Job Discussion Forums

[askiptochina]

I have been talking to several recruiters recently, and the response is the same.

"We don't have any Beijing offers, but we have ____." They usually add something about being near water or fresh air to "spice" up the deal.

One recruiter offers me a Tianjin job, because 1) They know I want to go to Beijing, 2) Tianjin is near Beijing

After explaining to them I don't want a Tianjin job, they set up an interview on Skype. I assume this is with another school which is in Beijing.

I get on Skype and find out it is the same school in Tianjin. After that, the recruiter and I argued a bit and they said "Clients are GOD" and that I have a responsibility.

Does anyone know of 1 recruiter that doesn't lie in China? I am making alternate plans to leave China if this crap continues.

[Lister]

By using their service aren't you also a client ? I guess what they really mean is he who pays them money is their god.

[lee_barttwater]

You are using a recruiter why exactly? Until you make yourself god in the business relationship, you'll always be fooled.

[dog backwards]

There are many jobs in China. Beijing is a popular destination, so the competition is stiff.

You are under no obligation to accept any offer. Consider the possibility that the school in Tianjin is a good one, and that your credentials meet the school's needs.

I don't think that anyone has lied to you. It seems more as if the school in Tianjin you wants to persuade you to come to teach. You are free to decline. No harm done.

It is popular to demonize recruiters. Admittedly, there are some absolutely horrible ones whose unscrupulous methods have been substantiated and well-documented. Those kinds of recruiters are a minority.

If it is your intention to come to China NOW, then your frustration is understandable, but possibly unwarranted. Those who spend ample time studying the marketability of their skills as well as the job market itself are more likely to have satisfactory job placement experiences.

"...I get on Skype and find out it is the same school in Tianjin. After that, the recruiter and I argued a bit and they said "Clients are GOD" and that I have a responsibility..."

Something has been lost in translation here. You are the recruiter's potential client. The school is the recruiter's potential client. You have no responsibility to either.

If you need a resource for job leads and reliable recruiters, PM me. I don't think Dave's ESL Cafe wants members to hawk recruiters in the forum.

I'm on my third school in China. The first recruiter apologized to me for placing me in what she thought was substandard housing when she came to HELP ME get settled in. (The apartment was pretty good).

The second recruiter helped me get work for the summer.

The third recruiter was very helpful. When I declined one offer, she asked, "Are you sure? It's a pretty good school and the accommodations are great."

I bit.

I am now working in at a public college, drawing a MUCH better wage than folks who work at nearby universities who possess similar qualifications, and I am living in an apartment which, by most standards, would qualify as way above standard anywhere in China. I work six hours per week. No office hours.

Whether you use a recruiter or not, you will have to do your homework, make many inquiries, and ask a lot of questions.

[mike w]

[dog backwards]

[Guerciotti]

[dog backwards]

[Zero]

You have to understand and accept what recruiters are. It is a sales job, 100 percent commission. They're paid by the school. Whether they're good or bad people, who knows, I'm sure there are some of both. Even when they're good people, they're fundamentally not working for your interests. Much like a car salesman or any other type of salesman: not necessarily evil, but also not necessarily honest and definitely not your friend. If you feel that you need a recruiter because you can't find enough opportunities to apply for, then use one, but understand what you're getting into.

When people say they were lied to by a recruiter, I'm reminded of the parable where the guy picked up the snake and was terribly surprised to receive a bite to the ribcage. "Knew ye not what I was whenst thou picked me up?"

[Guerciotti]

[Priesty]

When I was searching for jobs, it seemed like most schools were using some kind of recruiter. I felt this way about most university jobs. I believe the recruiter that got me my current job was really good, but like others said it depends on the recruiter.

[dog backwards]