Job Discussion Forums

[wackford]

I'm talking about serious posts here.

Specifically, big money in Saudi.

Do the interviewers have a clue? What might they be looking for? Some people are fairly hidebound about the kind of 'personality' they want. Can anyone offer any insights? What is the most dumbass question you have been asked?

Replies from those who have been responsible for selection are especially welcome.

[bnix]

From the tenor of your post,it is pretty obvious that you have never taught in Saudi.Have you ever taught TESOL anywhere?This is not meant as a putdown...it is just,well...obvious.

Do you have any particular interviewers and employers in mind?Undoubtedly there are some differences.Some may"have a clue"...and some may not have a clue.Some are just looking for warm bodies to fill in the slots.This goes especially for recruiters,who are really interested in the recruitment fee,and ultimately could care less about the quality of the people who they recruit and what happens to the recruit or the employer...as long as the recruiter gets his fee.

I have worked in Saudi,but it has been quite a while.(I doubt,however,that the situation regarding interviewers,etc.has changed much).There are some very knowledgeable people teaching in Saudi now,like Scot 47,who might be able to help you if you could give them the names of specific employers you might be interviewing with....it is hard to make broad generalizations regarding all employers and interviewers...some are reasonably decent(if you go to Saudi,try to make sure to get a good employer).....and some are FROM HELL....

And don't be TOO dazzled by the BIG MONEY...true, the money can be very nice...and some people(obviously,the ones who get decent jobs)like it(well, at least, they tolerate it)....but if you get in a bad situation there....the money will not seem so dazzling after all.Think it over carefully before you go.Beware of any b.s. artists who promise you the moon,the sky and everything else.Things which seem to be too good to be true...are usually just that...not true.Good luck.Be careful.