Job Discussion Forums

buzzing · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 42

I applied to a number of schools in Shanghai and have some responses, not sure what to do, I initially wanted to go there and work soon, but my long term career I want to be in Britain, but I haven't been here long enough to get everything sorted out, and am wondering if or when I will leave or even if I should leave. What do i say to these language schools who are asking me for interviews? I may want the job in the future, I just don't know!

Beyond1984 · Joined: 13 Dec 2007 Posts: 462

"not sure what to do, I initially wanted to go... I may want the job in the future, I just don't know!" -buzzing

Just tell them you don't know if your're coming or going! Embarassed

Seriously, you could try to arrange video interviews, and if a job offer comes through you can either accept it or try to postpone your start date while you sort things out in Britain (or is it England? the UK)?

You'd like the food in China better than English (British? UK?) cookery. Cool

-HDT

buzzing · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 42

Yeah maybe just do the phone interviews, probably on skype, you don't have the job until then anyway right? I just don't know what to say if they say so can you start right away? Shall I be honest and say i have things to sort out in Britain? What to do? I hope the ladies are easier to meet there as well. I am trying to improve my chances of getting on a PGCE (teacher training course), but it is a real uphill struggle, I am running out of money, but want to ultimately be in Britain. I can apply from China, but an't do courses or get the experience which will make my application look good.

Beyond1984 · Joined: 13 Dec 2007 Posts: 462

" I just don't know what to say if they say so can you start right away?" -Buzzing

Even if they send you your invitation letter tomorrow, which you will use to apply for your Z visa, chances are good that they won't expect you to start until after the Lantern Festival, the closing of Spring Festival (2/17). It's more likely that they would suggest a March 1 start date.

If you're running out of money and can't find a job in Merry Ol', it seems that you'd better set your sights on China. And yes, you could probably get a date here. Cool

-HDT

Is there some problem meeting native speaking ladies in England? Confused

If you're not a EU citizen (and particularly if you're from Homeland), your chance of legally teaching English to the English are Slim to None, and Slim has left town. Rolling Eyes

buzzing · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 42

Yeah I am a Brit, so EU. Not much money on teaching English here. But this where I ultimately want to be. I am doing work experience and courses to see what i can do and improve my chances on an application form.

Kysorb · Joined: 30 Jul 2010 Posts: 253 Location: Beijing

Don't come. Stay home.

Your previous posts here show you as a flake.

You wont be able to handle it and you will be running back home within 3 months..

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

If you reveal your hesitancy to prospective employers, it is doubtful they will take you seriously. You might want to come teach on a short-term contract and then return home to pursue your career goals. You just need to be decisive about it. There is nothing wrong with feeling torn. I have been at this for years and am still torn between my home country and China.

"Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans." - John Lennon

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

OP
You entered the job market, have applied and are being taken at your word.
Isn't it time you stood up?
Accept a job if offered. Do the contract and at least you will have something worthwhile in your CV.
Aplogies if this is is a flame, but we so many grizzles about feckless Chinese employers and little on job seekers of the same ilk. This thread is one of them.

clownshow · Joined: 19 Dec 2010 Posts: 181

buzzing · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 42

Well China is not my long term goal- that is here in the UK, just wanted to go to make some cash and apply from there. of course being here is better for my applications- can do more appropriate courses, experience etc- china would just be for the cash and ladies and adventure- no real long term plan. Shall I do the interview anyway?

clownshow · Joined: 19 Dec 2010 Posts: 181

I did and ended up with a job from a British School, under a British contract. What started as a simple inquiry to satisfy my curiosity became long term employment.

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I agree.
There is nothing that you could learn from a China experience except maybe exposure to a different culture in a country that is the fastest growing economy in the world, ability to perform no matter what, because your students expect it, language skills, working alongside colleagues from other countries as an expat and I suspect just being employed.
Nope! Can't see a single thing that would be of use when applying for a job in UK.

buzzing · Joined: 25 Nov 2010 Posts: 42

Well anyway, what do I tell these companies who I sent my CV to? I want to stay in with them cos in the future I may want to go there, maybe next month, maybe two months maybe next year I don't know. But I think keeping a good relationship is important. Shall I just do the interviews and inquire about the job. Is that worse if i do that then reject them or delay things than telling them something by e-mail now. I can't keep ignoring their mails!

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

Be upfront and tell them you need some time and would they please consider you in the future? If they go through the bother of interviewing you and then you back out, they'll think you aren't taking them seriously and they'll treat you the same way.