Job Discussion Forums

[rayecyeb]

A quick newbie question:

I applied for a job and received a reply stating that I must be available to start 'immediately'. Tbh, I'm a little surprised to get what amounted to a very positive message from the school, they seem very keen, almost too keen. So my question is: is it unusual to have a job offer that pretty much means you need to be there in 2-3 days?

[fluffyhamster]

It isn't that unusual for jobs to require (and presumably have been originally advertised as requiring) an immediate or ASAP start, if candidates are available for interview and can start work without delay (e.g. you as a UK citizen should be able to get over to Europe and start work pretty quickly); certainly, such adverts aren't so unusual in Japan. But of course, don't be rushed into things (there may be a "good" reason why they have found themselves short-staffed at short notice!), and there is the risk that any employer who is "forced" to hire just "anybody" (rather than their "ideal") might not want to keep you on for long even when you do a good job - they could later decide to cut you loose at their leisure.

[Jetgirly]

When I was in Barcelona I got a job offer in Italy on Wednesday, accepted on Thursday, flew out on Saturday night, arrived Sunday morning and started work on Monday. I didn't find an apartment until three weeks later. It was tough.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Two possible explanations:

1. Somebody walked out on them or got fired and their staffing is so low that they can't get anyone to cover to allow for more time.
2. They knew they needed a new employee but nobody got around to advertising, assuming that somebody else would do it.

In any case you should find out from them what is required of you in terms of material development and lesson planning.

[Glenski]

So, you didn't ask the employer and he didn't tell you what it means? Hmmm. Just wasted time, I feel.

Also, are you in that country or city? What exactly was their "positive response"?

And, no, it is not all that common for places to want people "immediately" unless there was an emergency leave for good or bad reasons.

[robertokun]

I've made the mistake of taking those kinds of jobs. It happens a lot nowadays, depending on where you're working/looking for work. Even if you get lucky and get an immediate start position that turns out to be a good job, the transition is likely to be rough, as Jetgirly pointed out. I wouldn't rush into anything if I were you. If they're desperate to hire, it's generally not a good sign.

[naturegirl321]

It's yesterday. I applied for a job like that. on one day. they called me at 3am that night and asked if I could fly out the next morning! Another explanation. The teacher they hired, never showed up.