Job Discussion Forums

[igorG]

Even though FTs Resumes may state "references upon request" and even though FTs may provide prospective employers on mainland China with the fine Recommendation Letters from last/previous employers, the local recruiting staff and/or their supervisors/managers/empployers at times opt to make phonecalls on their own. This means that you may be discussed by your prospective employer and current or previous ones without your knowledge. With such practices, there may arise a few dangers; one that your current employer does not know you want to leave, one that two people that know you little may discuss/evaluate your character, recent efforts, professional attitude etc Be aware of the local trend, working environment or people you work with.

Igor

[Lobster]

These are clearly 2 diiferent cases; previous and current employers. Certainly if you give a previous or current employer as a ref, you can expect contact.

Giving a current employer as a ref is not a very good idea unless you are leaving on the best of terms and notice has been given. Even if you don't supply them as a ref, there's certainly the risk that they'll glean the info from your resume and contact them.

And yes, that's what they do with references. Evaluate your personality and performance from hearsay or passing contact. This is a surprise? Still, if you have a signed recommendation from your previous boss, it would seem strange to have them provide conflicting info.

When I review teachers' references, I want to know whether they're reliable and competent. I also want to know whether they are difficult people. If they're well qualified, but have trouble with interpersonal relationships or conflict resolution, I'll give them a pass. I don't want to spend 80% of my time dealing with some flake's issues. So if I ask, "Is X easy to get along with?", and there's a hesitation or negative response, I get skittish.

RED

[wangdaning]

These are very common practices around the world. You submit a resume with your employers info on it and the hiring staff might call them.

[tianfuoe]

One of the differences in recommendations in China vs. U.S. is that in China they can say anything they want and there can't possibly be any repercussions. In the U.S., any employer that gives any negative information better be able to back that up with documentation or risk being sued.

Remember, we are foreigners...to the Chinese..we don't count or matter. We are totally disposable.. no matter what your ego tells you.

[igorG]

[igorG]

Forgive my strong feelings about this one, but i've got to bump the thread up from second page.

In North America, you write your references contacts and they call them. Here, in China, it seems you don't have to bother, 'cause your prospective employer will check his/her own way and call whomever s'he thinks s/he should call. I guess this isn't the professional western world, is it? In this world, the unlimited amount of power one may have is just unimaginable. Honestly, if these kinds of practices spread from this 1.5 billion nation around the world, so many will be back to feudalism again.