Job Discussion Forums

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

I am slowly becoming of the belief that trust and integrity are something of a myth in China, thanks to offers and interviews so far. This board has been invaluable in the ability to find the chaff in the wheat so far, but it does become bothersome if the majority of the people I have dealt with, on one level or another are not trustworthy or can at least just be up front and honest with contracts and offers.

My question would be who can you deal with as far as recruiters, organizations, or universities that are at least straight shooters? I give it to whomever I deal with straight and just want the same in return.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I think it is impossible/highly unlikely that you will get the one-to-one straight shooting you describe.
It is more a multi-party process of verification.
First verifier is a current or previous FT who doesn't have an axe to grind - either pro or con.
Second verifier is another FT who has worked in the location and knows the school.
3rd this (Dave's) and other FT conversation sites.
4th being in the state system where the process is more important than a quick buck.
None of this gives total assurance but it will be a help.

basbas · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 116

you need a high tolerance level for BS in this country...

people waste your time a lot...

I get a little pissed off when you send an application for a position and get a a phone interview and confirm the salary in both only to go to the face to face interview and have them say something like it's actually 'XXXXX yuan per month". That's why now I always save the email with the salary quote or the original add in my phone and if they try to say something lower I show it to them and ask again if it's what I am going to receive if they say no again I get up and leave.

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

I have learned that lesson well and keep conversations to email and Skype, messaging, in order to have a history of the conversation.

Just seems they tend to lie about the most ridiculous things, when they don't need to. I had one recently putting the salary at 28,000 RMB and I questioned it because I knew it was b.s., they didn't change it until they knew I was on what they were doing.

voltaire · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 4:21 am Post subject:

I hate to say, but it's far worse than you think: it's not just China. It's everywhere. If I have nothing else to teach anyone about life, the universe and everything, I do have this:

Trust no one.

Doubt everything.

Believe nothing.

Always be suspicious.

Pretty grim, I know, but there you go. Don't shoot the messenger. Neutral

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

You are so correct.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I think it is called nihilism.
So young, so disenchanted Wink

voltaire · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 4:41 am Post subject:

I think it's called being nobody's fool.

The Edge · Joined: 04 Sep 2010 Posts: 455 Location: China

Follow the 'Moscow Rules'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Rules

voltaire · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 2:27 am Post subject:

Lobster · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:25 am Post subject:

Is life lived in a state of paranoia and mistrust worth living?

RED

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

Lobster · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 4:35 am Post subject:

Well, you have to weigh the costs...

RED

TimC · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 3

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

How about a few kinder and gentler suggestions...

Take most of what you hear with a grain of salt.

Always keep track of your purse/wallet.

Be skeptical and verify things.

.