Job Discussion Forums

unclejoe80 · Joined: 02 Dec 2010 Posts: 21

So reading up on getting a PNET position I feel like I could certainly get into the pool but just curious where I might stand amongst all the others in the pool. Would I be top, bottom, or middle of the pile?

I have a CELTA and Primary PGCE UK with QTS. I will have 3 years in a British International School in Thailand by the time I apply and also 1 year TEFL teaching children in Thailand.

Also, if accepted into the pool do you need to be in Hong Kong then to get a position?

Any thoughts appreciated. Thank you.

Honky Nick · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 113 Location: Hong Kong

Hi unclejoe,

I think with the PGCE and 3 years' experience at an international school, you would be near the top of the pile. Remember that once you have applied and hopefully been accepted, they will look for a job for you, but it is also very important to conduct your own search and apply to schools directly. They may find you a school very quickly, but you give yourself a better chance if you are also keeping an eye out (www.classifiedpost.com is a good place to start).

Good luck,

Nick

unclejoe80 · Joined: 02 Dec 2010 Posts: 21

Thank you Nick, solid information. Appreciated.

warriorer · Joined: 15 May 2015 Posts: 6

While it's possible that you could get hired by a school from abroad when in the pool, I'm not sure how much it would actually happen. I'd say you'll really need to be out in HK for interviews with schools.

Kowloon · Joined: 11 Jan 2016 Posts: 133

I agree with Nick up to a point. You're obviously a strong candidate, that goes without saying. However before you can realistically be 'at the top of the pool' you would need to be in Hong Kong and available to interview in person. At the induction this year not one of the 30+ new Primary teachers were hired from abroad.

Would you not consider International Schools? Remember that as an International School teacher in HK the NET scheme will always be open to you (for as long as it is available). However for every year you are a PNET switching back to an international school becomes harder and harder.

joe30 · Joined: 07 Jul 2016 Posts: 112

Sorry to sidetrack the thread a little, but when do the PNET school interviews normally start?

I've got an interview with the EDB in February, but that's just to get into the pool. How long after that do schools normally start the actual hiring and interviewing process?

I ask because I might be able to make it to HK for an in-person interview, depending on the time a school offers it. In short, if it's in April then it's a possibility, July is OK too, any other time would not be.

warriorer · Joined: 15 May 2015 Posts: 6

Depends on the school. April's a possibility, though might be a bit early. I had my interview in June, though it felt quite late. Vacant positions would all most likely be filled by July (unless a school wants to offer the job to a teacher who won't accept it). May seems to be the main hiring time.

Kowloon · Joined: 11 Jan 2016 Posts: 133

Yeah as above really. I had a number of first interviews around May 11th this year (I remember as I had family visiting).

I was contacted by other schools all the way up until July. Like Warrior said these were likely schools who had been let down by another NET.

joe30 · Joined: 07 Jul 2016 Posts: 112

Looks like the PNET dream will have to be put on hold then. In May and June I have PGCE commitments which seems like when most interviews take place.

Kowloon · Joined: 11 Jan 2016 Posts: 133

A lot of schools (certainly those who are well organised enough to hold interviews in April/early May) will be looking for multiple interviews - at my current job it was due to be three interviews but someone pulled out and I was last man standing after round 2. So you would really need to be based here for a few weeks in that case.

They also often look for HK based experience. Of the 30 new PNETS this year not one was hired abroad. A couple of SNETs were hired from abroad.