I'll be arriving in Madrid in less than two weeks , knowing that January is a prime period for looking for teaching work. I've got my resume almost ready to send out, except for a Madrid telephone number, so prospective employers can contact me.
My question is, should I buy a cell phone + payment plan before I arrive (through a well-known, reliable on-line company), which would enable me to send out my resume a day or two before my arrival, or should I buy a phone from one of the zillions of stores I'm told exist all over Madrid? In the latter case, would I be at a disadvantage in my job search because then I'd need time after I arrive to buy the phone, add the number to my resume, and send it out?
Although I will be arriving with a comfortable nest egg, I want to start working fairly soon after getting to Madrid. Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated!
Marsha
Posts: 78 | Location: Back in the States, in a boring suburb near Philadelphia | Registered: 08 July 2006
I don't think it will make much difference if you send your resume out a day or two before you get here, and getting the phone here will be easier to deal with. In fact, I think you might like at least a few days to get acclimated before you hit the pavement hard, you know? It does feel quite different here upon arrival...you will have plenty of time to be stressed out about work, if you want to be. There's a lot going on! And you'll be able to get the phone almost instantly.
Could you send me your resume? I have a lot of teaching contacts (and other kinds of contacts too). Send it to ktylove@gmail.com.
Thanks for your sensible advice. Although I've spent time in Madrid before, I've never looked for work there, so taking a little time to get used to getting around and the rhythm of things is a good idea. And my Spanish is good, so I shouldn't have any trouble dealing with the salespeople in the cell phone stores.
Expect to receive my resume very soon!
Saludos,
Marsha
Posts: 78 | Location: Back in the States, in a boring suburb near Philadelphia | Registered: 08 July 2006
Sooner than you know it you will be having cañas and tapas in a neighborhood bar!
Ditto goes for me, send me your CV and contact details. I am getting a lot of overflow work and it is all close to where you live. So, if you are interested let me know and we can meet up once you get to town and get adjusted to your new life!
Rather than starting a new thread, I'll just tack a new question onto this one. I've contacted a few language schools in Madrid and have been asked to contact them to come in for an interview once I'm in town. One of them is Living Languages. Does anyone at mm have any feedback, good or bad, to offer about this outfit?
Thanks,
MO
Posts: 78 | Location: Back in the States, in a boring suburb near Philadelphia | Registered: 08 July 2006
Heh, I think it will probably be best if people say things here about exactly which good and bad companies they know of, as there are over 800 language schools here.
I can recommend Interlinco. (www.interlinco.com). Lourdes is reliable and pays 17-25, better than most. Tell 'er I sent ya. They also do translations so you might find work with them doing that as well. I haven't translated for them so I don't know what they pay for that.
English Jet (englishjet.com) is the best paying in the city, up to 28/hour I believe, and they require 6 years of experience which you have...I'd suggest checking them out. I don't know them personally but they've been around a while.
, knowing that January is a prime period for looking for teaching work. I've got my resume almost ready to send out, except for a Madrid telephone number, so prospective employers can contact me. 
- rent or buy a cell phone from me for your stay in spain, more info at 
- already have a cell phone, get a spanish SIM card for it at 
