified to teach English] just keeps salaries down there where employers like them.
As for students in your home; the right students are a pleasure. Others will disable your computer, steal your DVDs, and read your mail. No, it hasn't happened to me, and it won't, but be wary, and leave misty eyed ideals at home.

[greenwillow]

Aaron,
I guess we will just have to take our chances with you screening us off your "list". Maybe it would be best if you did.

[aaronschwartz]

greenwillow once again you have jumped! I put you on my list!!

I think it will be great theatre watching your nice family destruct in China and remember that I told you so!

You may not appreciate what I have said now but there will come a day.

[greenwillow]

How do you *know* my family is "nice"??

[David Bentley]

Hi greenwillow; I like your quote about catching flies. It is true that honey is better then vinegar, and I agree that with plenty of practise, you may catch flies with chopsticks. All the best to you and your family in your adventure to china! Give it your all, give it your best, and be careful. Take care! David +