Job Discussion Forums

renzobenzo1 · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 85

I've contacted quite a few of them now and they are all go at the beginning then they either stop contacting me or replying to my messages, the job is suddenly taken or the information they give is incorrect.

After Korea, I had it all served to me on a plate.
I feel like I'm bending over backwards here for a job living on the computer waiting for a bite, I've done my visa run to HK and slept 2 nights in the airport, and now I'm forking out each night for a hotel-no hostels nearby. Cash will run dry soon.

I've had 1 interview and was offerred a job and sue to desperation I think I will have to take it.

Not looking forward to sitting around for 12 days for the chinese New Year either.

Option B I guess is to go the privates and ask if they need teachers but what is the process for this-just put on some good clothes turn up and ask-I guess they don't always advertise.

Anyway don't want to sound like a softy but these agents/recruiters are really bugging me-in fact it's quite unacceptable, poor communication and does not present a good face for foreign relations in Taiwan.

BigWally · Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 3:32 am Post subject:

Take the job, but keep looking for something better....maybe its just not a good time for hiring right now... in the words of Jon Bon Jovi...keep the faith...haha

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

That's why the general opinion is to stay away from recruiters, and start hitting the street with your resume. Recruiters are idiots. The service they give schools is every bit as bad as the service they give teachers.

Every teacher I have ever hired was either through word of mouth, or from advertising on free forums. I'm sorry you came at a bad time of the year, but if you can tough it out until after Chinese New Year you'll find something.

renzobenzo1 · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 85

So is it better to wait until after Chinese NY or get something before?

One recruiter told me most schools want to have their teachers organised before CNY so most positons will be filled by then? truth in this?

craigzy · Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 87 Location: taichung

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

I agree with most of the sentiments expressed here.

Recruiters are just like schools. There are good ones and bad ones (most are bad!). There are however some very good recruiters, if you choose carefully. Just make sure you do significant research on ANY recruiter or school you work with. If what you find is mostly positive, you are probably in good hands.

Whether you get your job through a recruiter or through the school, the same advice applies:

1) Look over the contract in detail and make sure everything is legal, the pay is fair, etc.

2) Do independent research on the school via the internet and other methods

3) Talk DIRECTLY with a current teacher at the school. Ask them intelligent questions about their time at the school: Have they been treated fairly? Training? Support? Feelings of professional satisfaction and development? Have teachers stayed beyond the one year point?

If a recruiter doesn't put you in DIRECT contact with someone at the school.... RUN in the other direction!!!!!

If, however, they put you in direct contact with the school it's really the same thing as contacting the school directly yourself.

Do your research properly, fully engage yourself in the process, make what YOU want clear and you will be fine.