Job Discussion Forums

[rbos]

I'm a newbie at the ESL job search in Taiwan. I'm concerned because I have applied to a couple of teaching positions over the internet where the recruiter or employer has asked for a copy of my passport alongside my application materials (e.g. resume) in order to be considered for a position. One school asking me for this was Dewey International, and now a second school, Global Kids English School in Sijhih City in Taipei
County, is also asking me for this.

I'm very hesitant to give this document as I worry about the possibility of identity theft, especially because these schools are wanting my passport even before I have an interview with them. I did send a copy of my passport to Dewey International, mainly because I've heard that they are a legitimate recruiting company. But I'm wary of sending it to this second school.

Does anyone have any recommendations about how to handle this situation? Should I avoid giving my passport at all costs until an interview has occured? Would it be sufficient to just appease them by sending a black and white copy of my passport photo page, or will this not necessarily prevent identity theft (since I suppose if I did this they could still take the identification number from my passport photo page)?

-Thanks

[drandreasbrown]

A lot of schools I have applied to in China, Korea and Taiwan ask for a passport page. If you're worried about identity theft you can, as I understand it, black out all the details except for name, nationality and date of birth, and this should be acceptable.

On a side note, I've sent scans of my passport to loads of schools over the past three years, had the details copied down in scores of hotels, and had umpteen government officials take all the details, and never had any problem with identity theft. I'm no expert on these things, but I imagine there are a lot more secretive and comprehensive ways to steal your identity.

P.s. If you end up in Taiwan let me, I'll be a fish there too.

[drandreasbrown]

...'let me know' obviously... one day I'll get a full post with no typos.