Job Discussion Forums

[dgrey1986]

Hi,

I have been offered an interview with Peppy Kids Club in London in the next couple of weeks. This will be my first interview for a teaching position in Japan. I am curious if anyone can give me some tips for the interview? One of the things I will have to do will be to complete a Grammar/Written test. Has anyone else done this if so what was it like? I also have been asked to conduct an imaginary lesson for a 5 year old. Most of my experience teaching has been with older children (during my time in China) and adults which happened mainly on my CELTA training course.

I would appreciate it if someone could give me some pointers about how I should teach (perform) this lesson. Or rather any other general tips about how I can pass this interview would be very helpful.

Thank you for your time.

[Calico]

I just interviewed with PKC in LA last month and was recently offered a job with them starting in May, so I may be able to help.

I had to do a written/grammar test, but it was the easiest one I've taken for any of the interviews I've had this year. It was one page "what is wrong with this sentence" and one page short essay. Basically they gave me a few topic choices and I wrote a page in response. They probably want to be able to see your comprehension, spelling/grammar, handwriting, etc.

I wasn't asked to prepare any demo, but I did one anyway. I took a pack of flashcards and some dice to demonstrated different ways you could use them. But in your case since you're specifically being asked to do it, I would take a look at some of the other threads about doing AEON and other eikaiwa interviews because that sounds really similar to what I did for them.

Good luck.

[tcatsninfan]

So my wife and I were trying to get hired with PKC, but shortly after applying we were contacted and the recruiter said that the apartments were single occupancy, which means we'd have to live in 2 separate apartments. She also said that the chances of both of us getting teaching jobs in the same town were almost impossible.

She recommended that we try to teach in South Korea instead.

Long story short, I feel very strange about PKC even though I had heard good things previously.

[commonrider84]

I am not sure what the English test is like for this company, but if I were you I would definitely take a couple days and brush up on grammar. Search google for "common grammar mistakes" and "most misspelled words." I did this for my interview and it helped me tremendously.

For your imaginary lesson - make it as interactive as you can (even if there are no real people to interact with). Have the "students" repeat after you at various speeds and have them complete dialogues after you have demonstrated. Use a lot of hand motions and physically act things out. Also, most importantly... SMILE like there is no tomorrow! Show a natural level of energy.

This information is based on my personal experiences and a lot of research . Good luck!!

[dgrey1986]

Thank you for your replies. I will try to see what other people have said about their mock lessons when applying with different companies.

I also will have an interview with Saxoncourt for Shane English School the day before my Peppy Kids Club interview. Does anyone have much information about their interview and/or what they're like to work for as a company?

Thank you for your time

[miso_ramen]

If you've got a CELTA, why are you bothering with PKC? You'll be baby sitting not teaching.

[Glenski]

Thread is 2 years and 2 months old.