Job Discussion Forums

dkbarnes · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:56 pm Post subject: Are There Really Jobs Out There?

Are jobs teaching English outside the U.S. any easier or harder to get right now?

I know that pretty much everywhere in the world is having a tough economic time. I'm in the U.S. with a spotless record and successful career, but I've been looking for work for 7 months with no success.

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

Easier or harder than what? Than getting them in the U.S.? Or easier/harder than they used to be?

That's probably country-specific, but as for Japan, they are harder to get than before. Economy is tougher, and the market here is flooded.

Doesn't mean you should stop trying, though.

dkbarnes · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:40 pm Post subject:

I meant easier or harder than finding other jobs within the U.S. right now, but your point is well taken. I'm trying to gage how difficult it is to find work if you are flexible on which country you teach in.

I'm considering taking a CELTA class and trying to figure out if it is worth the investment right now, or if I'll just deplete my reserves a bit more, remove myself from the job hunt for a month and not really better my chances of finding a job.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 10:54 pm Post subject:

How the heck would we know if it's easier or harder than the US?

Most of us don't live there.

Best,
Justin

dkbarnes · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 11:38 pm Post subject:

Maybe the best way to resolve your concern about the validity of my question is to regard it as being directed to people who are currently in the U.S. or have recently left the U.S.

Also, as this is, apparently, a country-specific issue perhaps people could provide their perspective on the country in which they currently reside or have knowledge of, much like Glenski did.

I think it is a reasonable expectation that not every question posted to a public discussion board like this will be pertinent to everyone who reads it.

Thanks.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

It's jsut as hard from what I hear. They say things should pick up in 2012 to 2015, I'm not kidding.

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

I would cross Russia off of your list. I think (good) jobs here are few and far between. This is my impression at least.

rmcdougall · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 71

YES!

There are Western university programs looking for teachers paying up to 2000 RMB/month which is 4x the local teaching salary.

You can be elite teaching English. PM me.

sojourner · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:05 am Post subject:

"rcmcdougal" is, of course, referring to China; thus, the reference to "RMB", the country's currency. Yes, there are some places that pay only 2000 RMB per month. But a newbie with at least a BA degree should be able to find a job that pays at least 4000 per month - especially if he/she is willing to get off the beaten track. With a Master's, maybe a starting salary of 4.5 K - or, even 5 K ! The teaching hours will vary between 12-18 pw (a "teaching hour" is between 40-50 minutes).Unfortunately, with many uni jobs, one will probably only receive 10 monthly payments pa. But, if a uni invites you to stay on after your first year, apart from a small monthly salary increase (say, 500 RMB), you may even be offered 12 monthly payments ! And, of course, you will be provided with a furnished flat (rent free ! ). In many cases , utilities are provided free, as well as the possibility of a few other goodies, eg: a taxi allowance, meal vouchers, free drinking water, etc.

When I first came to China, 6 years ago, my salary was about 3.7K for 18 hours pw. Now, I'm on 6.5 K, 12 monthly payments, for 12 teaching hours pw.

Your chances of getting a reasonable job will be considerably enhanced if you have a Master's degree, as well as being willing to teach subjects other than Oral English. I am currently teaching Writing, British/American Societies, and Intercultural Communication. Over the years, I have also taught Western Culture, Business Communication, as well as Management and Marketing.

As already mentioned, focus on jobs in the smaller cities, rather than in big places such as Shanghai, where there is too much competition for jobs.

Peter

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

Just what are your qualifications, dkbarnes?

If you have a bachelor's degree, you are minimally qualified for entry level work in Japan. (ALT for JET Programme or a dispatch agency; instructor for conversation school)

If you can't come here to look around (March is peak hiring time), then your options are severely limited.

dkbarnes · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:29 pm Post subject:

Glenksi, I have a B.A. in Education but have not taught in a classroom since 1985. My online resume is at http://www.dkbarnes.info.

I am considering taking a CELTA Class. This question was part of my attempt to gage the likelihood that such an investment would pay off.

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

Are most executive resumes that long?

I don't know what it's like to apply for executive positions, but I can assure you that resume is about fifty times too long for any ESL position. No school is going to give that a second look.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Try to make it 2 pages max and don't forget your photo, DOB, location and contact phone and email

dkbarnes · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:29 pm Post subject:

Point well taken, Jetgirly. The website is much more extensive than any typical resume for any position. However. in the world of association management many organizations take the hiring of their executives very personally. You do not only have to have the technical skills for the job, you are expected to be the champion of their causes and evangelize their organization, so they often want more information than typical. The web resume is meant to give them much more information than they get in an initial resume I submit to them.

It is also meant to demonstrate my web management abilities since that is something a lot of associations want to see as well.

I would develop an appropriate resume to use in applying for teaching positions.

Thanks.

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

dkbarnes,
Don't even think of using that online resume for a teaching job here. Way too long and complex.

And, except for one brief mention, you didn't list a date on the whole thing as far as I could see. Big mistake.

Use the elevator approach. If you had only the time spent in an elevator to summarize yourself, how would you write it up?