Accepting
that overseas job offer!
What to ask
How to decide if that
overseas job is right for you
Getting that
first serious job offer is a very exciting thing! But,
after you dance around a few moments - stop and catch
your breath - and start to think about things you must
know before making a final decision. This section is
designed to help you know if you should take that job -
or not.
Some
important questions to ask:
Don't be shy
- these are important things to know before moving
yourself halfway across the world. But, don't ask all
these questions in one shot! You'll scare your potential
employer! Spread them out a bit!
What is
expected of me on a daily basis?
What
productivity level standard am I expected to meet?
How long are
my working hours - are they variable? Who decides?
What are my
working days - are they variable? Who decides?
Will I have
any additional responsibilities? Will I be paid
for those duties or are they part of my regular wage
package?
Does the job
provide housing? Is it furnished? What does
"furnished" mean? How are the bills paid? How far is
it from the workplace? Is it easy to get to work from
there? Do I have to pay a deposit for my housing? How
big is it? Will I have to share it?
Who is my
boss? To whom do I report? Who evaluates me?
What
criteria is used to decide if I am successful?
How much
sick and vacation time do I get? Who decides when I can
use it? Can I use it all at one time? Does vacation
time accrue monthly or can I only use it at the end of
my contract?
Is there a
bonus or gratuity payment at the end of my contract
(this is quite common)? How much is it? How is it
determined? Who decides?
What
teaching resources does the employer provide? Training
and procedure manuals? Photocopy machine? (who
regulates its use?), OHP? Internet? Computer?
Printer? Paper? Office supplies?
Is there air
conditioning and/or heating in the workplace? (This
could be important!)
How do we
decide if I am successful?
Will I have
a personal work space at the office?
Are there
other foreigners at the office? Can I talk to
them before I make my decision?
(RED flag if not!)
That's just
a start - but I am sure you've got the idea by now!
