Job Discussion Forums

intedu · Joined: 30 Jun 2016 Posts: 7

Yes, VS it could be something like that, and there may be something to it. The remaining puzzle is as they hire local staff for considerably higher salaries, without any experience at all, pretend to train them, and then offer teaching loads of 6 hrs a week (reduced for study). Meanwhile a teacher with 1-2 decades of international experience and had had the intrinsic desires to teach in the first place (so became qualified on their own initiatives before becoming an educator) gets a lower salary and in some cases are shown the door. Interesting turns happening here.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Are you still working there? Or are you one of the many who has fled?

VS

The_shadow72 · Joined: 03 Aug 2016 Posts: 8

Hi there.
I had my interview on 28th July.
How long does it typically take to get the offer letter and how long then to clear all other formalities?
I am wondering when it is reasonable to assume the job would actually start.
What are your experiences?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

With the current chaos in the system, past experience probably won't help you much. In normal times, you would have had your interview many months ago and would be completing the paper chase in your home country, and packing your bags to arrive in a about week.

So... getting an offer letter after your interview in July is from now to... eternity... or never. I see little possibility of your being able to arrive in the UAE in time for the beginning of the semester which is the last week of August. It can take a few weeks to get your UAE security clearance through to even get you a visa.

I would keep applying for other positions... no guarantees here.

VS

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

danshengou · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2016 8:08 am Post subject:

If they genuinely want you, you will get an offer letter pretty quick along with a work visa shortly thereafter upon acceptance. You can give HR all your documents upon arrival. And what has been said above about HCT is generally true. It is for those who are desperate to get to the UAE or to get out of Saudi. HR knows this and that is their leverage. The company itself does not really care about non-Emiratis. But they need bodies once in awhile, so they hire. If you stay that's great. But they don't care because they know in the ME, a lot of people want to come to the UAE. End of story. You can try for something better after a couple of years, but don't count on it without a Ph.D. these days, or some other qual that would separate you from the pack. HCT just isn't where the best of the best go in the UAE. HCT just think they are the best and are riding on their bygone reputation as a decent establishment. Hope that helps. Good luck.

The_shadow72 · Joined: 03 Aug 2016 Posts: 8

Thanks guys.
I should have asked after the interview, you are right there.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Again, the elephant in the rooms of UAE University (UAEU), Zayed University (ZU), and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)....

robinbanks · Joined: 28 Apr 2009 Posts: 77

Areliable source-perhaps the only decent person left in the kafka-esque maze they call HCT admin tells me "not to bother"if you've worked with them before-they don't want any re-freshed "apples" trying to cleanse an already rotten basket of fruits(not to mention a few nuts).

danshengou · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2016 12:38 pm Post subject:

Sounds reasonable, but why would anyone who left them want to go back, especially with all the negative reports and increased restrictions there. I guess some prefer the devil they know.

The_shadow72 · Joined: 03 Aug 2016 Posts: 8

Has anyone been able to negotiate start dates?
Since it is unlikely that in my case I can start in August if I will get an offer, does it mean the most likely outcome would be January?

Also, can someone explain to me what an offer looks like?
I have heard that it is complex, with basic salary+ housing+kids school fees etc. Do I need an accountant to explain it to me?

Sorry for all these questions, and please allow me a further one.
If you are from UK what is the best approach to pension contributions? I am with USS at present and have paid into for 13 years.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You need to wait and see if you even get an offer. Many get interviewed, few get offers. Keep applying for other jobs... this one is a big "maybe."

If you do get an offer, your questions will be answered and then come back to see about comparing to others. Very little room for negotiation.

VS
(where did this side conversation of returning HCTers come from... nothing to do with this thread)

danshengou · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2016 5:53 pm Post subject:

Well, potentially some of the folk who might apply and be surprised by not getting an answer (or by getting rejected) might be those who have previously worked for HCT, back when the gig was good. So it is at least partially relevant, imho, as it might save a chunk of folk a fair bit of pain in the head from having to deal with these HCT weasels ever again.

danshengou · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2016 5:57 pm Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA