Job Discussion Forums

flylo · Joined: 29 Oct 2010 Posts: 1

Hi Forum,

I arrived in Saigon two weeks ago, a TESOL qualified, bright eyed and bushy tailed newbie teacher ready to throw myself in and hit the pavement like so many posts on here suggest.

Given my CV in to about 15 different places now and not had much interest so far. The one interview that has come up so far lasted long enough for the HR guy to tell me that they only want experienced teachers (why they needed to call me in to an interview to tell me that...never mind!)

So, my, admittedly long winded, question: is my experience typical of the current job market in Saigon? Are schools wary of newbie teachers?

Any guidance much appreciated!

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Don't worry too much. You're still in the post-Tet slowdown. Things may pick up soon, or maybe not this year. Plus, 15 schools is just scraping the surface in Saigon.

Also, they may say they want experienced teachers, but can't get them or can't get enough of them. Ultimately, if they need someone they need someone. Often it comes down to schedule. They're usually just trying to say "we want to pay you less".

And, in many cases, a lot depends on the school as there are various types.

Anyway, keep at it. Try to find more schools, network, etc

yogurtpooh · Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Posts: 85

You're not Asian are you? Lol

I'm With Stupid · Joined: 03 Sep 2010 Posts: 432

My school has quite a large number of full-time teachers without a full-time schedule atm. I think Tet, combined with the devaluation of the dong and rather epic price rises on certain products have taken their toll. I think it's getting back to normal now though, as classes are slowly by surely resigning.

Andy123 · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 206

Many school admin like to do interiviews to look busy to their peers, pracitce their English and polish their egos. Many have no intent to hire and have little regard for your time.

Welcome to Asia HR style. Workers can be easily replaced.