Job Discussion Forums

[madhouseminx]

Wow. That does not bode well for me. I thought I was set for sure with my qualifications...*sigh*. I did get through HCT's screening process as well. The latest email I got stated that when I'd hear from them again would depend upon their immediate needs, which could mean several weeks. Yikes. I'm not feeling very encouraged.

BTW VS, I applied with Teachaway as well and haven't heard anything from them either.

[veiledsentiments]

I fear that there are large numbers of teachers from the US and UK applying. I suspect that those who want to up their chances (for next year... probably getting late for this year) should attend either TESOLArabia or the main TESOL conference. Face-to-face interviews are always best.

VS

[madhouseminx]

I believe TESoL Arabia was in March, and I don't know what the "main" TESoL is that you are referring to. The one in Boston passed already as well.

Unfortunately, I will need a job for this year. Can't imagine not working for a whole year. I would be willing to travel to the UAE for interviews if necessary.

[Eisenhorn]

I would remind all posters here that the HR "system" in the UAE, and it seems particularly with HCT is rather hit or miss.

They may have 1600 applicatns for 25ish positions, but that doesn't mean you will not be contacted.

Right now there is a LOT of flux in the entire UAE tertiary system. So like with many things, it is a lot of rush rush rush, wait, wait, wait.

If you have passed prescreening, then just hold on. Contact HR in abu dhabi and ask about the status of your application.

Right now seems tob e the major hiring time. I know for a fact that HCT didn't take very many folks for interviews at TESOL arabia (I think they interviewed a dozen or so) and they may not know what they are doing for the next year.

[BrownSauce]

I would beg to differ here. I have worked in teacher recruitment, albeit not in the Gulf, and I can safely state that the more 'professional' a school or college is viewed, the more fruitcake applications it gets. Nobody wants to say they work for the Crazy Camel College or School of English, but something like ZU or HCT sounds a lot more impressive!

What I mean here is that, of the 1600 applications mentioned earlier, almost half will be from chancers and other unsuitable types. I used to get applications from teachers of Spanish, French, and even Geography, who thought they could handle teaching EFL - after all, they speak the language as a native, so what's the problem?

Of the remaining 60% you have to bear in mind that they will have made more than one application, and will choose the option that suits them best. So they might apply to work in the UAE when they'd rather be in Qatar, or similar. In other words, the 1600 can swiftly become just a few hundred. Even if there are half a dozen applicants for each post advertised, how many posts have they applied for? If it's six, then it comes down to a 1:1 ratio.

Of course, the bosses like to kid you that there's always a dozen people ready to step into your shoes, but it ain't true, and it represents large expenditure to bring in a new teacher. Moreover, high teacher turnover will not look good to the people who accredit educational institutions, so there is no small incentive for HR departments to treat their staff with the respect that they deserve!

PS: of the 25+ posts that Eisenhorn has mentioned immediately above, bear in mind that many of these are probably multiple positions, i.e. one EFL teacher x 12 at a particular college. The real figure could be as high as a couple of hundred throughout the HCT system.

[bje]

[BrownSauce]

Check with you on that, bje, but I'd also add that the most despicable behaviour I've witnessed here has always come from either the management (expat or Arab) or Arab teachers, some of whom seem to delight in snitching on their colleagues, be they Western or otherwise.

Managers in the Gulf, from both ends of the earth, East or West, are famous for often being spineless and unethical, but it saddens me most to see teachers informing on each other just to win Brownie points.

[bje]

[DIDO]

[veiledsentiments]

It sounds positive, but... my guess is as good as yours. It is only April, but I would feel more confident if you had done the interview too. (there can still be a long lag between interview and offer) Job hunting in the Gulf is an exercise in patience...

VS

[republocrat]

Regarding the number of newbies to be kicking off for HCT next season, my usually reliable sources on 'the inside (ie., behind those razor-wired fences) have informed me that there is budget for only 130 full-timers and ten adjuncts, system wide.

Whether this is good news or not, I have no idea. But it IS precise!

[ckhl]

Last week someone posted the link to this article:


http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100513/NATIONAL/705129837/1019


Now may not a good time to be applying to tertiary institutions in the UAE. A contact at HCT told me that there will be no hiring at some campuses.

[DIDO]

well they didn't contact after the all thumps up, and I don't know how and whom to contact to see whats going on.... keep thinking no news good news ..

[bje]

[veiledsentiments]