Job Discussion Forums

ryandem · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 17

Two years ago I applied for jobs in China and with in 24 hours I had about 8 different school emailing me contracts. I taught for 6 months, had a great time, and returned to Canada. I am now planning another stint in China, this one longer, at least a year.

Problem is, I have been applying for the same type of jobs as last time, but no schools have gotten back to me at all. I understand that September is a long time away. I was just wondering if the job situation would have changed alot in the last year and a half.

Any thoughts?

saint57 · Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:52 am Post subject:

I would say that you shouldn't worry at all. I can't really explain the difference though. Maybe last time it was all recruiters or something. Jobs in China are still a dime a dozen. The trick is to find the right job.

jester · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 111

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

The schools are probably not responding simply because you are applying too early. The Chinese always seem to do things at the last minute. Your E-mails will be in their inbox waiting until the time is right, but by then there will be newer E-mails, leaving yours to be forgotton about. Unless of course you are dealing with an agency, who would E-mail you always.

In some rare cases, you may contact a school who knows the value of a good teacher, and knows how difficult it can be to find one. This happened to me last year. These schools are more likely to plan in advance. But good luck finding one.

I would say don't worry, just keep sending out those E-mails, if you get no reply, send them a new one.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

Have you looked at the job offerings boards? Tons of schools are advertising for September start dates (and a few for RIGHT NOW! ASAP! hee-hee!). My advice/opinion is to start now and continue until you get a response from one you think you'll like. I'm a big proponent of planning ahead and getting all your ducks in a row as soon as possible.

ryandem · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 17

Thanks, I will keep sending the emails.

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

The demand most definitely no longer is as high as it used to be; nuermous job offers in the past doesn't mean these jobs were yours for the taking either - they used to address just about anyone they could; these days many employers have long lists of would-be employees.

Even 5 years ago a single vacancy advertised at Dave's would attract up to 300 applications. The employers soon found out they can save advertising yuan and still be quite choosey in who they accept.

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

ryandem · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 17

Well, I guess I was just getting scared that there was no repsonce after a few days. Now my email is littered with job offers. I just wanted to have options, and now I do. I am sure that many FAO do look upon leaving China after only 6 months as a negative thing, but that was how long m contract was for and that is what I wanted to do at the time. I have a great reference from my former employer, so I guess that helps.

Thanks to all who have posted.