Job Discussion Forums

NateM · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 358

I was curious as to how far in advance you all started, or recommend to start, applying for jobs in China? And along with that, how many you applied to, and what steps you took to line up the jobs so that if one didn't work out, you could go to the next. Any replies would be appreciated.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

My first job I applied two months. My second, within a week, I moved from the South to the North.

Guest · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:43 pm Post subject:

My opinion is no more than 2 or 3 months prior to your intended arrival here. A lot of Schools get applications from time wasters and they only treat you seriously if you apply a couple of months before and state when you are coming here.

Also, I would not recommend applying to more than about 3 schools at one time. Select the area you wish to live in and then apply to three schools there. If you do not get a satisfactory response within a couple of weeks, try another couple.

The demand here seems to be so great and on-going that you should not have any problems finding somewhere suitable.

Klamm · Joined: 18 Jun 2003 Posts: 121

That depends. If you are a newbie, then I'd take the more conservative advice and apply ahead of time so you can take a close look at the school and situation that you'll be flying off to.

If you have experience here and can speak some Chinese, jobs are always available everywhere. I got my last job a week before the year started (at a University). I'm finishing a year here and then moving on.

K.

ChineseEnglishTeacher · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 13

I'll be graduating in the summer and then I'm planning to take a TESL course to get my certificate. Therefore, at the moment I don't have either a degree or certificate. Can I start applying now and then show them my credentials at a later date?

I'll probably be placed at a lower priority with respect to those who already have both. And being a Chinese-Canadian doesn't help either... Crying or Very sad

Conconcon · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 12

Chinese teacher, you could indeed... but I wouldn't. I know it would give you peace of mind to nail down a job far in advance, but believe me, ESL jobs grow on trees here.
By all means arrange your flight now, and get your passport and other poop in a group. But if you line up the job now, your employers might get antsy and grab someone else anyway. I guess that's no real reason NOT to apply now, but you won't really be improving your position.
The fact that you are willing to come to China is your biggest credential. Oh, the Chinese face thing will hurt a little, but if you can convince them that you are a native speaker you'll do fine.
ESL jobs grow on trees here. On trees.

On trees.