Job Discussion Forums

[horse_chick]

Hi guys

First of all, I've been browsing through this site for a couple of days and I love it! So much to learn about the opportunity that is teaching english...

Anyway, I've been trying to find some information on timelines, and I can't. (maybe it's because I'm searching wrong )

Here's my situation: I'm in school until March 31st (but have my degree), then I'm off to the UK with my mom for a trip in April. I plan to stay at home for the month of May while I get everything in order to leave for overseas. I've been getting my resume adapted for foreign readers, looking at lesson plans (I've taught before, but not languages), etc. The problem is, I've noticed that many job ads are for very soon starts (ASAP, march, and so on). Since I don't plan on leaving until June, when should I seriously start looking at jobs? right away, or can I relax a little and work on school and the job and my upcoming vacation (a new thing for me....been in school too long )???

I'm not sure where I'll end up teaching... I'm currently drifting between Japan and Korea (and yes, I will likely be posting a similar thread in the Korean job forum once I'm registered). I've registered with one recruiter so far (Footprints, anyone heard of them? They seem cool...) but otherwise haven't put my name out there yet.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,
thanks a bunch
nic

[lajzar]

How early to apply really depends on the country. Generally, it is good to start about 3 months before you plan to arrive. If you cannot start immediately, state clearly when you are available for work.

Personally, I would avoid recruiters for Korea. The schools that go through recruiters generally do so because their own name and reputation is so bad that they couldn't get anyone; sensible people will do some basic research first.

[Guest]

Hi

I have been told one more than one occasion, that in China, they prefer not to start looking at you until you are about two months away from arriving. So, I would start applying between two and three months prior to your intended arrival, if I were you.

If you wish to ask any questions, feel free. I have only been here in china for nearly 6 months, but I am happy to try and reply to your questions.

[email protected]

[shmooj]

IMO, you really can't have too much time to prepare. Once you have a date, you'll be amazed how time flies and how much there is to do to get ready.

I would also say this: there are so many jobs out there and so many reasonable offers all the time that there is bound to be a good job for you at the time YOU want to go. Don't be pressured by a job to leave earlier than you feel are ready. Set an "earliest start date" deadline and be strict with yourself about this. Then apply for jobs that are starting from that date on.

Many jobs also have a short start time because they expect people already in the country to apply and they don't have hassles setting up visas etc.

[Roger]

You haven't told us what kind of school you are envisaging; language training mills hire throughout the year, but public schools have fixed terms, usually semesters.
May is not the hiring peak season at public schools; try in August again, to be employed in September.

[Glenski]

As Roger notes, it depends on what type of school you intend to apply for. In Japan, the school term begins in April, but that's for regular institutions like universities, elementary schools, and high schools. If you are interested in conversation schools (eikaiwas), they hire practically anytime.

[naturegirl321]

It depends on the school or organisation. International schools, VSo or the Peace Corps might want you to apply up to a year in advance.

For the most part, I think three months is good. Don't look for jobs too far in advance, because your plans and the schools' plans may change.