Job Discussion Forums

[basbas]

Hey there everyone...

Sorry if the thread subject seems a little off but I didn't know how else to frame this...

Basically i want to know what is the best way to line up your next position in advance of completing your contract with the current school,

a little background on my situation.
Currently I am working for a small school teaching children, although it's not the worst position in China, I am pretty sure that I will not do a second contract with these guys (although I may extend a few months with them)

My contract ends Dec 1st, it's still a ways off but I would like to know what is the best way to line something up for when it ends or maybe a few months later (say Feb 2013 when as we all know a lot of good positions tend to start)

I always find this hard cause the schools often don't advertise a position until a month or less before and they always seem to want you to fill the position ASAP.

Just wondering what strategies to overcome this other people have used.

thanks

[Brian Hugh]

They throw me curves at the start of contracts and I usually get pitched a fastball when it is finished. Like we will pay you after you leave. Same everywhere. Do the best you can up to the end and try and finish strong with the students.

[Lobster]

Man, did you even read the post? That's not the question at all.

You're correct that December isn't the best time to start a new job, but some schools will be advertising then for the new year starting after Spring Festival. If you know where you want to look, you can start doing some research and sending out your resume to those places that are posting or where you want to work. You may want to extend your current position by a month or two so you don't have a visa gap. Really, I don't think there is any other way, except perhaps talking to people in your city about potential openings.

RED

[Non Sequitur]

Feb is of course the beginning of the new Spring semester and although not as many jobs going as the main hiring season right now, there will be jobs on offer.
My question: Are there unis and vocationals nearby?
If so do some cold calling. Take a Chinese speaker with you to locate the FAO on campus.
Avoid the 12 to 2pm timing as that's sleep time.
I changed jobs mid contract in 2004 and received 2 offers out of 3 universities I cold called.
There are big advantages to the school in eyeballing the prospect as opposed to the lottery of hiring by email.
Overall take the initiative. Don't wait on your current employer.
I assume you are on a Z visa right now. Any other arrangement may be problematic for the new school.