Job Discussion Forums

[SandDune]

I've noticed that many job postings ask for references with an application.

First of all, I have no experience teaching yet, so teaching references are out of the question.

Secondly, I've been at the same job for the past 3 years so my current employer would be my most valuable reference. .. however, I do not wish to inform them of my wish to teach English overseas until my plans are more concrete. So I definitely cannot use them for a reference at the moment, leaving me with pretty much no professional references.

So how important are references? If I apply to jobs with no references, will I be ignored? Are references often verified anyway? I'm sure some of you out there have been in similar situations. What creative ways have you got around this dilemma?

Thanks!

[denise]

A CV or application without references might seem a bit odd. What about professors? Contacts from volunteer organizations?

d

[Jetgirly]

I always say that references are available upon request. This is the format that my university suggests BEd students use when applying for jobs in the K-12 school system, so I don't see why it wouldn't be appropriate for jobs in private EFL schools. I worked at two schools (one was a community college) and neither checked my references. In fact, one didn't even interview me and the other offered me the job during the interview. Had I met my colleagues before the interview I would have known that they weren't going to check my references!

[JZer]

I don't think that most language school ask for references. I have four references on my application. Even for university jobs in Korea that ask for references, I would say that only the best school will check your references. If they do check a reference it will be a reference from that country. Not many Korean professors have the confidence to call abroad and ask questions.

[denise]

[White_Elephant]

I recently applied to one university position in a very competitive country. They had an extensive six step process. One of the steps was to include six references complete with email addresses, phone numbers, employment etc. All this before any face-to-face or telephone interview. The website informed me that my references would be emailed immediately with a long questionaire! I'm not going to have six people answer some long questionaire about me unless this is one very spectacular offer. I think it's unreasonable of them to ask for such a request from one who is just an applicant rather than a candidate. I have letters of recomendation and I think that should suffice them. Moreover, just like the OP, I certainly am not going to give them my current employer. That would not be a smart move on my part at this stage in the game, especially since the two countries are at serious odds with each other. My employer might be insulted to say the least.

[MELEE]

WE
Sounds like the hiring committee at that school are trying to narrow the field. Applicants who REALLY want that job will supply the 6 contacts (6 is a little over the top, I think 3 is enough). In the past I've spent time and money interviewing teachers who were really hoping to get another job, got it, then left me having to start the hiring process over again. I try to weed out candidates who are not that seriously interested before I spend the money on an international interview.

[MELEE]

Sand Dune
I think you could put references available on request on your CV, if they like your CV they will say, okay, send us the references so we can follow up on you. That will buy you some time.
Did you do a TEFL course? Your course tutor is a logical reference. And is there a coworker you trust who could be another. Some one you've worked with on some project would be an ideal subtitute for your supervisor. The third could be a professor from university or the director-leader of some organization you are a part of (a church, an environmental action group, etc.)

[Jetgirly]

Denise - That's why I said that once I met my coworkers, it became VERY clear that no references were ever checked! I WANT my employers to check my references, it's one way that they can indicate they take my job seriously. I learned the hard way the first time but I put myself in the same situation a second time when I was offered a short-term, very high-paying job that I couldn't reasonably decline (tuition payments!).