Job Discussion Forums

Travelingman · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 33

What is an appropriate time to have your prospective employer wait to give him or her a definite yes?

I feel like a so-so offer is going to be made soon. The letter says
20 hours,
10-month contract,
4500 RMB, RT airfate,
Housing in Shanghai at Shanghai Normal University.

The tone of the letter says: Don't try to negotiate additional
terms. Someone on this board told me it is not centrally located but
20 minute bus ride away from the Subway.

I have teaching experience and an MBA. I would like to be able to keep looking for other Uni jobs that start in September. What is the best way to delay a decision? AND for how long can I reasonably do it for? Comments appreciated.

Thank you. Very Happy

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

If you don't like the terms, feel free to tell them so! Come july, most unis will be scrambling to find teachers and you would have your pick of jobs!

Travelingman · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 33

I appreciate your comments. This type of information is invaluable to me.

Very Happy

Katzwyl · Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 54 Location: In Guangzhou

I have never been to shanghai, but isn't 4500rmb to little to survive in such a big westernised city?

also, I asked the potential employers when the offer expires. Most gave me a couple of weeks. Though over the last month, I've been going through finals, so I told them so and they said I can take longer if I wanted.

It has also been suggested to me that it's not unusual to say 'yes' to several jobs and then back out about a month before your start date to give them time to look for another FT. I thought this unethical, but that is by western standards, we're dealing with China now.

Hope it helps. Smile

Travelingman · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 33

Aren't you required to sign a contract, send passport, etc upon saying yes. Confused

Guest · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:46 pm Post subject:

I definitely think 4,500 is too low for 20 teaching hours per week in Shanghai.

The cost of living is more expensive in Shanghai than it is here in Zhangjiagang. I only get 3,500 but then again I only teach 10 hours per week also.

That is not a good offer based on the amount of teaching hours and the fact that you will be spending more on a daily basis just to live.

I would hold out for more like 6,000 per month in Shanghai if I were you.

Katzwyl · Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 54 Location: In Guangzhou

I was told by someone on this forum that the contract is not binding until it is signed in China. I have sent a scanned copy of the information page of my passport and resume, etc. even before I was offered anything. Some schools have wanted it before they offered me a job.

Nevertheless, I have said yes to one job, but have seen no contract and haven't heard from them since as we're all just waiting for me to get there in August.

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

4500 is NOT low, but 20 hours a week is HIGH.

Shanghai is even recruiting middle-school teachers whom they will pay RMB 3500 a month plus housing and food. I repeat: 3500 a month.

Don't be fooled into believing you can choose better paying universities later in the year; there always is a huge number of applications for jobs.

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

Kurochan · Joined: 01 Mar 2003 Posts: 944 Location: China

I got an offer from East China Normal University saying my salary is 7,500 a month -- but WAIT! I'll only receive 4500 because the rest is the housing "fee" for the "free" apartments. What's the deal with that?

That's REALLY low!

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

See the post I made in the other thread on this. Generally, though, 7500 is very good money for a university. Usually they only offer around 4000 and house you free, even in Shanghai (as Roger notes).

ECNU is pretty cutting edge, so I suspect your terms and conditions represent a new trend in universities. More base pay, but on-campus housing isn't free. If you think of it like this, it's a pretty good deal especially as there are loads of cheap places to rent in outlying districts that most foreigners don't try.

Even so, renting can be an extra hassle though as you may have to deal with landlords and neighbors who hold grudges against laowai. On-campus housing at least removes this factor, but your local Chinese friends are the best source to help iron out the rental kinks.

Steve

Travelingman · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 33

Is it safe to assume that in Shanghai, public Universities will not negotiate given the high deand for this electrifying and sought-after city? One can not ask for let say 1000 RMB more or fewer hours?
Thanks guys (and girls). Your comments are worth a lot to me.

Very Happy

Clancy · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 162

Shanghai Foreign Affairs Bureau is now setting uniform salary rates and refusing to issue Expert Certs if the accompanying contract does not comply. The schools can not even deviate in the teaching periods.

The only flexibility left to the public schools is the overtime pay.

The public schools can not negotiate. That is now a fact.

Private schools and corporate training companies are not so limited yet, but their work is usually evenings and weekends.