Job Discussion Forums

[7969]

i'm in my current job for one reason only...... i began looking for employment last summer too late in the game and by the time i got serious many good jobs were long gone.

so i'm taking the advice of some on this board and have begun looking for a new job now, commencing next september. i emailed several schools on the weekend and have some replies.

however, all of those who replied to me have asked for a reference letter from my current employer and a copy of the health exam. regarding the former, i didnt think this letter was issued until you actually finished that job. not sure if i want to ask for that letter yet as i'm not sure its wise to let my current school know my intentions so early. i do have a reference letter from my first employer in china from 2004 that i hope would suffice.

regarding the latter, has anyone even seen a copy of their health exam let alone be given one?

i'm sure i can easily get around these points, but just want to know if they're commonly requested documents. any advice on these issues would be appreciated.

7969

[HunanForeignGuy]

Dear Friend,

First PM me...let's chat about a job for next year...I may have three really good leads for you.

Next, for sure, when you were hired by your current school, you had a medical examination performed. The provincial government health office issued a medical certificate. It's a little booklet. You should have it in your possession. If you do not, then most likely your FAO has it in his or her possession...unless your visa / resident permit status was six months LESS one day, in which case you would not have one.

Next, the letter of reference. Indeed, this is a standard point. Usually any letter of reference from any previous employer in China will suffice for the new Foreign Expert Certificate and resident permit.

There is a work-around here and if you PM me, I will explain to you how to proceed.

I hope to chat with you soon.

Hunan Foreign Guy

[KarenB]

You don't need to send the letter of reference or the health form until you have a firm job offer, and have made the decision to accept it.

At this point in time, send your resume, a copy of your diploma (and/or TESL Certificate). You can also send photocopies of your health form (if you can get it from your FAO) and a photocopy of your Foriegn Expert Certificate.

Let the prospective school know that you will have the letter of reference and copy of the health form sent once you receive a firm job offer.

[Voldermort]

7969,

Last year, or maybe a little earlier, I was in exactly the same situation. I was holding a good for nothing job just to pass the time and clear a few debts. Like you I started looking for job very early to ensure that a decent offer was available and waiting, difference being it had to be in a certain small city.

Regarding the reference letter, as you probably know this is just a formality and would probably never even be read. It is not required to get any documents, though it does help when not having the right documents. here is an idea, explain to the prospective employer that your current school is unwilling to give you a letter until some weeks before you contract completion, but they would be more than welcome to contact your school over the phone (would probably never happen). Then as a class assignment, teach your students how to express the loss of a great person (in writing) and submit this instead. Worked for me

As for the health exam, my last one was when I first arrived in China 2 years ago. Even though I have all my legal documents, I did not, nor was I required to perform a medical for my current job. Again, this is not required by a school, they just need to see they will have no problems. A sporting photo would suffice, or if you are good with computers, make a foreign looking health report and submit that. A Chinese exam is invalid after 6 months, so regardless if ytou send it, they will most likely have you perform another one on comencing the job.

[icebear]

On this same train of thought... I'm applying for my first job in China at the moment (looking into Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen or Guangzhuo if anyone has any leads), and was wondering what documents I should send in my initial email? All of them (passport copy, resume, letter, references) or merely an indication of interest? I feel a bit foolish asking this, but also a bit uncertain about emailing my passport copy to every Chen, Li and Wu in the country! Thanks.

[7969]

i would email my resume and photo only in the initial email. if anyone shows interest, then you can forward what ever else they ask for. regarding emailing your passport copy, if you're worried about someone forging a copy of it or manipulating it somehow, there's no need. people who forge passports do it in other ways.

[bc19]

So, would you say it's okay to send a copy of my passport within the first few emails to a possible employer? Is it normal to do that? Or is it better to wait until things have become more concrete.. Thanks!

[tw]