Job Discussion Forums

[newbienicki]

Just when I thought that this Oman job hunting drama couln't get any worse, a certain recruiter of made me know it could. I had applied to Hawthorn previously, had an interview, and was aked to state my preference for Sohar, Sur or Rustaq, which were the available opeinings. Happily, I told my British interviewer that I would take Sohar. I was told that I would be contacted by the man himself shortly with contract details. Aaahh, a sigh of relief, finally I was on my way to Oman. But OH NO, it was not to be. About two hours later, I was called and told that the Sohar position was no longer available, would I take Sur or Rustaq? No, I had done my homework, and was unwilling to commit to a post I'm sure I would have had a hard time dealing with.

I took the time to tell the agency how disappointed I was. I took the time to explain to them that I was not a runner and would instead have toughed out a location to the detriment of myself and students, so I thought it was best not to accept any position in the sticks. That was the end of that I thought. To my surprise my phone rang IT WAS THE AGENCY WITH A JOB OFFER FOR SOHAR. YIPEE! YIPEE! Once again I was a little too previous in the celebration. "What, you want me to leave on Thursday!" No, call back. Silence is consent, right?


I must ask, is there anyone ready to relocate all the way around the world in seven days? What about my responsibility to my current job and students? Are they not entitled to the same courtesy which will be required of me in the form of notice before resigning my position? IS THIS NOT THE SAME NOTICE THAT WILL BE EXPECTED FROM ME IN OMAN,AND WITHOUT WHICH I WILL BE BLACKLISTED? Call me a slouch, but I would find it difficult to relocate within my state in five days, much less half way around the world.

What is unfortunate to me is that this will continue to happen, as there are people who are willing to accept these last minute offers. Yes, I understand your urgent need to fill a position, but what about some consideration for your potential employees.

The waiting game continues.......

[veiledsentiments]

I know that it doesn't make you feel any better... but this happens way more often than it should.

Sorry...

VS

[newbienicki]

Thanks, VS.

[eslbear]

So, let me get this straight....you are applying for a job literally half way around the world in late September when work has already begun on college campuses and you aren't ready to go? I hate to defend the recruiters here but what did you expect? Don't forget that the risk and uncertainty in dealing with people is equally hard on the hiring side. Teachers will have several options and they wait for the best one before deciding, often delaying an answer while expecting confirmation from someone else....if the recruiter says ok, lets go...and then you hesitate, then, yes, the next one on the list who says "yes" will get the job.

It's not easy to deal with or desirable but it is reality. Yes, there are people willing to take last minute offers because they probably have several "irons in the fire" and they are ready to go. If you're not ready to play, then stay on the bench.

[veiledsentiments]

No... you apparently didn't read the details. In this case, it is the recruiter that is at fault. The poster had NOT been offered a job previously, but had been told that there were no openings.

A legitimate employer sends you an offer in writing (or email) that you accept or not. If you accept, the employer should inform you of what paperwork is required and inform you of when the ticket will be available... and one normally has weeks to even months to prepare... NOT a communication out of the blue saying that one needs to be there in 5 days.

That is inconsiderate and unprofessional on the part of Hawthorne. They should not be able to assume that we are sitting on the edge of our bed with our suitcases at the ready to jump whenever they deign to offer us a position. In the case of a sudden offer like this, the employer should have said... we need you immediately, how quickly can you be here?

Our OP's error was to assume that "silence is consent." It is definitely NOT, and he should have not moved forward until he had their written or spoken confirmation.

If teachers continue to allow these recruiters to treat us like crap, that is how they will continue to treat us.

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[SaharaDesert]

I have been reading your posts and am sorry you have had to go through all of this.

I hope you find a good job in Oman soon!
(And I hope I found one too!)

Take Care!

[newbienicki]

VS, thank you for taking the time to clarify for Eslbear, and Saharadesert thanks for the kind sentiments. I hope that you find a job soon too. Chin up and hang in there. To all, I am new here and new to the Middle Eastern job market. I am learning slowly as I go along, and I greatly appreciate this forum ,as it has offered me a wealth of information on Oman and the process of securing a job. Eslbear, had I been offered a job, I would had have put my ducks in a row and prepared for blast off. That was not the case, I assure you. I fully understand that Hawthorn has to fill their vacant positions, and I know that teachers hold out for the best offer. Once again this was not the case with me , but I can understand the recruiters trying to protect themselves.

With that said, I move forward more aware of the job hunting landscape, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for some good news soon. Once again, thanks for all the input, advice and information.