How I found a job in Nanjing:)

After talking to a few people interested in teaching in China, I have decided to write an entry all about how I found a job in China detailing the steps that I took.

1) I started out by taking the 4 week 120 hour TESL course at Sol International House in Toronto. The course was great and included 20 practicum hours. I was able to get some practice teaching (five 90 minute classes). I also had the opportunity to observe ESL classes and see different teaching styles that the teachers at the school used.

2) After successfully completing the course, I began preparing to look for work with included the following steps.
      - Preparing a great resume and cover letter
      - Getting references from previous employers
      - Applying for a new passport (if you already have one, make sure that the expiry date on it       exceeds amount of time you intend to be abroad.
-    Scanning a copy of my credentials, passport, and transcripts
-    Taking a nice picture of myself to share with potential employers (I also included a photo of me with my young niece and one of me painting children’s faces at the story time I use to host at the public library
-    Getting a criminal record check done
-    Get several passport photos taken – you will need them at several stages of the process of applying for the work visa and going overseas.

3) After getting most of the above task done, I began looking for work using the following websites:
http://www.eslcafe.com/
http://www.seriousteachers.com/
I would send them my resume, a tailored cover letter, pictures, scanned copies of my passport and credentials. Then I would wait for the employers to reply. I was surprised by how quickly they responded. We would then set up a time for an interview. All my interviews were done over Skype, with the exception of one which was done over the phone. They would ask me questions in order to assess whether I was right for the job. Then, they would give me the opportunity to ask questions. Some good questions to ask that help you to fully understand what the contract includes and protect yourself from schools you might not be comfortable working at can be found here:
http://www.travelandteachabroad.com/protecting-yourself/
(website was developed by the employment counsellor at the language school I attended.
Some employers did 2 or 3 interviews with me. Others offered the job after just a brief interview.

4) After looking over contracts, talking to my contact at the school, contacting teachers currently working at the school to see what it was like, and researching the geographic location of the school – I made my decision about where I wanted to teach.

5) After selecting the school, I sent them my criminal record check and reference letter from a previous employer. I also went to a local travel clinic to get a health check done. Be sure to find the form from the country you are going to make sure you are getting the correct tests done. The doctor will also need to fill out the form for you. In Ontario, these tests are not covered by OHIP and you will need to pay cash for all the services you receive (it sucks; now I know how Americans feel. Canada is so lucky to have free health care). I suggest getting your health check done ASAP because it takes about 2 weeks for test results to come back.

6) Fill out you forms for a work visa while you wait for the school you will be working for to send you an invitation package. I am not really sure what they do on their end, but eventually you will receive an Alien Employment Licence, Copy of Business Licence, Invitation Letter, and Conformation of Invitation Letter.

7) Go to the Chinese Consulate with you filled out forms for the work visa, your health check forms and test results, and the documentation sent you from the school

8) And this is where I am today. A few days away from China! I leave in 3 days and am very excited for my pending adventure:)

My job search took about 3 weeks. I found it easier to find a job in China then it is in Ontario!

I will keep you updated on my life in China and what it is like to be a teacher in Nanjing:)

• China job hunting work visa