Job Discussion Forums

[Joshua2006]

I don't have much experience, if any, but what I also suspect is that if they have enough 'qualified' teachers already in HK, then they will have no real hurry tp process those who aren't here at present but have been accepted by the scheme.

Just a guess though.

[ozman]

Each year in July, many NETS leave the NET scheme permanently so there are always vacancies each year. Also many NETS, at the end of their contract, will change schools.

NETS who are already here and looking for a new school contract are basically in the same pool as those who are applying as first time NETS from overseas. The EDB sends out cv's to schools, but those cv's will be a mix of NETS looking for new contracts and new NETS from overseas.
And NETS who are already here will also apply direct to schools for positions, as do people from overseas. Schools who advertise directly in the SCUMP probably do so because they want someone who is already here and who they can interview in person. A new NET from overseas is more likely to get a position through the EDB rather than direct application.

It's true that some schools might prefer to interview a potential NET in person, and thus opt to look for a candidate who is already in HK however, this is not always the case. There aren't enough NETS already in HK to take up all the new vacancies. Schools do interview by telephone. Don't give up yet. There are still schools looking for NETS and they will HAVE to take them on as new NETS from overseas. Many schools in fact prefer this. They want a "new" NET who doesn't bring any baggage with them from their previous school. I myself, in previous years when looking for a NET contract, have applied direct to schools and not even been given an interview and the job has gone to a new NET from overseas.

Of course there are also schools who want a NET who has some previous experience in the HK school system. It works both ways. I've heard of old hands here who have missed out on getting the school they wanted and the job has gone to a new NET. So basically what I'm saying is that you are in the pool along with NETS already here looking for new contracts. In SOME circumstances, the NETS already here may have some advantage over you, but this is only in SOME cases.

[chime888]

"Ozman" thanks for the time taken to reply and your detailed perspective. Just want you to know it's much appreciated. It clarified the process well for someone like me, who is in the middle of this process.

Thanks again.










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[slaime2960]

[ozman]

Your best bet for a new NET position is with EDB. Keep chasing them re your application.

You can of course go on line to South China Morning Post and apply direct for jobs, but as I said in earlier posting, a lot of the advertised jobs might want someone who is already in HK.

Take care when applying direct. If you just want a NET job, some of the jobs advertised will not be an official "EDB NET" job, and therefore may not have the salary and extra benefits you get with EDB NET job. You could also apply to some of the DSS schools advertised but again, they won't be with the same EDB NET conditions.

[colecold]

Yea Mate. Thanks for that..still some hope aiye!

[slaime2960]

[outkasted_3000]

ozman,

Your posts kept me sane and from freaking out the past week or so, and for that, I thank you.

And, pretty much right on the money, as you said, I was finally contacted by a school yesterday via e-mail. I sent them some extra details immediately and then, within 24 hours, they phoned me. I've just received my "notifying intent" e-mail from the EDB, and I guess I'll be in Hong Kong near the end of August.

For those NOT in Hong Kong, there's hope...I'm in Korea as we speak.

Anyhow, just vouching for Ozman's previous posts...measured, reasonable, and at least in my case, spot on accurate!

Cheers

[slaime2960]

Congrats for getting a job with NET. I agree that Ozman's posts have been very helpful. I thank him for that. I still haven't heard from NET but what else can I do but keep hope alive, as Jesse Jackson would say.

[ozman]

that's fanctastic news outkasted. I hope you get a decent school.
are you P-NET or S-NET? Where will you be based? In the New Territories?

Yes the students have finished up, principals are now trying to organize stuff for the new academic year, there are still meetings etc. going on at schools with teachers, but those schools who haven't got their new NET organized yet, are now FINALLY making the move to contact potential NETS. There are still jobs there.

Remember too, for those who haven't yet secured a NET position, that some "would-be" NETS will pull out at the last minute; plans fall through. There will still be schools scrambling for NETS end of July / early August.

Good luck outkasted. I hope you will join NESTA and come to the first social / welcome get-together. See you in HK.

[outkasted_3000]

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

I will be an SNET out in Tseung Kwan O, near Po Lam Station.

And certainly, when I settle myself in, I'll hook up with NESTA - it'll be good to meet some new people.

Things haven't quite sunken in yet, and I don't think I'll have the time to let them settle in as I've got a billion loose ends to tie up now in Korea! Exciting times though, nonetheless!

Since you've been so helpful, Ozman, perhaps I could milk you for a little bit more information. I was born in HK and have a permanent resident card; however I have no family ties there, as my entire clan is in Canada. I'm just curious if this will affect the living allowance payment that most NETs are entitled to? I've been trying to find something definitive on this, but I can't seem to find the answer.

Thanks yet again!

[Joshua2006]

[ozman]

Josh is right. Use the foreign passport. You should be ok with housing allowance.
You need to fill in the form to list all your family connections and where your family are located - even deceased members. They will see from your info that you have no family connections here and your usual place of residence, your "home" is overseas.

[outkasted_3000]

Thanks for the responses guys. I will definitely use my Canadian passport, not my HKID/Passport to get in.

Joshua2006, since you've had experience at a Korean foreign language high school, what's your take on the students you've had in Hong Kong thus far in regards to English capability? I've learned that my school is a "Band 2" school, so will I be looking at a significant drop-off from my Dongducheon Foreign Language High School kids? The English department head told me that the kids will be able to understand all my directions/instructions...but that wasn't all that telling.

Any information would be enlightening!

[Joshua2006]