Job Discussion Forums

[lchazl]

Hey there.

I want to be teaching in China in the next few months for a 1 year contract and I am now in the process of searching for the right one.

My question is, what is the standard procedures for applying for a job?

They post the job on a website with a bit of info (pay, apartment, location, hours)
I respond with my resume, photo, ref letter, degree.

What's the rest look like? Do they usually want to talk over the phone or skype, or if they like my credentials do they send me the full contract right away?

Thanks,

Charles

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

Depending on where you are (if you're already in China), they might call you for a short chat. Otherwise if they like you, then they'll reply back by email, tell you that, and send you a contract. you read it, sign it, send it back, They send you the documents for the Z visa, you get the visa, show up at the school, and begin work.

My experience is that if you really like a place, don't ask too many questions. This seems to turn some schools off for whatever reason (they're to lazy to answer them, they might get the impression you're going to cause them trouble etc etc).

[naturegirl321]

1. First, what you�re sending might not be necessary. If they say send a CV and photo, send that. If they don't ask for the other stuff, don't send it. Things might take a while to download.

2. Some places will send you a contract right off the bat, with no interview, nothing. Be wary of that, it's probably because they have probs getting teachers.

Others will try a chat on Skype, I haven't been able to do that, bad internet connection, so they call me. They prefer Skype, it's cheaper.

Sometimes you have to fill out an app, write a lesson plan, or answer some quesitons.

[west2east]

I am an FT Manager and much of what has been described above is what generally happens.

I would never make an offer without speaking with applicants first.

Here are some tips:

Do not sent out a single email to a whole bunch of schools at the same time, it suggests you don't care where you work.

If the advert gives a specific person to get in touch with, do not start your covering email with "Dear Sir/Madam"

Do not ask questions at any stage of the application process where the answer can already be found in the job ad or school website.

Give one or two brief reason why you are apply to a specific school - such as it's location or the age group the school teaches.

All too often the above points are neglected and are a real turn off for the person that has to wade through many applications for a single vacancy.

[Teatime of Soul]

http://middlekingdomlife.com/guide/english-teaching-jobs-china.htm

Detailed guide on exactly how to apply for a job teaching in China including downloadable worksheet.

[evaforsure]

All good advice .. except .. websites often are not updated and much of the information listed my be obsolete and therefore I would question all that is listed on the website to insure it is still valued information...and always verify information from emails...


as far as sending emails to schools.. the drop method of searching for employment can be done on a wide scale basis. but a follow up system of calls should be done to insure the school has received you app....many use the drop call drop... initial letter, call to verify and take the opportunity to discover the openings, then tailor a cv for that job..incl cover letter addressed to the hiring authority, all documents should be sent with this app.....at this time .. it is wise to seek another FT at the school to support the app...if possible...

websites offering advice, many times treat job searches as a procedure that is standardized (it is but only to a minor degree and those procedures are often put into place to aid the hiring authority and not the individual looking for employment), which in my experience is not quite the case....there are many diffrent ways to seek employemnt in china .. and the most successful will not follow any set procedures laid out, but will instead think of new ways to find job possiblities...there are some great paying and worth while jobs in china.. but when everyone uses the same advice..the standouts are those who find new ways to re-make the wheel..

[Teatime of Soul]

Some good advice Evaforsure, except I haven't noticed many substitutes for the wheel.

The problems most FT resumes/application packages have are indeed common, and all are covered in the quite frequently updated website I linked to before.

If you want to stand out in China, you'll do so easily by sending a tailored cover letter free of grammar and typo mistakes, including all the documents the employer asks for, and above all else, showing a bit of professionalism.

That alone will put your application in the top twenty percent, or less of applicants.

Evaforsure is right, there are good jobs out there, especially for those who go above and beyond the full measure. Doing research on your employer's needs, highlighting your additional skills, etc. will catapault you into the top few percent.

[evaforsure]

[evaforsure]

[lchazl]

wow thanks guys for all the tips, that website is very helpful Teatime.

I will take the points you have all said and add a little of this and that to "remake the wheel" =)