Job Discussion Forums

[CECTPA]

Several times I've sent an inquiry or some kind of communication to a school and they sent back a contract by way of reply. Is it an offer? The accompanying e-mail does not specify.

Then the correspondence approximates, "So when do you think you'll be able to get here?" (A couple of times a place has taken this tone with me even without having sent the contract) Now I daresay I'm experienced, qualified, and a desirable asset to any school, but this seems strange. There must be something over on this side that I have to do to come in with my papers straight--my highest priority, as I intend to stay for awhile. I'm reading up on that.

The main thing that gives me the creeps is the offhanded pseudo-offer that might or might not be an offer. My instinct is that something's not right. Why might they try to avoid making it clear in writing whether I've got the job or not? Any relevant advice or insight anyone can provide is welcomed. Thanks.

[thrifty]

If it is language schools you are talking about then given the huge turnover and the amount of emails they get from would be teachers who never actually turn up then they will likely employ anyone who turns up in September/October.

Obviously if you are talking about language schools then there is nothing to be done your end as you would be working illegally.

[Freddie Miles]

This sort of thing happens a lot. I suppose it is because Turkish tend to like to do any hiring face to face. I can see where this can bother a newbie trying to sort out the job situation from abroad. On the other hand, it does have some advantages once you are here.

Here is my advice. Look over the contract carefully. Does it say anything about a trial period? A person I know was recently sent a contract in which he was to work part time for the first two months with the understanding that if the management did not like his teaching style, etc. then the contract would be null and void. If you see anything like this, I suggest giving a second thought about that school. Although I can understand why a school would want those kinds of terms, I personally think it is unprofessonal and unreasonable.

At the contract negotiation time, be direct but polite. Don't assume anything and take notes. The British reticence will not help you much. Ask direct questions and keep asking them until you get a direct answer. ( "By signing this contract, does this mean I am now offically and legally a member of the educational staff of BigWig Language school or not? If so, exactly when is the starting date of this contract??") In the worst case scenario, where they simply cannot be straight with you, then seriously consider dropping this school and move on to another candidate. Because, from my experience, if they can't even tell you when you will be starting, the management style will probably not improve much after that.

[Caterinamh]

[CECTPA]

Thanks for the replies.

How likely is it then, since no one officially promised me anything, that I could show up there and everything that looked possible from here has somehow mysteriously fallen through?

That's the only thing I can think of that's worse than staying put. There must be a better way.

[Freddie Miles]

I know this is NOT a very satisfying answer but.. yes, it could happen. It all depends on the place. If it is a reputable school, then it is unlikely. If not, then it could be the first in a series of problems. Remember this from an old sage who has been here for sometime. The human touch is always more effective here.
Now I realise that getting the human touch across from a distance is certainly problematic however you might consider the telephone over the emails. Use the emails to confirm what has been discussed over the phone and also their answers can and probably will be used for future reference. (Especially when you get into that normal panic just before you leave.)
I think you already have the right attitude. And, as I have said in previous posts, think of yourself as a commodity and as a supplier of that commodity. If they are shopping for the best teacher, don't forget you are also shopping for the best school. With this in mind, you could consider it a good thing not signing a contract in advance until you have seen the school face to face!

I might suggest using this forum to get some comments about the school before you commit yourself. If the comments are overwhelmingly negative, then think twice. If it is a mix of postive and negative, then that is quite normal. I don't think I have ever seen a school with only positive comments.

Good luck!

[FGT]

While agreeing with what Freddie has written, I'd like to add my own observations.

Many years ago (13 to be precise), I came to Izmir to look for work. I hawked my CV around most of the language schools and was amazed at how many of them offered me a contract there and then without even really interviewing me let alone asking me to do a demo lesson etc. I had zero experience although I was newly qualified. Of the schools I visited, two were more thorough, eventually, after several interviews etc, I was lucky enough to be offered work at both. They were without doubt the two best schools in Izmir at that time and either of them would have employed me legally, obtaining work permits, residence permit and in every other way honouring the contract that had not been produced at first sight. I have subsequently worked at both of them and have no regrets.

I suspect that Internet applications are somewhat similar. My advice to you would be to avoid the schools that are too keen (?desperate) to employ you, and to only consider schools that ask searching questions of you and that you reciprocate prior to seeing/being offered a contract.