Job Discussion Forums

[drjtrekker]

After submitting my documents to some potential employers, I often receive a sample contract via email, asking me if i have any questions.

After i reply back that "everything seems fine", and "whats the next step", I have not received a reply back (one was near tibet, so maybe with the "problems" they are/were unable to ).

Is this the norm, is it me...should i haggle first????

jd

[Lorean]

Haggle or they will think you are stupid.

[arioch36]

Never haggle, but do bargain. I sometimes rcommend rewriting the contract yourself.

Also you need to remind them, and continue looking elsewhere. They may agree to hire ou, continue look elsewhere for a cheaper person, and wait to August if you let them. So I would set a deadline, and if no einvitation letter, move on

[Moon Over Parma]

The contract you sign abroad generally means nothing because most schools will have you sign another one once you arrive. I've never had the switcheroo where one contract differed in promises that the initial contract made (pre-arrival), but this is China: no doubt someone somewhere has exploited this. The good thing about this stage is that your experience negotiating and discussing points in the contract can give you a window into what you might face should you actually arrive at the school. Since your school is near Dalaiwood, there is a chance that recent events might affect your negotiations. It could also be a case of departmental incompetence on someone's part and papers are sitting on a desk (which is possible given the recent Mayday holiday); maybe someone was willing to accept the position for less money, or maybe they were looking to replace a teacher they assumed was leaving only to receive an eleventh hour reinstatement. Are you in contact with other FTs there? If so, maybe they can tell you what's going on. They are on the ground and can suss out things your distance from the employer could not. If they refuse to help you then take that as a sign of what your potential colleagues will be like. That's an overlooked consideration when FTs look for work: fellow FTs you can refer to. They will understand what you will go through far better than many a FAO.

[Jordean]

Even without bargaining on your part, your potential employers will think nothing of pulling the rug out from under you. I have had several contact me, mention openings, send docs, ask me to apply, and then send me the "Dear John we've filled these positions" letter. So I don't know what impact your attempting to dicker would have. I have always viewed these as contracts of adhesion, as they call them. Basically unfavorable to one party, but probably not lots you can do (think contract with your cell phone carrier or credit card company, how much bargaining did you do there?)...

Once you actually have the letter and Z visa, and time is running short, maybe you could re-open terms. But be prepared to be shown the door and some other hired monkey is brought in.

Just my paranoia...

[SnoopBot]

The person willing to accept the lowest-wage is usually hired. That is the basic rule in the game.

You can try to get a higher salary when you negotiate your NEXT contract at the school if they feel you have done a good job.

Sometimes, you still will not get a decent salary by most standards. In Beijing the average salaries are 4500-6500 a month. The same level as 2002 with a 20% inflation rate since 2002. So as you can see, the pay rates are not even going up to keep up with inflation levels.

However, if you're a Chinese teacher you can get better benefits and pay-rates to keep up with inflation. My university just boosted pay another 10% this last month.

Of course not for the FT's though.

It doesn't hurt to try to get every RMB, just be prepared to have them give your job to someone else to save 50 RMB a month.