Job Discussion Forums

siano · Joined: 25 Mar 2010 Posts: 13

Hello fellow friends,
Why is it so difficult to find a job in The Kingdom? I have sent out so many emails to schools and language centres in Saudi Arabia to find myself with little success! I'm a qualified Kindergarten Teacher from the UK, I can also teach up to Key stage 2 at Primary level... I have 3 years experience under my belt.. where am I going wrong?? Can anyone help guide me? Do school generally like to employ American citizens only?

Thanks in adavnce for any help.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

There may be a few things you may need to consider.
1. Are you a male or female kindergarten teacher? My guess is that KSA would be more inclined to hire female teachers for -kindergarten. In fact most female Saudis would probably fill those positions before hiring from abroad.

2. Your CV is not up to snuff.... meaning you may need to revamp your approach on paper. How you represent your qualifications.

3. Ethinicty...believe it or not some employers do consider your origin. Or to be more blunt -the color of your skin.

Since no one has commented, thus far...perhaps someone more qualified regarding your situation may now chime in....with more info????

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

There are very few jobs for non-Saudi KG teachers. The big demand is for EFL teachers.

LozExpat · Joined: 13 Jun 2010 Posts: 7

I'm a black British EFL teacher. 4 years exp. Will have MA in TEFL within six months. Looking for a job in KSA next year.

Should I expect my skin colour to be a big problem?

I heard in S E Asia I'd have the same problem but on getting here, I have been sought out by good employers once my work had been observed.

If its a real problem I'd rather know sooner and reset my sights.

Cheers,

Loz

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Ethnicity and skin colour can still be an issue. Be prepared for some problems.

aamnawasif · Joined: 14 May 2010 Posts: 2 Location: riyadh

I hold a masters degree in English linguistics and have two years experience in university as well, I have sent my CV almost everywhere but still no success as I am not a native, just don't know what to do?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Have you tried Uni of Hail ? KSU ?

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 8:32 pm Post subject:

Siano, the better international schools in KSA have extremely high standards for hiring as they pay very well. I'm talking about international schools, often connected with companies like Aramco. They usually hire highly experienced teaching couples, which means you would likely lose out even to a less-experienced KG teacher who is married to a highly experience male teacher of high school chemistry.

The other private schools in Saudi Arabia tend to hire non-Westerners or local-hire wives of men currently working in Saudi Arabia. Both of these groups demand less pay and fewer benefits than a single Western female on her own.

trapezius · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2010 9:49 pm Post subject: Re: Finding a JOB!!!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Siano

You need to make a few more posts to read your personal messages (pm's) I sent you one today