Job Discussion Forums

Miguelito · Joined: 23 May 2003 Posts: 8

Many English schools in China seem to require at least a couple of recommendation letters when applying for teaching positions. Does anyone have any pointers on the important areas that recommenders should include in these letters? (ie, what are the schools looking for?) This way, one could suggest to his or her recommenders to highlight certain projects and/or accomplishments that might be relevant to the schools. Or make sure they comment on specific areas that the schools care about (eg, reliability? friendliness?) . How long do they typically expect the letter of recommendation? a couple paragraphs or a couple pages? Also, who is a good recommender? A peer who works with me everyday? My supervisor in my job? Someone who has observed my teaching skills?

Are these letters actually considered much in their decisions? Do they usually contact these recommenders to ask more questions and/or check if they exist?

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I have in fact never beenasked to submit any testimonials or letters of reference in China, but I do know that they would like to see how you were being employed prior to coming to China. I do not think the contents of these letters matter a lot; they should provide a time frame and an indication of your position.
Chinese employers never bother to check with your previous employers even if they are in a town in the same province. Perhaps it is lack of trust. You need a letter of release so the PSB can allow you to hunt for a job in a different part of the province or the country.

yaco · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 473

Roger, what do you mean by a letter of release ?

How is this organised ?

I finish a 6 month contract next month - ( resident's permit expires 31/07/03 ) and begin a new job 25/08/03.

Do I need a letter of release.

bobo the clown · Joined: 01 Jun 2003 Posts: 29

If you plan to stay in China and possibly find a new teaching position in China you need a letter of release from your school. A letter of release is a simple document that says you have worked for the school from-to and that you have completed your contracted period. This letter allows the new school to apply for your new work permit.

Otherwise when you leave the country you would give your "Foreign Expert" book to your school and your "Residence book" to the customs offical at the airport when you leave China.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

yaco,

sorry for my late answer - I missed a few heart beats. Boho the clown said it succinctly, but I give you my answer anyway:
Changing employers in China is conditional on presenting a LETTER OF RELEASE signed and chopped by your first employer, then chopped by the local psb and shown to the PSB in the new place.
I guess the intent of this procedure is similar to an extract of police record - to show that the police have no objection to you staying in the country in your accustomed capacity.
Some psB actually refuse to approve your work visa without such a document.

It does not need to be hand-written by the principal, and it can be in English. THus you can write it yourself, and the principal merely needs to sign it. It should state that your old contract has expired, and you are free to commence a new job anywhere in the country! You will also have to surrender your residence permit and get a new one (or the old one with a new address).

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

Think he means references not release letters. Anyway Colleges here say they need them for the PSB. That is a "little white lie" as my school admitted. They do not NEED them they just want them to check up on you which is fair enough everybody in the world does it. As for what should be in them I'm not sure. Just where you worked from whentowhen I guess. And a phone number. An official looking letterhead would be best .