Job Discussion Forums

[nomadic]

Hi everyone,

There has been some discussion lately that pretty much points to the idea that the best University jobs are not often posted, instead going through known connections or interviews in person. For this reason, I'm thinking of flying out to Shanghai for a week or so before my actual contract would start so that I might be able to find a good place.

If I'm to do this, when is the best time to go? And aside from having a list of places and copies of my resume (and dressing well!), what other things should I bear in mind?

Any advice would be wonderful!

Thanks,
- nomadic

[nolefan]

I am not sure if going there one week before classes start is enough. As said many times, before, the market in some of those bigger cities is getting crowded and most of the good schools will have someone lined up a month before classes start.

I would be wary of a schoolthat only starts looking for a teacher a week before classes start. I can only imagine how laxed the'll be in respect to other things

[nomadic]

Ah, to clarify, I want to go as soon as possible, but give myself a week's worth of time before flying back to the US. Then I'd finish up my work here, and fly BACK to China come late August to start teaching.

Or, if people say it's easy to do in early August, I'll head there around then, and just stay there.

Hope that clarifies a bit... on a related note, is it at all useful to contact the foreign affairs offices of places that are not (as far as I can tell) actively recruiting via job boards? Or is that considered bad form?

Thanks!
- nomadic

[Klamm]

No one is going to really help you. 'Tis the life.

Forget about working you way up to better positions and this BS. If you mean good job like high paying than I suggest that you will not have a problem going a couple weeks in advance. I had a number of high-paying offers a week advance of school starting (6,600-8,000 a month). If you mean good job like good overall conditions than you'd need start looking ahead of time.

'Better jobs' often pay considerably less. You decide.

China isn't the place to take things to seriously.

k.

[Roger]

First question: do you have relevant experience? If not, consider yourself out of the race.
Especially in SHANGHAI, you will need to have credentials for a job at a public institution.

I read just a couple of days ago, that foreign jobseekers can now apply for their work visa via the Internet and won't need to go to the PSB in person except once their request has been approved and they are called on to pick up their visa and residence permit.

This no doubt will tighten the screws on some as your own employer will be freed from wasting his time doing errands that his own employee can do by himself or herself. That will ensure that connections won't be much helpful anymore!

What I am trying to say is in the future, expect more vetting rather than less.