Job Discussion Forums

[SaratheSlytherin]

This may be a sensitive question but I mean it with all respect and no offense to anyone. I'm sorry if I offend someone because I don't mean to! Mexico is really amazing... I have been dying to get back there ever since I left, after studying there for a year (originally planned on a semester).

I've studied in Mexico and been told this, and I've also been told this on this forums and I realize that many language schools have an "image" that they want the teachers to conform to.

I had an idea that the stereotypical American (no offense to anyone) is blue-eyed and blonde, but I am not sure if this was what people meant by "image." Then, I came across this article?

http://www.tefl.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=1049

"Blue eyes and blond hair even better..." huh?

I know image is important; like I said, I've spent a good deal of time down there.

How much of a detriment is it not to have blue eyes and blonde hair? I'm not saying people would discriminate but I guess schools are a business.

I have red hair, freckles, and dark brown eyes... and I really like it but does this seriously affect one's chances of finding a job?

Please no mean answers! I'm just curious!

Thanks if you can help...

[TeresaLopez]

I think looking professional is far more important than having blonde hair and blue eyes. Actually, I think red hair might get even more attention, since it is a lot less common. The one thing that you will encounter is schools who prefer YOUNG teachers, and it is not uncommon for a school to specify that they want teachers between 25 - 35, or whatever. But, if the school is that shallow, and are going to judge you on something so superficial, is that really a place you want to work? I am on the dark side of 40, and I don't have any trouble getting work, or keeping work. Since I am not 25, I have to be a good teacher. There are places it might GET you the job, but it isn't going to be enough to KEEP a job.

I went and looked at the link - that was just one post from a random person, why would you take so much stock in it. I thought you had posted a link to an article of some kind. Really, if you want to get and keep a good job, get some training and be a good teacher. It's really as simple as that.

[SaratheSlytherin]

Hola Teresa,

I knew it... most schools wouldn't be so shallow as to prefer a certain hair or eye color.

I'm between 25-35, but I worry about getting and keeping work when I'm older. I think that all over the world there are schools that discriminate on age... shame. But I'm working on being the best teacher possible.

Thanks again,

S

[Higo]

I think a)this guy is using the example to be funny, and b) there is probably a degree of sterotyping that goes on that he is referring to: "This class is taught by an American! See, blonde hair and blue eyes...so you know it's a REAL American!" But it's just a stereotype-- we do it in the US to sell tortillas, Margaritas, and anything else from our southern neighbors. We use a corny image of a senorita in an off the shoulder traditional dress, or a guy in a sombrero...lame and I don't condone it, but it happens.

I think as long as you are simply a native speaker and present yourself professionally, it doesn't matter if you don't look like Barbie or Ken.

I don't know this for sure (in the TEFL world specifically)-- but having spent a lot of time in MX, I think they will accept you as you are, brown eyes and all!

[TeresaLopez]

[Prof.Gringo]

But presenting a professional image is all important in Mexico. That includes understanding how Mexico is far more conservative in dress and appearance than the US.

It always amazes me how clueless foreigners seem to be in Latin America.

If you want to have a chance at a job, you should either dress business or business casual. For interviews, colegios and uni's you should dress like you would going to church on Sunday.

For day to day classes and language schools you can tone it down a bit.

But women should always wear skirts that are around the knee "area". Men should be clean shaven and in all cases tats and body/facial piercings are a no-no.

[TeresaLopez]

[quote="Prof.Gringo"]But presenting a professional image is all important in Mexico. That includes understanding how Mexico is far more conservative in dress and appearance than the US.

/quote]

Yes, this can't be stressed enough, and really might even be more important than your resume! I worked with a woman once who was looking for a "better" job. She was a very good teacher, had good qualifications, etc., BUT she didn't have a clue how to dress. She would go for an interview with a skin tight, sleeveless, low cut tank top and a skirt. She thought having a skirt on made her look "professional". Well, maybe it did, but not in the profession she had in mind. I gently suggested she might want to buy a suit for interviews. Amazing how well that ended up working out for her.

[Prof.Gringo]

[quote="TeresaLopez"]

[FreddyM]