Job Discussion Forums

[Justin Trullinger]

Maybe this is just me, or just Ecuador, so I'm looking forward to hearing what others think.

But it's come to my attention that quite a few TESOL training programs are teaching trainees to write letters of application. Well and good. But they're also recommending that they attach: Scanned copies of certificates, diplomas, references, passports, photos, and I don't know what all. If you're applying to Japan, I imagine that's fine- they have the technology to handle it. But many places in the developing world are still running dial up, including Ecuador.

So when such an email arrives, often 8 to 12 megabytes long, it causes my outlook account to freeze, often for hours, or the last time for a day and a half. This is a pain.

And it's a pain for no reason, as most directors I know, aware of how easy it is to get viruses (Ecuadorian servers are crawling with them), would never open an attachment from a stranger.

My advice, if applying to Ecuador at least, would be to include pertinent information in the body of an email. If you're in the running to get hired, I'll ask you for the documents I need then. But honestly, all TESOL certs look about the same, and an actual look at yours isn't going to help you get into the "A" pile.

Just my two cents worth.

Justin

PS- Whoever sent me the 9 meg email yesterday morning- I have finally been able to get my server to stop trying to download it, and successfully managed to get my other email. Your mail, however, was deleted in the process, unread. The heading said "Teaching openings," but I don't know anything else about you. Please resend without attachments.

[Cdaniels]

This is a good issue to bring up Justin!
Additionally, for potential job candidates, there is an issue of identity theft- I would never send scanned copies of official documents without a whole lot of reassurances. Forgery is becoming increasingly easy with technology, and there's no reason to give anyone easy opportunities to steal your identity.
I'd be especially concerned since attending a language school in Mexico recently that had no internet security, but broadband connectivity and Windows XP. There are many free antivirus programs on the net, please pick one (at least one) and use it!
I'd be suspicious of requests for extra documentation since , like JT said, this can be dealt with after the application process is already underway.

[Justin Trullinger]

Hypothetically, if somebody wanted to steal somebody's identity, would their TEFL cert, Teacher License, University Diploma, Passport, and a few photos, all in scanned form, provide enough documentation? And how would you go about this?

It's just that...erm...somebody might be getting ticked off when these megamails crash his computer 4 or five times a day...


Mumble, grumble,
Justin

[acwilliams]

Justin wrote: