Job Discussion Forums

[darkchild]

i'd just like to know what kind of responses everyone's getting
and most importantly, how long is the response time for everyone?

[Roger]

Most Chinese like to make instant decisions; they certainly don't like to answer various questions. If they have a vacancy they want to fill it, end of the problem.
Chinese managers prefer ad hoc decision making. That is why they normally seem to be in a hurry to get you, and they take their time in redressing your problems.
The above is particularly true of training centres. They hire when they have enough enrolments, they don't advertise a vacancy when they are recruiting students.

[go_ABs]

When I was applying for jobs in 2003, I sent screeds and screeds of e-mails to potential employers. In return I had a full inbox every morning. I picked the ones that sounded most promising and replied, asking detailed questions. To everyone else I sent a standard 'no thanks' e-mail.

I made the decision to aim for China late one night, and sent a few applications away then. I'll never forget being woken at 3 the next morning by someone wanting me to come as soon as possible.

I had the requirements most employers are looking for - white skin, BA, TESOL Cert. But also, I took everyone's advice and tailored my CV to a very basic standard, so that people even with a low level of English could read and understand it.

Judging only by my own experience, I would say it is NOT normal not to hear back from most places. So, what to do? Maybe check the simplicity of your CV/Resume. Make sure you send a photo with your application - this is often all someone wants to make their decision. Check the date of the ad you're responding to - if it's an old one then it's probably filled and they too impolite to respond to you. Save all but your most important questions for the next e-mail(s), so that employers aren't turned off by the difficulty of responding to you.

And if you apply to an ad/school/uni that sounds really good and you really want the job, but they haven't replied in ages, then send them a hurry-up e-mail. You'll never know until you ask.

Hope something works out for you.

[darkchild]

could it be possible that i'm not hearing replies due to my ethnic background? i'm Chinese-Canadian~

[Babala]

I found that I only heard back from the places who were offering me a job. Those who weren't interested, I didn't hear anything from.

[go_ABs]

[Spiderman Too]

[darkchild]

actually, i'm usually looking for jobs for kids as well
since i've taught kids before, i'm more familiar with the kind of materials they go for. also, university students are quite intimidating for me, since i'm not that much older than they are.

oh well, i guess i have to continue senting out emails and what not...

just one more question, once i'm in China, which is next weekend, would it be better for me to try other methods of communication, like call or just show up at the school? or would this be too direct for them? I don't know much about how the Chinese employment system.

[tofuman]

Just showing up at the school is going to put you in a very bad position.
It will show your desperation and once it is perceived that you really need or want the job, that weakness will be exploited to your maximum disadvantage. It could cost you significantly in lower salary, a decent, or any, internet connection, shabby housing, more working hours, etc.

You may face this anyway, but being invited does give you an edge because you know they need or want you and you can use that to your advantage.

Realize also that the "friendship" of these people is often insincere and you may be denied even that. Enduring disrespect and outright contempt from your employer and colleagues gets old really fast. Unless an institution demonstrates an interest in you, just showing up is not a good idea, at least not from where I sit.

[hankpeters]

darkchild,

From what I have been reading, after looking at many postings, it appears that employers in China hold prejudices against us (of Asian ethnicity). It's a shame.

And it pisses me off, because in the U.S., I have a great paying job at a suburban school district that provides every benefit under the sun. But if I went to China, and took a 90% pay cut with no benefits, I'd still have a hard time finding a job. Unfortunately, I may have no choice because my fiance lives in China. Otherwise, I'd say screw working in China.

However, there are Native English speaking Asians working in China... I have learned that much from reading posts. Maybe we should ban together and form our own online group where we can discuss issues that are specific to us.

To any Asian English teachers out there, what do you think?

[Roger]

Just showing up at a school is the way I have got a number of my jobs in the past. I don't see anything wrong with this, far from it.
If they have a vacancy then they prefer dealing with candidates in flesh and blood rather than on paper or in emails. Yes, your physiognomy will count, but if they cannot communicate with you in Chinese then they have proof enough that you are a native English speaker. Whether they can pitch you as a teacher to their students' parents is another matter but not one you should think too hard just yet.
Be prepared to give trial lessons! Ask for remuneration - this is not something they do to Chinese job applicants. But you stand to get paid for it if you demand it firmly and politely.

[burnsie]

darkchild,

Most Kindergaartens are very interested in your background and especially the way you look. As parents pay big money to have their children go to classes with foreigners they have to look the right way rather than having the qualifications.

The schools are usually only interested in white Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, British and other european looking people.

In saying this it's not impossible but it's damn alot harder when you are not white looking.

[tofuman]

Hank,

What you are going to get yourself into, from the situation that you describe, could be one big nightmare. I've had limited experience, having been at one school less than two years; however, if this is my experience, you could have a similar one or worse.

Chinese employers treat their employees horribly. There is no such thing as overtime and they can and are made to work anytime doing anything that their immediate supervisor dictates. Cell phones are almost mandatory, so you can be reached any time at the whim of your "boss." They are also extremely anti-American, insensitive, and ignorant of Western life, so they think nothing of making an FT's life miserable.

They seem to be quite proficient at taking things that are working well and messing them up, simply because they can. The arbitrary exercise of authority, lack of respect for the individual, pettiness, greed, etc. can be combined in some people that are in a position to make your life hell.

If they know that you have a fiancee, wife, etc. here, and have no options but to "work," you are going to be in an unenviable position.

Chinese prejudice against ABC's is well known in the Chinese communtiy in the States. Having few options but to "take it" because of family responsibility--well, it is certainly not something that I would choose for myself.