8. Accepting and Rejecting Job Offers

How to Handle Job Offers

You may receive a job offer on the spot. This is always exciting but it is important to evaluate the offer before making a decision. 

Most recruiters will explain the most important parts of your contract, however, it is best to double check and make sure there is no misunderstanding. All people tend to interpret the words in their favor, so mistakes are not uncommon. 

For example, a "year" can mean 12 or 9 months depending what is implied: a calendar year or school year. When it comes to contracts and salaries you don't want to make any assumptions.

Please print out the list below; these are the questions you have to clarify before signing a contract. If you do your search right you may not need this list at all as most of the issues are addressed during the research stage and pre-interview communication with the school. 

However, it is often important to go through the questions AFTER the interview: some recruiters tend to exaggerate and the actual situation and contract may differ from what was originally promised. Have them confirm everything in writing if necessary. WARNING: avoid being suspicious; this is offensive to all recruiters. 

You can check a school by contacting a local US or British embassy. Ask if the school has a good reputation. Many embassies maintain a list of employers that received complaints in the past and an embassy rep might be able to share some unofficial information (use the same technique as for school secretaries discussed earlier).

If your employer is a member of a larger school network or chain call the Head Office and inquire.

When you ask to explain or confirm something your motivation should be curiosity and the desire to avoid misunderstanding. 

Questions:

1. The exact length of the contract - when does it begin and end?
2. Is the contract renewable?
3. Is there an orientation session? In-house training? 
4. Is there a probation period?
5. What kind of schedule are you going to have (morning, evening, split)?
6. How many hours do you have to teach? 
7. Do you have to work overtime?
8. Do you have to work on Saturdays?
9. Are there any extra-curricular responsibilities? If yes, what are they?
10. How often are the staff meetings and what other functions do you have to attend?
11. Will you have your own classroom or will you have to share it?
12. Will you have to teach at various locations? If yes, who pays for transportation? 
13. What kind of students will you have? Age? Education level? Nationality? 
14. Do you have to teach at the same age level or will you have various age groups or mixed classes?
15. Who supervises the program? Is there a program coordinator?
16. Are teaching materials provided? Are there enough teaching supplies? 
17. Is the program based on a particular course or do you have to develop your own program?
18. Is there a photocopying machine?
19. Who is in charge of the discipline problems? 
20. What is the school policy on discipline? 
21. Are there any bonuses at the end of the contract?
22. What is the savings potential (salary/cost of living ratio)?
23. Are there legal restrictions on the amount of money you can send home?
24. Is housing provided? Is it shared? If yes, do you get a separate room?
25. What is included? (Utilities, telephone, furniture, TV, AC, appliances, etc.)
26. If not, does the school assist with finding housing? 
27. How much is the typical rent? What are the other costs (agent fees, security deposit, etc.)
28. Is health insurance included? If yes, what is the health-service provider? When does the coverage begin? 
29. What paid holidays do you get? How many?
30. Do you get any paid vacation time? How much?
31. Are any sick/personal days allowed?
32. Who pays for your air tickets? If you must pay for your airfare, is any portion of it going to be reimbursed? 
33. Does the school pay for extra baggage?
34. Does the school pay for a return flight? 
35. 
36. What is the currency you are going to be paid?
37. Are you paid in cash or by a direct bank deposit?
38. Is any money held back? (some schools do!)
39. What is the payment schedule? 
40. Does the school guarantee a minimum salary, irrespective of hours? What is it? 
41. How much tax is withheld? Is any portion of it returned upon completion of contract?
42. What are penalties for breaking the contract? 


Keep in mind that almost every school breaks its promises in some way; so it is essential to go through the contract and have the director confirm every point. Always make a few photocopies of it. 

Keep in touch with the school in the time between signing the contract and reporting to work. This will ensure that you will have a job when you arrive or be warned if an unexpected cut takes place. 

Similar to the airline overbooking, some school hire more teachers than they actually need. Remaining in touch with the school ensures that you are not left out in the cold.

Rejecting a job offer 

If you do your search right you will find yourself in a situation when you must select from several job offers. Because offers arrive over a period of time you may need a few days to decide. Most directors will not have problem with that. However, in a competitive city during the hiring season you may be forced to make up your mind quickly.

Remember that you have to honor your contract even if you receive a better offer on the next day.

It is absolutely essential to reply to ALL offers, regardless of when they arrive. If you already have a contract it is still your responsibility to inform the other school that you are not available. 

It is unprofessional not to respond. Moreover, it can cost you a job in the future. The overseas teaching market is very fluid and unpredictable. Teachers and administrators are employed by many schools over the years. Even if you do not plan to make EFL your career it is a good idea to generate some good will and positive feedback. 

Teachers love to share horror stories about schools; likewise, school directors like to share horror stories about teachers. You do not want to become someone the recruiters refer to in a negative way ("I held this job for two weeks and she didn't even call back!"

Take your time to compose a brief polite message. Thank the director for the offer and let them know you can't accept it. If you took up another job, say so. You do not have to explain why you preferred one school to the other.

Being Rejected

If your application is rejected - do not take it as a personal offense. You can't win every job, but you can definitely learn from your experience to do better.

The guerilla approach is to always use the situation to one's advantage. What kind of advantage can you get from a rejection? Referrals, of course!

Many people are smart enough to ask for a referral but few do it right. Here's how a green candidate handles it: 

Candidate: Do you know any other school that is looking for a teacher with my credentials?

Director: Hmm… actually, I am not sure. Nobody called me about that.

Candidate: OK, thank you anyway.

And she leaves at this point. Nothing has been accomplished.

You need a more professional approach. Luckily, there is a proven method. Practice the following question and ALWAYS use it when you ask for a referral:

WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO ….. 

The tick is that you must say it exactly as shown above. It does not work if altered.
The second part will be whatever you want it to be: 

  • Who do you know who is hiring in the city?

  • Who do you know who is looking for EFL teachers right now?

  • Who do you know who may be interested in my qualifications?

  • Who do you know who would hire me?

  • Who do you know who has vacancies?

Final Questions:

How long does an interview take?
Usually, no more than an hour.

Who is the interviewer?
Depends. It can be the school director, a school representative, an agent or even a previous teacher.

Where does it take place?
Again, it depends on the school or the recruiting organization. Besides the school premises and recruitment offices an interview can be arranged in a pub, a hotel lobby and even a private home. Bring a friend if you do not feel comfortable.

What do I need to bring?
Copies of your resume, originals of your diplomas, degrees, certificates, letters of references, classroom photos.

What is the best way to prepare for an interview?
Learn about the school and country. Be ready to ask questions. Good luck!

Pam and Igor

PS. Always polish the back of your shoes. This is what the interviewer sees when you leave the room.


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