Job Discussion Forums

desertmonkey · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 25

Hello guys,

I went to an interview in London for the position as an Aramco Teacher more than 3 weeks ago. I was told then that Aramco normally take 2-3 weeks to make up their mind (and prepare the contract) after an interview, but I haven't heard anything from them until today.

Has anyone here applied for a similar position and heard anything ?
Has anyone here worked , or heard of what it is like to work at one of the Aramco Training Centres ?

Thanks very much in advance for all your input.

desertmonkey · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 25

Hi there,

It seems that the Americans have received their Aramco Trainer contracts.
Are there any British here who have received theirs ?
I've heard that the Aramco prefers US nationals and I'm now beginning to doubt if they will be offering me the post. BTW I applied for teaching Computer Science and not ESL ( I have a BSc & TEFL plus 6 yrs experience in teaching IT). I received the job offer in 2001 ( Aramco via Algahtani) which I had to decline, and the offer came within 3 weeks of the interview.

It's now been over 4 weeks since my interview but I still don't know whats happening. I've emailed the contact person but he hasn't responded . Last time we spoke was 12 days ago when he told me the results were due very soon. Would they normally inform the unsuccessful ones after an interview, at least as a goodwill gesture ?

I have another job offer in Jeddah but of course they can't hold the offer forever and want me to sort the paperwork ASAP as Im due to start early Sept.

Any suggestions? Should I assume I was unsuccessful ?

PeterBar · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 145 Location: La France profonde

Desertmonkey,

I'm pretty much in the same situation as you, although my last contact with the recruiter was at the beginning of this week.

I was asked to be patient as a reply was imminent.

desertmonkey · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 25

Hi again

Heard from the UK recruiter today, good news to ESL teachers - the results/contracts should be out today.

As for Computer/Chemistry/Maths teachers like me, there seems to be another 3 weeks delay, with no explanation as to why.... what a mess!

I initially thought those dealing with Aramco should be relatively more efficient . Well, well.... once a Saudi, always a Saudi I guess.

desertmonkey · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 25

Hi there,

I might sound desperate, which I am to a certain extend as I need to get on with life with the best possible job prospect in Saudi.

I'm still deciding on whether to wait for the Aramco job or not. I dont want to sign another contract and if 2/3 weeks later the Aramco job offer comes , I might then feel regret. Nevertheless, I have a strange feeling that Aramco may have recruited enough Americans ; and that me and those in the same boat as me are just being asked to play a waiting / psychological game which may or may not be fruitful . After all recruiters gets paid based on the number of teachers they recruit. We may just be asked to wait so they could get maximum gain.

So for those with 6th sense, good psychological skills, or a mind reader.....

When a UK based recruiter tells you

"We have not heard from Aramco, on your specific result . We have heard "generally" that there is a delay on offers probably up to another 3 weeks. We are extremely sorry for this delay. Meanwhile if you do take another job, it will be Aramco loss. We will keep you informed as soon as we hear specifically on your application".

What do you feel it really means ? Especially the bit " it will be Aramco loss" . Doesn't this sound rather odd to you? Or do you think they are being truthful and I am just winding myself up ?

DesertMonkey

jonks · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 1240

Sounds like they are trying to stall; they might need you in case one of their selected recruits drops out at the last minute. Start looking for work elsewhere is my advice.

biffinbridge · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 701 Location: Frank's Wild Years

I too have received all of those messages recently,(I'm in the UK).
Like u I have a backup that's definite and a poker in the fire with BAe.Don't know what to do as I'm outta cash for the first time in years.
I personally think that they've recruited enough Americans and or are waiting for people who have received an offer and have asked for higher salaries.It could also be that loads of people in personnel are still on holiday and the bureaucracy has got messed up.
Dunno what to do really.

Anytime now · Joined: 29 Apr 2005 Posts: 59

Yes, and they ARE giving in a bit on higher salaries, some to the tune of $3,600-$5,400 USD more annually, so as things go forward, it will certainly take some time. ASK FOE MORE now, as you are in a position to do so. Add their great need for qualified instructors along with the challenging current circumstances in this region and they are going to be up the creek if they do not bring on a significant number of new instructors, or should we say, the instructors will doing more than the required 25 hours weekly with the lack of instructors?

By the way, is BAe waiting to hire until the last minute as well? How many more instructors do they need? If you would care to share the salary they are offering, I'm sure that would be of interest to all in this forum.

Good luck to you,
Anytime Now

biffinbridge · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 701 Location: Frank's Wild Years

got told,(from the horse's mouth), that aramco hired a lot of people from twcs...much cheaper.uk op waiting for the crumbs.

PeterBar · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 145 Location: La France profonde

twcs ? ? ?

third world ........... speakers ? ? ?

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 5:12 pm Post subject:

I agree with Jonks.

The emal you got from Aramco contains classic stalling language. They are not committing to you at all, but don't want to give you a definate 'no' as they may need you if someone can't get a visa or drops out at the last minute, whatever.

Do yourself a favour and start looking for another job. It's already August and already extremely late in the day to start the extensive paperwork required for a Saudi work visa.

desertmonkey · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 25

I can relate to what Jonks and Cleo are saying and I am going ahead with another job. However I will not be completely surprised if the offers are to be made to teachers who are still waiting to hear , in the next week or two . Yes, the new term is starting in a couple of weeks. Nevertheless I was told by one of the interviewers during my interview that I may not be expected to join the team until after Ramadhan ( end of October) - which probably explains the delay.

But of course, as mentioned, I have other plans in mind.

(btw Pepsi, oops I mean Bebsi, I personally think strong win is the best choice of weather. I mean strong wind.)

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Aramco is a very bureacratic organisation so the delay is not surprising.

Remember that it is August and not much actually gets done in August as most people are on vacation.

If I had the choice between BAE and Aramco I would be waiting for BAE as they are a much better paying gig unless you hold an American passport in which case Aramco pays quite well.

If you are going thru Al Qhataini i don't think they offer multi exit re entry visas which is a major drawback. Jatco offer multis so they would be my preferred contractor for any Aramco position.

crookedcrow · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 10 Location: USA

I have accepted an offer with the HAK group and was told I would be getting a multi-entry/exit visa after a 90 day probationary period.