Job Discussion Forums

littleme · Joined: 09 Nov 2003 Posts: 5

hI! I have a phone interview for a teaching job in Italy this week.
Any interviewing tips?
I know, I know, if I don't have a work visa I won't get it anyway, but I'm going to think positive and do the best I can.

Also, my boyfriend is getting dual citizenship in Italy and is living there now. If we get married, would that end up helping my chance of getting a job there?

Thanks! I'm very nervous so I'll be happy to hear any advice! Smile

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

Details please. Where are you? What is your citizenship?

I have heard that if you're from outside the EU and have a grandparent from there you can get 'grandfathered'. I had a colleague in China that had dual Italian/Argentinian citizenship because her grandfather was born in Italy.

littleme · Joined: 09 Nov 2003 Posts: 5

I am in the US and have American citizenship

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Be yourself and be honest

dyak · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 630

Imagine you're an actor going for a part in a play - that should give your voice enough ham to be confidently convincing.

Make sure your potential boss doesn't own any horses - lot of cowboys in Italy, I hear.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Being positive is the first step, so that`s good.
Emphasize your strong points and elaborate on their questions. You won`t make much of an impression if your answers are short.
Give detailed info about your teaching experience (hopefully you have some).

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Has your partner considered his possible liability for military service in Italy?

Shenyangerry has it half-right. Some states within the EU will grant citizenship on the basis of one grandparent having being a citizen. BUT NOT ALL. Nationality laws vary from state to state.

littleme · Joined: 09 Nov 2003 Posts: 5

I have no Italian in me whatsoever (I am Greek) so that is not an option.
Regarding military service, my boyfriend's brother and father also have duel citizenship and were told that the mandatory service time has been changed starting in January of 2003. They were contacted last March regarding this change. They no longer are required to serve.

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

If you are Greek, can you apply for an EU passport through the Greek authorities? Greece and Italy are both in the EU.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Why should she want Greek citizenship. If she marries her boyfriend she gets the work permit anyway.

kattie72 · Joined: 31 Oct 2003 Posts: 49

Even if you marry your boyfriend, you will still have to be resident in Italy for 6 months before applying for citizenship.
I'm not entirely sure of the working rules for U.S citizens (I'm British) but try looking at

www.stranieriinitalia.com

It has a load of info on rules and regulations in Italian and English for people from outside the E.U. wanting to live and work in Italy.

Hope you find it useful and good luck !

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

That's why I suggested the ancestral link to Greek citizenship which might provide an instant EU passport rather than a delay and possible refusal through marriage to someone who's only just got dual nationality himself.
With an EU passport (albeit as a Greek citizen), working in Italy would be easier.

littleme · Joined: 09 Nov 2003 Posts: 5

ok well thanks for the advice guys but i feel like a total fool since i got "stood up" for my phone interview. even though they were the ones who scheduled it and contacted me about the interview, they NEVER called me on the date and time they promised. I emailed them the next day and still have not heard a response. I really feel like an idiot. Sad

johnslat · Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2003 2:59 am Post subject: Idiots first

Dear littleme,
They're the idiots - NOT you.
Regards,
John

kattie72 · Joined: 31 Oct 2003 Posts: 49

Well said, johnslat.

Littleme, keep trying! not all Italian employers are idiots!

At least you found out what this one was like before beeing offered a non-existent job (yes, it does happen...people who arrive here, only to find that the job they were promised never materialises).

I don't know what school this was, but maybe you could try the bigger school associations: Berlitz, Inlingua, British School (not to be confused with British Institutes) who are (usually!) serious and professional. Some will probably have openings as of January.

and again, good luck!