Ask Headmaster Ken

I noted that the Chinese government wants a character reference letter from a former employer. The problem is that I was teaching in another country. My employer actually owed me back salary. I ended up filing a complaint with the Labor Ministry and the case did end up in arbitration.

I'm afraid that he did not give me a letter of recommendation upon leaving employment with his school. Is this character reference something that I absolutely must have?

Robert

I'd simply submit all the documents requested, absent the letter of reference. If pressed, explain the situation. In China, this is hardly an unusual situation and any experienced headmaster is well acquainted with such circumstances.

Best wishes.

There is a "character reference" form that is required when changing jobs from within China, i.e, when moving from one Chinese employer to another.

As this form is strictly in Chinese, you would not be expected to present it in regard to a foreign employer. Private schools that are managed by a Western director of studies (DOS) may ask to see a letter of recommendation from a former employer, but this is different.

The chances are great that once the prospective Chinese employer sees that you are applying from a country other than China, the issue of this letter will never come up.