Job Discussion Forums

haopengyou · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 197

About 2 years ago a local newspaper in Tianjin, China as well as the newspaper of the school where I was working wrote an article on me and the work that I was doing with disabled children. It included quite a bit of praise for my work, describing how selfless I was, etc.

Question: When putting my resume package together should I include one of these articles? (with translation, of course) I can't find anyone to give me a recommendation for the school whose newspaper wrote me up - I was thinking this might be a helpful substitute. If I use them should I translate the article into English or have it translated into Korean and Japanese?

My thinking: it might be a good character reference for me. I am afraid, though, that it also might lead some school leaders - especially the private schools - to think that they don't need to pay me much, or maybe that my work might not be very good because I was doing "volunteer" work.

Discussion?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

It's hardly a recommendation letter, considering the intended audience. It's news.

Character reference? Perhaps, but only if you can get the author to agree to serve as a contact for it. I wouldn't worry about much. Most references aren't contacted.

haopengyou · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 197

Yes, I realize that it is not a lor but was thinking it might add some nice "smoke" to cloud some issues and make a favorable impression...but that is just a thought.

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Include it! Third party independent recognition is impressive in an employer's eyes. Such a 'reference' is rare and does draw attention and has a very positive impact.

BobbyBan · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 201

Definitely use it! (I was impressed.)

But what on Earth do you mean by "creating smoke" to "cloud some issues"? (That sounds very dodgy!)

haopengyou · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 197

Thanks! By "creating smoke" I mean that it might help offset the fact that I don't have a letter of recommendation from this school. It is run and staffed by senior citizens who often change every year. The people that were working there while I was teaching are now longer there, and they are very angry at the foundation I was with that loaned me to them because there are not any more foreign teachers. Hence, they will not give me a letter of recommendation Sad