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Q: To call or not to call? Dealing with a University direct.
Finally I have managed to find the "perfect", or what at least appears to be the perfect English teaching position in a very competative and desirable city. The hours, pay and location are ideal and everything has been going smoothly. Emails have gone back and forth and everything possible has been discussed. The last email was written by me saying that subject to your offer, I would be happy to accept the position. I also provided them with a Chinese version of all my emails for their convenience. Granted it's only been a day and a half, but the quick snappy exchange of information has suddenly come to a holt, and it seems unclear as to whether I am being offered the job, or whether I just have assisted them in a lengthy survey. I know communication is different in China, however should I not expect an email back telling me when I will hear from them next, or what the next move is?
In your experience, if they have discussed start date, salary etc, are they usually just then attending to the formalities and clearing things with their department?
Should I just leave them to come back to me, or should I pursue them? I'm just not sure culturally what their process is and whether or not to push or take my foot off the pedal and not seem too eager?
I know I'm being a bit pedantic, but this is the ideal position for me.
12 years 7 weeks ago in Teaching & Learning - China
Have they sent you a contract to revise ?
Sign it and give it back to them so they can begin the visa process, that's when you know they are serious. (And when they know you are also serious).
I agree with dharma: in my experience, when they send you a contract, then you have a job offer. Until then it's negotiations.
If you don't hear back in another day or two, I'd send another email saying that you would really like to have their confirmed offer and contract to peruse/to sign. Also, ask them when you can expect to receive the foreign expert paperwork, so you can start the Z visa process. Those are both eminently reasonable requests. If they can't give the proper info/contracts, then you don't have a job.
A day or two after that, if you still haven't heard back, then make the phone call, so you can continue the search if you need to.
Thanks for the response guys, well I havent received a a contract as yet. I simply haven't heard back from them after discussing the position then agreeing to their terms. They have been somewhat indirect in their approach. The last thing they told me is that we will work out start date "when we make agreement" So the question begs, are we making agreement or just talking? Well I will give her another day to come back to me, otherwise I will send an email requesting a response to see the contract.
they probably are getting the ok from the higher ups which can take a week or 2 at some schools. wait a day to request the status. some will never keep you in the loop. good luck
May I be incredibly rude, and ask who this is for?
I ask, mostly because there is a position which REALLY matches your description, but after looking on other forums, a large part of the reason I applied to them is mostly to tell them to stick it.... because while it all looks good on the outside, once you get in, it starts to suck... (eg, 12 month 'probation' periods, during which you're on the BOTTOM of the salary range).
While the other answers are quite correct... I'm just curious!
Also be aware, if you're dealing with the AGENT, and not directly with the school, then yeah, it's going to take longer!!! A couple of days isn't an issue at all.... there's beaureocracy to go through!
Shining_brow, based on what you are telling me I don't think it is the same role. I'm not dealing through an agent, it is direct. The salary on offer is not a range and is fixed, with a very fair pay structure. I don't want to be dismissive of your question however, given I am trying very hard to secure this position, I wouldn't see it appropriate to announce the employer in an open forum. I hope you understand and I thank you for your advice and comments. I can tell you the position is in the south east. very broad I know 
Also crimochina, thanks for your comments, I will be patient.
Shining_brow:
No problem :) As I opened, ".. incredibly rude" :p So, yeah, I do completely understand!
Good to hear it's not on a range!!! Make sure it stays that way... and no 'probation' period!
The one I'm referring to isn't an agent either, and is direct... and, coincidentally, is in the South East (somewhere below heaven)... I'll even go so far and say it's a
They just got back to me, and have advised me that they would like to meet me upon arrival, and if everything is good they can give me a contract. Sounds strange to me... I have sent an email back saying that I require their sponsorship in order to obtain a Z working visa prior ot coming over and that I would be happy to do a skype or phone interview. Im not sure what they are thinking, as do they really expect me to wait around until my arrival in May.
You are in your home country or in China?
If they expect you to come to China before you sign that's definitely a red flag.
If it's not convenient for you to meet them at this time I think it's pretty standard to have a skype interview. Just explain your circumstances (In another province, no time off work etc).
Once again dharma is on the money: red flag right there! I think I remember from your previous posts that you are currently in Australia, no? If you were in China already, a face-to-face meeting would be more reasonable but as an outside hire, they need to bring you in on the right visa.
I'm sorry, mate, but based on the info you've given so far, it sounds like they don't really want you, but are keeping you there as an in-case option. That, or they don't actually have the ability to secure the corect paperwork, which is equally bad.
Thanks Miss A, I can only draw the same conclusion. You are correct, I am Currently in Australia. They told me from the beginning that they can provide a z working visa and resident permit. Like you said, it Seems to me as if they are keeping their options open, and I am one of many they plan to interview closer to the time. I"m no longer holding my breath. Their loss. Without sounding conceited, and being fully aware there are most likely some highly qualified applicants, my credentials are way above average. Thanks for your help, I'm going to go and shed a few tears now...
MissA:
No worries. Of course it would be possible, as the poster below points out, to do a Hong Kong visa run after you arrive, people internally hired need to. But the school effectively saying "we can get you a Z-visa if we choose, but we're choosing not to"... I wouldn't touch that one with a barge pole! Good luck with the search.
dharma86:
The time is too early to wait and take such a risk. A tonne of jobs will come up on the near future and as this school years comes to an end. Be patient I say.
Depending on where your position would be located, it is possible to do a trip to Hong Kong.
It wouldn't be the first time someone would ask you to come for a face to face. I actually had to do that for my first job, luckly it wasn't a scam, but more times than not, they get you in on a L visa and continue and use you on this visa for sometime.
If this job is in Hainan. RUN
