Job Discussion Forums

[SandDune]

I've noticed that many job postings, particularly for China (which is where I'm focusing my efforts at the moment), ask for references with an application.

First of all, I have no experience teaching yet, so teaching references are out of the question.

Secondly, I've been at the same job for the past 3 years so my current employer would be my most valuable reference. .. however, I do not wish to inform them of my wish to teach English overseas until my plans are more concrete. So I definitely cannot use them for a reference at the moment, leaving me with pretty much no professional references.

So how important are references? If I apply to jobs with no references, will I be ignored? Are references often verified anyway? I'm sure some of you out there have been in similar situations. What creative ways have you got around this dilemma?

Thanks!

[tw]

I am quite certain the 'references' they refer to are release/reference letter/form from previous employer in China if you have taught here. What's the likelihood of them actually verifying the authenticity of a reference? Nil. So why not just give them one of your friends' cell number and tell the guy to watch out for possible international calls asking about you? After all, it is a common practice in China to have fake references.

[TravellingAround]

...which kinda says it all about the "quality control" regarding the hiring of foreign teachers in China!

[cj750]

depends on the level of jobs..almost all my employers have verified my references and certificates...but I gave them to the employer only after being offer employment...upon their requesst...

[Leon Purvis]

We've been down this road before, so I ask that those whose experiences have been different from mine kindly not go RPG on me.

Before my first gig in 2004, the Chinese consulate IN MY AREA OF THE U.S. OF A. required complete authentication of my documents: health exam, letters of reference, and degrees. The letters of reference consisted of two letters from former professors and one professional letter of recommendation. These were scanned and emailed to the school before it sent me its pro forma contract.

When I arrived, I showed my documents to the FAO who was nonplussed. To my knowledge, none of my letter writers were contacted, and my degrees were not even inspected.

At the beginning of my second gig at another school which began this past spring, it was a matter of sending scanned letters of recommendation and my scanned degrees to the FAO.

That was it. When I arrived, I expected someone to ask to see these documents, but no one did.

If you have a BA degree, it seems that a lot of low-end jobs (like working for SOME power companies) won't even require teaching experience. If you can send the required number of letters of recommendation from professionals, you probably won't receive much resistance. Make sure that the letters are written on genuine letterhead.

Have you thought of contacting the people who taught you?

[smalls]

If I was in a position where I had to hire a teacher, I would definitely want a reference - actual ESL teaching in China would be preferred, but if none, last job, previous job, or professor/teacher from ESL program or university. Have seen quite a few teachers who have lied about their background, only to hurt the schools at a later date.
On the other side, if I was applying to a school, I would definitely want to speak with a current (or former if no current) foreign teacher - sort of like the school's reference. Quite a few poor schools out there as well.
At one point, when I was in a position that required hiring foreign teachers, a prospect with no work experience wanted a job. She was working towards her masters and asked if would be willing to speak with the dean of her school - he would interview myself and the school (would it fit what she needed to do for her masters program, right for her, etc) while I would inquire about her.
I think references are important no matter what side of the fence you are on.

[WordUp]

Hunan and Zhejiang Prov. Govnt. require two letters of reference to obtain the working permits. .