Job Discussion Forums

[lchazl]

Hi all,

I have been getting a few offers from public univesities in Shanghai and I am at the point whre they have sent me a sample contract. I have searched this forum about negotiating but largely found what people got rather than HOW they got it (i.e. what they said to their employer).

I got this from MiddleKingdomLife.com and this was quite inciteful:

[evaforsure]

to be honest.. most of the stuff on middle kingdom is written without real practical knowledge and is written in theory.... without actual experience to back up what is written...instead read Art of War.. as most managers and biz folks use this as a manual...

In the case of the coiled spring mattress.. the Chinese would simply say .. sure.. and then never deliver...when you got to your housing and found that it wasn�t there ..they would first tell you it was coming ..and if you persisted.... tell you it would be better for your health to sleep on a coconut shredded mattress...and then .. I'm sorry but they don�t make them in china and we cant get one...

negotiate for money... one and truly untouchable aspect of the contract where misgivings and misunderstanding ..cannot be manufactured to cause doubt and confusion as to contractual obligations...

[Jayray]

First, keep your cool. You may have to be persistent, because the person with whom you are negotiating may not be in a position to give what you want, and that person may not have ready access to the person who can give you what you want.

Know what you want, and ask yourself if it is practical and doable on the part of the school.

Approaching the situation with guns blazing does no good, so be gently persuasive and persistent.

If you can't get what you want, keep looking. There are plenty of jobs in China.

[lchazl]

Thanks guys for the input.

How does this sound: "While I appreciate the housing allowance of 3000, the cost of AC/heating is very high in x months, would I be able to receive an allowance of 300 more to help cover these expenses?"

Is the tone right? Should I be asking a question when negotiating (see above)? Or does that weaken my position?

[Jayray]

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

lchazl, asking more complex questions could result in your resume being filed in the rubbish bin. My experience tells me that schools dont like people who ask too many questions, and if you're perceived as one of these, then the school will just look elsewhere, for easier prey.

if they meet the basic requirements for FT living/working conditions that should be enough, at least to start out. once you've been with a place for awhile they might be more open to other special requests/ requirements.

[dharma86]

Are working hours negotiable? Or is it just the salary of those working hours that are?

(e.g. a private school offering 25 hours, 6 days a week at 4500) - could you cut the hours, or would you just have to try raise the salary to justify those hours?

[Hansen]

dharma, There are much better offers:

Try maximum of 16 hours for the same salary plus housing, utilities, free bottled water, telephone.

[danielb]

dharma86,

If it is a uni I'd suspect they would be more likely to decrease the hours than raise the salary.

[dharma86]

It is a private training centre. Would that be the opposite of a uni - where they would stick with the hours rather than the salary?

The private contracts seem to be easier to get. But it is a university job I want.

I definitely think that offer is bad for me, there are too many hours for the pay it offers. Around 16 is what I am aiming for, with a months paid holiday incuding 2 days at Christmas. What are the prospects of that?

That's definitely good news about the universities danielb

[Jayray]

Back to the OP's question regarding communication via phone or email: I suggest that you communicate via email. That way, any agreements will be on record.

There was a misunderstanding about agreements after I arrived at my current school. When I presented the FAO with the email, the situation was rectified.

[Zero]

I agree on the language thing. Do not assume they are fluent in English, spoken or written. Short, punchy sentences are best. Commas are bad. Use very simple phrasing and vocabulary.

[lchazl]

Thanks jayray et al, I will put these tips to use in the next few days and let you know how it turns out.

[Tsuris]